The New Hampshire Fisher Cats will become the Manchester Chicken Tenders for one game at Delta Dental Stadium during the 2022 baseball season. According to a press release, it’s a tribute to Manchester’s culinary history: The chicken tender was invented by the Puritan Restaurant in 1974. The temporary jerseys will read “Manchester Chicken Tenders Est. 1974,” while the hats will feature either The Classic Chicken Tender, the Buffalo Chicken Tender or the Coconut Chicken Tender — and it’ll be the fans who decide. Pre-sale orders of all three versions of the baseball hat are available now at nhfishercats.com, and the one that gets the most sales will be worn by the team for the game (date to be determined).
Score: +1
Comment: QOL thinks a massive amount of Puritan chicken tenders and vats of dipping sauces should be available at the concessions during this game.
Third safest state in the country
Last week, personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on 2021’s Safest States in America, and the Granite State came in 3rd, thanks to several key factors. According to the report, New Hampshire has the fewest murders and non-negligent manslaughters per capita and the fewest fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 full-time workers, as well as the second lowest number of assaults per capita, the 5th lowest number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel, and the 8th lowest loss amounts from climate disasters per capita.
Score: +1
Comment:New Hampshire was edged out by two neighbors: Vermont, which ranked No. 1, and Maine.
An early start to giving
Because of ongoing supply chain issues, Tower of Toys is getting an early start in collecting unwrapped children’s toys, sports equipment, art supplies, cosmetics, movie certificates and gift cards to benefit children and families in need. According to a press release, this will be the 10th Tower of Toys, where donations are formed into a toy-filled tower at the Atrium of the Beacon Building at 814 Elm St. in Manchester. Toys are being accepted now through Thursday, Dec. 16, for toy distribution on Dec. 18 and Dec. 19. According to the release, the Tower of Toys collected 2,500 presents, $1,400 in gift cards, and $15,600 in monetary donations (used to purchase additional gifts) for 1,500 children.
Score: +1
Comment:Donations can be brought to Red Arrow Diner Corporate Headquarters (814 Elm St.), or you can order gifts online and ship them directly to 814 Elm St., Suite 102, Manchester, 03101. Online monetary donations are welcomed to help sponsors purchase gifts for all age groups; visit facebook.com/toweroftoysnh or redarrowdiner.com for a PayPal link and online QR code.
QOL score: 74
Net change: +3
QOL this week: 77
What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. *Numbers not available on Oct. 26 when the state’s Covid dashboard was undergoing maintenance.
Covid-19 news
As of Nov. 1 there were 3,948 active infections of Covid-19 statewide and 193 current hospitalizations. Three additional deaths were announced in the last week, bringing the total number of deaths to 1,568 since the start of the pandemic last year.
The Department of Health and Human Services has resumed the Homebound Vaccination program to administer Covid-19 vaccines and booster doses to Granite Staters who are unable or have difficulty leaving their home or who have been advised by a medical provider that their health could worsen by leaving their home, according to a press release. Call 603-338-9292 or visit onsitenh.com/vaccine to set up an appointment.
Vax lawsuit
New Hampshire has joined the states of Missouri, Nebraska, Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming in filing a lawsuit against the federal government for imposing a vaccine mandate on federal contractors and federally contracted employees, according to a press release from Attorney General John M. Formella. “The State has made clear that the available Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective and that every eligible person in New Hampshire is encouraged to get a Covid-19 vaccine. That said, the benefits of the Covid-19 vaccine do not justify violating the law. This lawsuit is being filed to protect the State of New Hampshire from the federal government’s attempt to impose illegal mandates,” Formella said in a statement.
Criminal defense
The New Hampshire Supreme Court Report on the Recommendations of the Criminal Defense Task Force has been released. According to the report, the Supreme Court has approved and adopted the following recommendations from the task force to help resolve current criminal defense issues, including a shortage of public defense attorneys.
(1) Increase public awareness.
(2) Adopt Early Case Resolution. “ECR programs are a necessity given the present overwhelming caseloads that are challenging all participants in the criminal justice system,” the report says. “The Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office is hiring two additional prosecutors for ECR purposes.”
(3) Secure additional funding to support contract attorneys. “Funds from the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery have been approved to reimburse contract attorneys for past administrative costs associated with their increased caseloads,” the report says. “The Judicial Council is in the process of seeking $2,066,000 in American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds for up to ten new, temporary attorneys to assist with current caseload challenges…”
(4) Improve scheduling: “A brief pause in criminal cases would allow practitioners to better assess caseloads. … The Court recommends that the Administrative Judges of the trial courts schedule a one-time, one-week pause on all criminal cases in the trial courts [in] January 2022.”
