Author: The Hippo Press

SNAP plan

More than 75,000 Granite Staters receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, according to an Oct. 24 press release from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, which announced a contingency plan in the event that the federal government shutdown leads to November’s SNAP benefits not being issued. The state will partner with the New Hampshire Food Bank “to increase SNAP recipients’ access to food through the Food Bank’s mobile food pantry program and traditional food pantries across the state. Upon approval by the Fiscal Committee and Executive Council, the Food Bank will provide mobile food pantries specifically for SNAP participants in locations identified by the State,” the release said. The state can sustain funding for the 13,000 people in the state “participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) until at least Nov. 7,” the release said. If the federal shutdown lasts into November funding will not support local WIC agencies, which will close starting on Nov. 1, the release said. “While Local WIC Agencies are closed, WIC participants can continue to receive benefits and food balances on the WIC Shopper app or by calling 855-279-0680. Anyone with additional questions can call DHHS at 800-942-4321,” the release said. See dhhs.nh.gov and click on the link about WIC and SNAP at the top of the page for more information.

Clean room

The University of New Hampshire held a ribbon-cutting for a new high-tech cleanroom at its John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center at the Durham campus, according to an Oct. 24 press release. “The new ISO7 cleanroom was donated by Airtho and will help strengthen UNH’s role as a leader for emerging research and innovation, contributing to the growth of advanced manufacturing in New Hampshire and the surrounding region,” the release said. “Currently, the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center is home to seven co-located technology businesses with approximately 24 UNH undergraduate and graduate students doing research and gaining experience with these companies — helping to train the state’s future workforce and contribute to its economic development.”

Music market

The First Congregational Church, 70 Clinton St. in Concord, will host the Third Annual Musicians’ Flea Market on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission costs $2 per person, kids under 13 get in free, according to a press release. The event will feature musical instruments, gear, sheet music, CDs, vinyl records and more, the release said. See ConcordsFirstChurch.org/events.

The Route 3 Art Trail will run Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature 15 locations in Concord, Penacook, Boscawen and Franklin, according to route3arttrail.com, where you can find a map and information on each location.

The Granite State Ringers will perform Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St. in Concord. Admission is free. See walkerlecture.org.

The Exeter Fall Art Tour will run Saturday, Nov. 1, and Sunday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring 15 stops within 3 miles, according to exeterfallarttour.com.

The Hollis Arts Society will hold its 2025 Art Show & Sale on Saturday, Nov. 1, and Sunday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Road in Hollis. Find works crafted by member artists including pottery, eco prints, glass work, paintings, photographs, jewelry, gift cards, ornaments and more, according to a post on the Society’s Facebook page, facebook.com/HollisArtsSocietyNH.