The Hippo Press

This Week 26/06/11

Friday, June 12

It’s the final weekend for Love …Or Best Offer, “a lighthearted yet heartfelt look at online dating in the ‘over 50’ generation, blending humor with relatable heartbreak,” presented by Bedford Off Broadway at the Bedford Town Hall, corner of 70 Bedford Center Road and Meetinghouse Road, today through Sunday, June 14. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday, according to a press release. Tickets are available at the door for $15 ($12 for students and seniors) and at events.com.

Friday, June 12

Catch Jonee Earthquake Band as well as Worm, Ragz To Stitches and Ruffian Dick at The Spot at 217 Main St. in Nashua starting at 8 p.m. tonight, according to The Spot’s Facebook page. Find more music at local venues in the Music This Week, starting on page 32.

Friday, June 12

Something Wonderful Tonight, a Boston-based tribute band to Eric Clapton and George Harrison, takes the stage tonight at the Nashua Center for the Arts, 201 Main St. in Nashua, at 8 p.m. See nashuacenterforthearts.com for tickets. Find more ticketed shows in Concert listings on page 34.

Saturday, June 13

The YMCA of Downtown Manchester, 30 Mechanic St., will hold its annual Rock the Block celebration today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to a post on the location’s Facebook page. Described as a free, family-friendly event, the celebration will feature food, games and crafts, a bounce house, swimming and more, the post said.

Saturday, June 13

It’s Open Farm Day at Sanborn Mills Farm, 7097 Sanborn Road in Loudon, today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — a “free, family-friendly event featuring demonstrations, farm tours, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn about agriculture, conservation, education, and community resources,” according to a newsletter from Canterbury Shaker Village newsletter, which is participating in the event. A farm-to-table lunch will be available to purchase, according to sanbornmills.org.

Saturday, June 13

Catch some art show openings in the Queen City tonight. “The Human Canvas,” an exhibition of “works of all mediums that explore the intimate and historic artform of tattooing” will run through Monday, Aug. 3, at Mosaic Art Collective, 410 Chestnut St. in Manchester, with an opening reception tonight from 5 to 7 p.m., according to mosaicartcollective.com. “The New Naturalists,” an exhibit of artwork by Peter Sandback, Ashley Normal and Forrest Knight, will be on display at the See Saw Gallery, 408 Chestnut St. in Manchester, Saturday, June 13, through Sunday, June 28, with an opening reception tonight from 5 to 8 p.m., according to seesaw.art.

Monday, June 15

Burgerfest 2026 at the Barley House, 132 N. Main St. in Concord, is slated to start today and run through Saturday, June 20, to raise money for Dartmouth Health Children’s, according to a Barley House newsletter. See thebarleyhouse.com and the restaurant’s Facebook page for updates.

Save the Date! Saturday, Aug. 8
The Concord-based Dark Side Customs will present The Granite State Gitdown car, truck and motorcycle show on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside the Everett Arena in Concord. The day will feature food trucks and vendors and “any car or motorcycle is welcome,” according to an email from the organizer. See the Dark Side Customs Facebook page for details.

Quality of Life 26/06/11

The high cost of child care

A June 2 report by the New Hampshire Financial Policy Institute confirmed what parents have been very well aware of already: child care is expensive. “The average price of child care in New Hampshire in 2025 remains high for Granite State families,” the report stated. “The average price of care for an infant and toddler in center-based care was $16,462 and $15,262, respectively, in 2025. For home-based care, the 2025 average price was $12,017 for an infant and $11,732 for a toddler.” For a married couple with two children under 5, the report read, child care costs could easily amount to 25 percent of household income. For a single parent, it might eat up 61 percent of income.

QOL score: -1

Comment: The NHFPI report stated that the cost of child care in the state has grown quickly. “From 2017 to 2025, the average enrollment price of center-based care and home-based care increased 32% and 30%, respectively,” it read. “The largest increase in tuition prices during this period was 33% for toddlers and 4-year-olds in center-based care, as well as for 4-year-olds in home-based care. These increases in tuition prices outpaced inflation during the same period.” Visit nhfpi.org/blog.

