The Hippo Press – Page 41

On The Job – Michelle McCartney

Social media manager

Michelle McCartney of Concord does freelance social media management for a variety of clients as well as solar sales for Freedom Forever.

Explain your job and what it entails.

I talk to potential clients and give them a consultation to see if it’s a good fit … then I manage their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram through the Meta business suite. … I also help people acquire solar panels to help them have lower locked-in energy rates and help the planet at the same time. I utilize social media and networking to talk to people who may be interested in solar sales.

How long have you had this job?

I’ve been doing this since January 2023.

What led you to this career field and your current job?

I previously had a bookkeeping business for three years, had a homeschooling center in Weare for six months and ended up closing both of those down in September 2022. During that time, I scaled my businesses entirely organically on social media, so some of my business friends asked me to do social media management for them. I realized very quickly that I loved it, was very good at it, and could make good money doing it. So it stuck.

What kind of education or training did you need?

None. … I took some online courses to learn more and am always reading books about marketing, entrepreneurship and social media mastery to improve my skills to better serve my clients.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

I work at home with my three children. They are very young, so most days we are rocking pajamas.

What is the most challenging thing about your work, and how do you deal with it?

The most challenging thing about my work is clients that come to me with problems in their social media and marketing approaches, but they don’t want to take suggestions seriously or pay for services that they really need. … I have learned to deal with it by being very straightforward with what their expectations should be with the approach they are taking.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

That I didn’t need to take on every client. It’s not worth the money to work with someone who is difficult to work with.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

How necessary it is. … There are many very effective strategies to gain a loyal following on social media.

What was the first job you ever had?

I was a cashier at PetSmart. I loved it.

What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

Not every client will be a good fit, and that’s OK.

Five favorites

Favorite book: The Bible. It’s the most incredible story ever told and has a lesson for everybody for every situation.
Favorite movie: My Fair Lady
Favorite music: I love listening to all the wonderful encouraging music on K-love.
Favorite food: home-cooked Italian dinner — baked ziti, salad, garlic knots
Favorite thing about NH: The Free State Project

Featured photo: Michelle McCartney. Courtesy photo.

National Night Out

National Night Out, the annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnership (according to natw.org), takes place Tuesday, Aug. 1, this year and features community outreach events in several area towns.

• Bedford Fire Department will face Bedford Police Department for a game of softball at Selvoski Field (at County and Nashua roads in Bedford) at 6 p.m., according to the town’s Parks and Recreation page.

• Chichester Police Department will hold its event in Carpenter Park (8 Bear Hill Road in Chichester) from 6 to 9 p.m., according to a posting on its Facebook page.

• The Concord Police Department will hold its event at Rollins Park from 5 to 8 p.m. with free parking at Rundlett Middle School and a complimentary shuttle to the park, according to concordnh.gov/828/National-Night-Out. The event will feature police and fire equipment, K9 demonstrations, touch a truck and food available with $1 food tickets, according to the website.

• The Deerfield Police Department’s event will take place at the gazebo at 10 Church St. (behind the firehouse) from 5 to 7 p.m. and feature the Fire and EMS departments, games, vehicles to explore and food, according to the department’s Facebook page.

• The Derry Police Department will hold its event in MacGregor Park (12 Boyd Road in Derry) from 6 to 9 p.m. It will feature free music from The Slakas, lawn games, freebies and more, according to the department’s Facebook page.

• The Dunbarton Police Department will join the Goffstown Police Department for their event at Goffstown High School (27 Wallace Road in Goffstown) from 5 to 8 p.m. The evening will feature food, a dunk tank, live music, face painting, a climbing wall, ax throwing, a Police vs. Fire tug of war competition, a NH State Police helicopter and more than 45 area businesses and organizations, according to a Facebook post by the departments.

• The Epping Police and Fire departments will hold their event at Epping Middle/High School (213 Academy St. in Epping) from 4 to 7 p.m., according to a post on the town’s Facebook page.

• The Hollis Police Department will hold its event at the Lawrence Barn in Nichols Field (40 Depot Road) starting at 6 p.m. The evening will feature bounce houses, music, a cookout and a movie night, according to the department’s Facebook page.

• The Hooksett Police Department’s event will be at Donati Memorial Field (51 Main St. in Hooksett) from 5:15 to 7:45 p.m., according to the department’s Facebook page.

• The Hudson Police Department will hold its event from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Rogers Memorial Library (194 Derry Road in Hudson) and will feature touch a truck, a dunk tank, a rock climbing wall, a K9 demo, a water balloon fight and safety vendor booths as well as food vendors with food for purchase, according to the department’s Facebook page.