(5) Work on recruitment: “Judges in the trial courts … should consider making personal overtures … to criminal practitioners in their counties to accept contract and/or pro bono criminal cases.”
(6) Expand training: “Criminal defense training and mentoring [is needed] to expand the number of attorneys representing indigent clients.”
(7) Make rule changes: “Temporary rule changes could encourage more attorneys to represent indigent defendants,” the report says.
ARP Homeless funds
The New Hampshire Department of Education announced last week that nearly $2.3 million in American Rescue Plan funds will go toward funding the education of homeless children and youth. “Students experiencing homelessness encounter unique barriers in accessing educational opportunities, which have been exacerbated by disruptions to academic and other vital supports throughout the pandemic,” McKenzie Snow, director of NHDOE’s Division of Learner Support, said in a press release. ARP Homeless funds were distributed to the state in two parts: Part I, which totals nearly $575,000, was awarded through a competitive grant process to Concord, Claremont, Seabrook, Winnacunnet and Manchester school districts and will be used to support activities such as trauma-based professional development, social work staffing and expanded school liaisons hours, according to the release. Part II, which totals more than $1.7 million, was awarded to 52 school districts by a formula based on population, poverty and homelessness and will be used to address the academic, social, emotional and mental health needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness, the release said.
The Manchester Marathon will take place Sunday, Nov. 7, starting at 9 a.m. in front of Veterans Park on Elm Street. There will be a marathon, half-marathon and relays on that day, according to a press release, as well as a 5K the day before at Fisher Cats Stadium.
After being selected as the state’s most outstanding schools for demonstrating leadership in getting and keeping their students fit, Londonderry Middle School, Portsmouth Middle School and Groveton High School each opened their new Don’t Quit Fitness Centers at a virtual ribbon cutting ceremony last week. According to a press release, the facilities were gifted to the schools by the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils.
The 2021 Seven to Save list was released last week and includes the Milford Bandstand. According to a press release, all the properties on the list need investments to help restore them back into viable community assets. Other properties include The Weirs Drive-In & Archaeological Site in Laconia and all of New Hampshire’s Historic Theaters.
It’s possible that you’ve never fully appreciated what goes into making tequila, or the flavor journey it can take you on. Find out why you might want to give the spirit another go, plus get all the info you need about the upcoming Distiller’s Week.
Also on the cover, local artist uses spiderwebs, leaves and all manner of natural objects as his canvases, p. 10. Enjoy a glass of wine with your ribs, p. 29. And have yourself a funny Halloween, p. 36.
Not only does this time of year mark the start of baking season; it also marks the start of soup season. While there are times that I want a soup that is quick to make, there are other days where I want a soup that simmers all afternoon. Nothing helps a day feel less chilly than something simmering on the stove, right?
This soup was created for the simmer-all-afternoon category. However, if you want to serve it on a weeknight, you can break the recipe into two parts. Do the slow simmering phase on a weekend day when you have some free time. Then, on the night it is to be served, simply take that broth you created and finish the recipe in under an hour. The most important thing is not to skip the slow simmering phase and replace it with store-bought stock. The stock that you are creating for this recipe is so flavorful that it is worth the effort.
Once you have your cooking plan ready, you can consider how you will serve the soup. I created this recipe with the thought that it makes a fine side-dish soup. Pair it with a sandwich (grilled cheese, chicken salad, or whatever you prefer) for something more filling, or a salad if you are eating lighter. However, it could become a main dish soup with the addition of some protein. Add some diced, cooked chicken breast or crumbled chorizo, and you have a fairly hearty soup.
No matter how you make or serve this soup, it is bound to be a new fall favorite.
Michele Pesula Kuegler has been thinking about food her entire life. Since 2007, the New Hampshire native has been sharing these food thoughts and recipes at her blog, Think Tasty. Visit thinktasty.com to find more of her recipes.