New art in Nashua

For Nashua, one of the benefits of hosting the Nashua International Sculpture Symposium each spring is receiving new public sculptures each year. “This is the 19th year of our symposium,” said Sculpture Symposium president Gail Moriarty in a telephone interview with The Hippo. “There are four new sculptures this year, for a total of 60.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: Visit nashuasculpturesymposium.org for a map to all the sculptures as well as a photo of each sculpture and a bit about the artist and the work.

NH is OK

In honor of 603 Day, the New Hampshire Financial Policy Institute released a report on June 2 listing five reasons to be optimistic about the state’s future. (1) Housing price increases are slowing. A little. In some places. “From 2024 to 2025, the statewide median price increased by 3.9 percent, the smallest annual gain since 2016,” the report read. (2) Drug-related deaths have declined. By 33.4 percent over the past 10 years, and 10.8 percent between 2024 and 2025. (3) Projected first-year enrollment at UNH has increased. By just over 4 percent this year. (4) Child poverty was cut in half during Covid. “While child poverty has since rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, prior declines underscore the importance of governmental assistance during the pandemic,” the report read. And finally, (5), our roads and bridges have improved. “In 2025, 53% of State-owned [roads] rated as Good and only about 1% of roads were rated as Very Poor, “ the report stated.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Visit nhfpi.org/blog for more context and nuance.

QOL score last week: 47

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 48

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 26/06/11

Veggies for Granite Staters

Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH) is helping local residents with limited incomes to participate in Community Supported Agriculture at local farms, according to a press release. NOFA-NH raises half the money to purchase CSA shares, the farms donate a quarter of the cost and the participants pay the other quarter, the release said. “In partnership with 25 New Hampshire farms, this year’s program is connecting over 400 of Granite Staters with 115 farm shares, providing community members in need with fresh, local food access at discounted prices across the state. … Shares span 7 – 26+ weeks during the growing season. Over half of the recipients served are children, families, and seniors,” the release said.

“We believe that everyone should have access to local, organic, ecologically grown, nutrient-dense foods, regardless of income,” said Executive Director Julie Davenson in the press release. “NOFA-NH’s Farm Share Program illustrates the strength and impact of New Hampshire’s organic farming community. Through intentional collaboration and support, individuals, farms, businesses, foundations, and nonprofits are working together to improve food access for our neighbors in need across the Granite State.”

See nofanh.org/donate for more information about the program, to donate and for a list of participating farms and information about their CSA programs.

Plant swap

In addition to early summer being plant sale season for area garden clubs and other local organizations, now is also Plant Swap season. The Wilton Public & Gregg Free Library, 7 Forest Road in Wilton, for example, is currently running a plant swap, according to a newsletter sent June 2. Bring healthy plants or seeds in a container you don’t need back and label it with the kind of plant, care instructions and tips, the newsletter said. The library is open Tuesday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 1:30 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the newsletter said. Have any upcoming plant sales or upcoming or on-going plant swaps? Let us know at adiaz@hippopress.com.

Longtime friends

Celebrate the “250 Years of France-U.S. Friendship” with summer mini classes from the Franco American Centre New Hampshire, according to a recent newsletter. The organization is offering two summer 2026 mini classes, one of which is focused on “cultural workshop exploring the people, ideas, traditions, and artistic achievements that have shaped France,” according to facnh.com/introclasses-workshops. That class runs five Tuesdays in July and August from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Franco American Centre is also offering a mini class on “Verbs: The Foundation of French Grammar” which will run five Thursdays in July and August from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., according to the website, where you can register for either class.

“Song of Democracy” will be performed along with “other stirring music that evokes a vast range of the American experience” by the New Hampshire Master Chorale on Saturday, June 20, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Concord and on Sunday, June 21, at 4 p.m. at the Plymouth Congregational Church, according to a press release. For tickets, see events.ticketleap.com/tickets/nhmc-4/song-of-democracy.

“Art in Bloom Celebration” will take place Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14, at the Center for the Arts Members Gallery, 428 Main St. in New London. Local garden clubs and florists will create floral interpretations inspired by selected works from “Emergence,” a spring juried members exhibition at the gallery, according to a press release. See cfanh.org.