• The Manchester Police Department will hold its event from 5 to 8 p.m. at the J.F.K. Coliseum and Beech Street School. The evening will feature games, activities, giveaways, a motorcycle rodeo, the mounted patrol, Patch the Comfort Dog and more, according to the department’s Facebook page.

• The Merrimack Police Department will hold its event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Abbie Griffin Park and feature music, games, hot dogs, ice cream and s’mores, according to a post on the department’s Facebook page.

• The Milford Police Department will offer touch a truck, a barbecue, games and more in Emerson Park from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.

• The Nashua Police Department will hold its event in Greeley Park (100 Concord St. in Nashua) from 5 to 8 p.m. and feature a petting zoo, food trucks, music, ice cream, touch a truck and more, according to the department’s Facebook page.

• The Pelham Police Department will have music, food, games, a dunk tank, cars and trucks, a tour of the police station and more from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Village Green, according to the department’s Facebook page.

• The Salem Police Department will hold its event at the department (9 Veterans Memorial Parkway) from 5 to 8 p.m. The evening will include food, a DJ, a dunk tank, a K9 demonstration, giveaways, a bounce house, a taser demonstration, face painting, a petting zoo and more, according to the department’s Facebook page.

• The Tilton Police Department will hold its event at the police department field (45 Sanborn Road) from 5 to 8 p.m. with food, music, entertainment, child fingerprinting, a dunking booth, a bike raffle, first responder vehicles, a police department tour, car show and more, according to the department’s Facebook page.

Kiddie Pool 23/07/27

Family fun for the weekend

Art!

• The Vernon Family Farm (301 Piscassic Road in Newfields, vernonfamilyfarm.com) will hold a Van Gogh Sunflowers art workshop on Thursday, July 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. for kids (ages 6 to 12) and parents where kids will create a painting inspired by “Sunflowers.” The farm also will hold a Mini Masters class for kids (ages 0 to 3) and parents on Friday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost for one kid and parent is $43.50 for either class. Go online to register or call 340-4321.

Music!

• Mr. Aaron will perform at the Manchester City Library (405 Pine St. in Manchester; manchester.lib.nh.us) Thursday, July 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. A familiar performer at family-friendly music events, Mr. Aaron has a packed schedule of appearances at area libraries and other locations. See mraaronmusic.com.

Theater!

• The 2023 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Series at The Palace (80 Hanover St., Manchester, palacetheatre.org) presents Peter Pan Thursday, July 27, at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Friday, July 28, at 1 p.m.

The Palace Youth Theatre summer camp will present Elf Jr.on Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29, at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theatre. Tickets range from $12 to $15.

Next week, the children’s series will feature Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Aug. 1 to Aug. 4. Children’s Series productions have shows Tuesday through Thursday at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Friday at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $10.

• The youth performers with RB Productions are putting onNewsies Jr. at the Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com) on Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29, at 7 p.m. Tickets to the shows start at $15.75.

• There will be two productions on the stage this Saturday, July 29, at the Prescott Park Arts Festival. Camp Encore! will presentInto the Woods Jr. at 1 p.m. and the summer production of Little Shop of Horrorswill be on the stage at 7 p.m. Little Shop of Horrors continues through Sunday, Aug. 13, with shows Thursdays through Sundays at 7 p.m. See prescottpark.org.

Movies!

• Catch Coco (PG, 2017) Thursday, July 26, at dusk (around 8 p.m.) in Veterans Park (Elm Street between Central and Merrimack streets) in Manchester as part of the city’s Movies in the Park lineup. Concessions will be available for purchase; bring chairs, blankets and snacks, according to the event’s Facebook post.

• Teens and their parents (or maybe especially their parents) may want to check out the Movies in the Park in Merrimack offering this Saturday, July 29: Top Gun: Maverick (2022, PG-13), which is slated to start at 8:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to Merrimack residents and non-residents. Screenings are held in Wasserman Park (116 Naticook Road, Merrimack). In the event of inclement weather, a decision will generally be posted to Merrimack Parks & Recreation’s website or Facebook by 1 p.m. as to whether or not it will be postponed. Visit merrimackparksandrec.org.

• If you’re at Hampton Beach on Monday, July 31, the “Movie Night Mondays” screening (next to the playground) at dusk is slated to be DC League of Super-Pets (PG, 2022). See hamptonbeach.org for the full schedule and the approximate dusk times; rain dates are on Tuesdays for all films.

• The Summer Kids Series Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at O’neil Cinemas (24 Calef Hwy., Epping, 679-3529, oneilcinemas.com) will feature The Boss Baby: Family Business (PG, 2021) on Monday, July 31, and Wednesday, Aug. 2. Tickets cost $3.

• Regal Cinemas in Concord (282 Loudon Road, Concord, regmovies.com) will screen The Boss Baby: Family Business (PG, 2021) and Doolittle (PG, 2020) on Tuesday, Aug. 1, and Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $2.