New & improved creamy carrot soup Serves 4
6 cups water 1 sweet onion, quartered 4 celery stalks, quartered 6 garlic cloves 4 large carrots, ends trimmed & quartered 2 teaspoons dried rosemary 2 teaspoons kosher salt Ground black pepper 7 large carrots, peeled & cubed ½ cup whole milk
Combine water, onion, celery, garlic, 4 carrots, rosemary, salt and pepper in a large pot. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours. Strain broth with a fine mesh sieve, and return broth to pot. Add 7 peeled and cubed carrots to broth, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for 10-12 minutes or until carrots are tender. Allow broth to cool for 30 minutes. Puree broth and carrots in small batches, or use immersion blender to puree. Return puree to pot. Simmer on low for 10 minutes. Stir in milk. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Nothing but treats for lovers of classic horror and Halloween-y themed movies at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St. in Concord; 224-4600, redrivertheatres.org) starting tonight with The Thing (1982) at 7 p.m. Then tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 29) catch The Shining (R, 1980) at 2 and 6:30 p.m. and A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (R, 1987) at 2:30, 5 & 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 30, it’s The Witches (PG, 1990) at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. and Psycho (R, 1960) at 2, 5 & 8 p.m. And on Halloween, Sunday, Oct. 31, check out The Exorcist (R, 1973) at 2 and 5:15 p.m. and Night of the Living Dead (1968) at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 28
Or go for some horror from the silent film era withNosferatu (1922), directed by F.W. Murnau, tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; 668-5588, palacetheatre.org). The screening will feature live musical accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis. Admission costs $10.
Friday, Oct. 29
Catch Adam Ezra Group tonight at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at the Flying Monkey (39 Main St. in Plymouth; flyingmonkeynh.com, 536-2551). Tickets start at $25.
Sunday, Oct. 31
Were Ross and Rachel truly on a break? Perhaps the issue will be debated tonight at Friends The Musical Parody, a live show presented this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. (doors open at 2 p.m.) at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com, 225-1111). Tickets cost $35 to $55 (plus a fee).
Sunday, Oct. 31
Buy some candy and turn on those porch lights for trick or treat today — for the most part. Get a rundown of when area towns are holding their trick-or-treats (some do it on Saturday) in last week’s (Oct. 21) issue of the Hippo on page 11. Find an e-edition of the paper at hippopress.com.
Wednesday, Nov. 3
The Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St. in Manchester; manchesterhistoric.org, 622-7531) is holding an open house and beer tasting tonight from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased online or by calling the museum. The evening will feature live music by Alli Beaudry, eats and brews from Lithermans, To Share Brewing, Woodstock Inn Brewery, Great North Aleworks and more, according to the website.
Save the Date! Nov. 6
Catch the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra playing the music of Duke Ellington on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive in Manchester; anselm.edu). Tickets cost $40.
It’s been eight years since gas prices were this high; on Oct. 25, 2013, the average price of a gallon of gas in New Hampshire was $3.33, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey. This year on Oct. 25, the average price was $3.29 per gallon, up 8 cents from last week, 25 cents from last month, and $1.26 from this time last year.
Score: -2
Comment: On Oct. 25, there was a 46-cent difference between highest and lowest prices per gallon in the state, according to GasBuddy, with the cheapest station at $3.08 per gallon and the most expensive at $3.54 per gallon.
And the weather’s not great either…
If we’re going to complain about gas prices, we might as well complain about the weather too! After a pretty decent stretch of warmer fall weather, the past few days have been a reality check, with temps dropping, snow coating roads in northern New Hampshire and a Nor’easter bringing inches of rain to southern New Hampshire.
Score: 0
Comment:At least it’s not snowing in this part of the state yet, and we should make it past Halloween without seeing the white stuff. It’s been years, but QOL has vivid memories of trick-or-treating in the snow, so it’s always a win to get past that date without it.
Mixed economic bag for older adults
New Hampshire tied with Utah for second place in a recent MagnifyMoney study that looked at which states offer a better financial environment for retirement. The two states have a poverty rate of 6.2 percent for the 65 and older population and came in just behind Vermont, whose poverty rate is 6.1 percent. But when looking at other key factors that play into retirement-age economic conditions, including home ownership rate and rate of adults with retirement income, New Hampshire was on middle ground, coming in at No. 30.
Score: 0 (because low poverty is good, but ranking 30th for states where older adults are best positioned for retirement is nothing to brag about)
Comment: The “housing cost burdened” rate brought the state’s overall rating down, landing in 6th in that category with a rate of 36.2 percent (compared to top state West Virginia’s housing cost burdened rate of 17.4 percent).
Tuberculosis at Concord High
Concord School District Superintendent Kathleen Murphy sent out a notice to the school community on Oct. 13 saying that the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services had identified a positive, active case of tuberculosis, which is an airborne infectious disease, at Concord High School. According to the notice, the district held an online community meeting the following day to provide information and answer questions. Infectious disease control experts said during the meeting that the case of tuberculosis is a “likely low risk event,” according to an Oct. 15 report from the Concord Monitor.
Score: -1
Comment:Since 2011, there have been 123 documented cases of tuberculosis in New Hampshire, 18 of which were reported in Merrimack County, according to the Monitor.
QOL score: 77
Net change: -3
QOL this week: 74
What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.