The Hollis Social Library will host “Women of ‘76 with Rita Parisi” on Saturday, June 13, at 7 p.m. in the Lawrence Barn in Hollis. Actress and playwright Parisi will offer a solo performance of historical women from the Revolutionary period, according to hollislibrary.org, where you can register to attend.

The Seacoast LitFest runs Thursday, June 11, through Sunday, June 14, at the Music Hall in Portsmouth, according to a press release. Events include multiple author talks including with Jenna Bush Hager (June 11), Temple Grandin (June 12) and Jill Lepore (June 14); a book fair and kid book giveaway on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; panels; book signings and more, the release said. See themusichall.org for a complete schedule and to purchase tickets to some of the events.

Smoke Show — 06/04/2026

on the cover

Barbecue isn’t the only food (or drink!) that can be smoky and delicious. John Fladd takes a look at what happens when smoke is introduced to meat but also cheese, beer, cocktails and even crackers. Above is a smoked cocktail from CodeX in Nashua. Photo by John Fladd.

Also on the cover, Michael Witthaus looks at the NH Maker Fest on Saturday, June 6, in Dover (page 12). John stays on the smoky theme with a look at the NH Bacon & Beer Festival slated for Manchester on Saturday (page 16). And celebrate bees, butterflies and the other creatures that keep the ecosystem going at the Pollinator Fest and Native Plant Sale at the NH Audubon’s McLane Center in Concord (page 15).

Read the e-edition

News & Notes 26/06/04

260604 Featured Content News

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Quality of Life 26/06/04

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It only seems soggy As reported by WMUR in a May 21 online article, “The latest update from the U.S ...

The week that was

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This Week 26/06/04

260604 News This Week

Friday, June 5 Theatre Kapow will present Morning Sun, a play by Simon Stephens, at the BNH Stage in Concord ...

Smoke Show

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How adding smoke can transform your favorite flavors When most people think of smoky food, their minds go immediately to ...

Hands on

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NH Maker Fest celebrates creativity A 3D printer hums a colorful plate into existence; handmade hula hoops and a DJ ...

Kiddie Pool 26/06/04

260604 Family Fun Outdoors

Family fun for whenever Music and learning The “Be Like Blippi” Tour comes to the Capitol Center for the Arts ...

Pride Month

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Find Pride celebrations in several area towns and cities in June. Here are a few of the events on the ...

The bees’ needs

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NH Audubon expands plant sale with Pollinator Festival For most non-specialists, knowledge of pollinators begins and ends with honeybees. Honeybees ...

Treasure Hunt 26/06/04

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Dear Donna, We have a partial set of encyclopedias, with just one missing. Is there any interest in these? Would ...

The Weekly Dish 26/06/04

260604 Food

• Manchester farmers market opens for the season: Manchester Farmers’ and Makers’ Market has opened for the season. Wednesdays, 4 ...

Local bacon, beer and help

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Herbs for food and health

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Steamed pudding with rhubarb sauce

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Album Reviews 26/06/04

Aaron Bilodeau, Lid Licker and Midge Ure, A Man Of Two Worlds

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Yesteryear, by Caro Claire Burke

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Like an 8-hour movie

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The Music Roundup 26/06/04

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Kiddie Pool 26/06/04

Family fun for whenever

Music and learning

The “Be Like Blippi” Tour comes to the Capitol Center for the Arts Chubb Theatre, 44 S. Main St. in Concord, on Friday, June 5, at 6 p.m., according to ccanh.com, where you can purchase tickets. “Join Blippi and Meekah live on stage for a one-of-a-kind interactive adventure that inspires kids to move like, play like, and explore just like Blippi! the website said. See Blippi’s videos on YouTube.

Book fun

• Bookery, 844 Elm St. in Manchester, will celebrate the book launch for the children’s book The Ostrich Needs a Lift, by local author Celia Botto, on Friday, June 5, from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m., according to bookerymht.com.

• The Griffin Free Public Library, 22 Hooksett Road in Auburn, will hold a Happy 100th Birthday to Pooh celebration of Winnie the Pooh on Saturday, June 6, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., according to griffinfree.org.

• Get some new-to-you books for everyone in the family at the Friends of the Goffstown Public Library Book Sale on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lawn of the Goffstown Public Library, 2 High St. in Goffstown, according to goffstownlibrary.com. A $10-per-bag sale (bring your own reusable shopping bag) will take place from 1 to 2 p.m., according to the Friends’ Facebook page.

Old Home Day

• Goffstown’s Old Home Day will take place Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with local vendors, food, live music and entertainment and kids’ activities and games, according to goffstownmainstreet.org/old-home-day. The festivities also include an outdoor movie at 7 p.m. and LED fireworks in the Town Common on Friday, June 5, the website said.

This Week 26/06/04

Friday, June 5

Theatre Kapow will present Morning Sun, a play by Simon Stephens, at the BNH Stage in Concord today through Sunday, June 7, and at the NH Theatre Project in Portsmouth the next weekend, according to a press release. “In Greenwich Village a generation or so ago, the city is alive. Joni Mitchell sings, friends and lovers come and go, and the regulars change at the neighborhood tavern. As 50 years pass, one woman’s life is revealed in all its complexity, mystery and possibility in this play about mothers and daughters, beginnings and endings. As it picks apart evolving ideas of identity, family, memory, and more, Morning Sun reminds us that the interruptions in our lives are the ghosts we carry with us,” the release said. ASL Interpretation will be available at the Sunday, June 7, 2 p.m. performance, the release said. Shows take place at 7:30 p.m. on June 5, June 6 and June 12; at 2 p.m. on June 7 and June 14, and at 4 p.m. on June 13, the release said. See tkapow.com for tickets. (Courtesy photo.)

Saturday, June 6

The Rotary Club of Goffstown will hold its 13th Annual Car Show today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Parsons Drive in Goffstown, according to an email from the club. “Entering a show car costs $20, spectators enter for free. Proceeds from the event are given as grants to area charities,” the email said. See goffstownrotary.org.

Saturday, June 6

The Concord Arts Market will return to Rollins Park in Concord for another season of Arts in the Park dates starting today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to concordartsmarket.org.

Saturday, June 6

The closing ceremony for the 2026 Nashua International Sculpture Symposium will take place today at 1 p.m. starting at the Picker Artists building, 3 Pine St. in Nashua, with visits to the sculptures’ installation sites. See NashuaSculptureSymposium.org.

Sunday, June 7

The Northern New England Book Fair will take place today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Everett Arena in Concord along with a show from New Hampshire Antiques Dealers Association in the same location, according to apassion4books.com. Admission costs $5 and the event will feature more than 90 dealers, the website said.

Sunday, June 7

The Dover Community Trail Advisory Committee will hold its second annual ChalkFest today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when “[p]articipants of all ages can create chalk art along the trail between the Fisher Street Trailhead and Central Avenue. Each artist gets a five-foot-by-five-foot square, with chalk provided or feel free to bring your favorite colors,” according to a post on the trail Facebook page, which also includes a link to register and a note that a $5 donation is suggested.

Sunday, June 7

“US@250: Brewing Conflicts” with Historic Pursuits a living history group from New York, will present a “dramatic performance in a ‘colonial coffeehouse,’ with music, costume, trivia and refreshments” about the American Revolution today at 2 p.m. at the Slusser Center next door to the Hopkinton Town Library, 61 Houston Drive in Contoocook, according to hopkintontownlibrary.org, where you can RSVP to the event (space is limited). Intended for adults and kids 12+, the website said.

Save the Date! Thursday, July 23
Tickets are on sale now for the annual Shakespeare on the Green presentation at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, according to a press release. This year’s show, presented by Theatre Kapow, will be William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The show will run Thursday, July 23, through Saturday, July 25, and Thursday, July 30, through Saturday, Aug. 1, with performances at 7:30 p.m. See tickets.anselm.edu. (Photo is from a previous year’s production.)

Author: The Hippo Press

This Week 26/06/11

Quality of Life 26/06/11

News & Notes 26/06/11

Smoke Show — 06/04/2026

Kiddie Pool 26/06/04

This Week 26/06/04

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