The Art Roundup 23/07/27

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

• So you will listen to every word they have to say: The Kids Coop Theatre (kids-coop-theatre.org) will present The Wedding Singer at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway in Derry) on Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 30, at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Based on the 1998 Adam Sandler comedy, The Wedding Singer is set in 1985 and features music from the period, according to the website, which advises that the play contains adult language and themes and suggests parental discretion for audience members 14 and under.

• Marking history: There will be a Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire marker unveiling event on Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway in Derry) to celebrate William Hobdy, a ragtime musician and the first known Black business owner in Derry, according to the organization’s newsletter. This all-ages event will begin at 1 p.m. with a pop-up museum and activities exploring Hobdy’s era with music, games and history, the newsletter said. The afternoon will culminate with a walk to the Derry Rail Trail to unveil the new marker at 1:45 p.m. and participants can have some ice cream, according to blackheritagetrailnh.org/derry-historic-marker-unveiling. After the event, Rockingham Brewing Co. will offer pre-Prohibition-style lager for purchase as well as pretzels from Hop Knot in Manchester, the website said.

I Hate Shakespeare!
The Nashua Theatre Guild will present I Hate Shakespeare! at Temple Beth Abraham (4 Raymond St. in Nashua) on Sundays, Aug. 6 and Aug. 13, at 2 p.m. The play, by Steph DeFerie, will include the classic stories of Hamlet, Macbeth and more with “talking cows, zombies and other characters [who] will give you a fast-paced intro to the riotous charm of the man himself,” according to an email from the Guild. Tickets to these performances (which will be held outdoors under a tent) cost $5 for adults and children 6 and older (children 5 and under get in free). Cash-only concessions will be available (no outside food or drink), the release said. See nashuatheatreguild.org.

• A day of dance: Saint Anselm College (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive in Manchester; tickets.anselm.edu) will offer a Summer Dance Intensive on Sunday, Aug. 13, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with Aaron Tolson as the camp director. The day will cost $150 and is open to all ages, according to a Dana Center email. Eight classes will focus on tap, ballet, contemporary dance, hip hop and yoga. See the website to register.

• Book events at Gibson’s: Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St. in Concord; 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com) has several upcoming events.

Author Melissa Moore will be at the bookstore to discuss her book Land of Low Hills, a history of Loudon, on Thursday, Aug. 17, at 6:30 p.m.

RSVP on the bookstore’s Facebook page for the Sunday, Aug. 20, 4:30 p.m. event with Katee Robert for Cruel Seduction, the fifth book in her Dark Olympus series, according to a press release.

Astronomer and physicist Marcelo Gleiser will discuss his book The Dawn of a Mindful Universe: A Manifesto for Humanity’s Future on Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 6:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 6:30 p.m., New Hampshire author Melanie Brooks will discuss her book A Hard Silence: One Daughter Remaps Family, Grief and Faith when HIV/AIDS Changes It All.

Goldilocks and the 3 Bears
See the Majestic Theatre’s teen touring musical Goldilocks and the 3 Bears at the Majestic Studio Theatre (880 Page St. in Manchester; majestictheatre.net, 669-7469) on Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 6 p.m. Ticket cost $5 and will be available for purchase in advance and at the door. Bring two new or gently used children’s books and admission is free, according to a press release.

• Book event at the Epsom Library: Author Michael Tougias will discuss his book The Finest Hours (the basis for a 2016 movie starring Chris Pine and Casey Affleck) and his new book Extreme Survival: Lessons From Those Who Have Triumphed Against All Odds at the Epsom Public Library (1606 Dover Road in Epsom; epsomlibrary.com) on Saturday, Aug. 5, at 10 a.m.

• Be one of the favorite things: The Community Players of Concord are holding auditions in August for their upcoming production of The Sound of Music. The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic will hit the Concord City Auditorium Stage Friday, Nov. 17, through Sunday, Nov. 19. Auditions for adults will take place on Sunday, Aug. 13, and Monday, Aug. 14; for youth (age 15 and under) auditions will be Sunday, Aug. 20, and Monday, Aug. 21. See communityplayersofconcord.org/auditions for audition times and other information.

• Music and color: Artist Brandy M. Patterson will discuss her art and synesthesia — a condition where she sees color when she hears music — at a 4th Phriday at the Phone Museum event “Painting What She Hears” on Friday, July 28, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the New Hampshire Phone Museum (One Depot St. in Warner; nhtelephonemuseum.org, 456-2234). Register online or by phone. The cost is $5, according to the website.

Ella Walker meets Betty Woodman
“Distant Conversations: Ella Walker and Betty Woodman” is open now at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144) and is slated to be the first in a series of “Distant Conversations” exhibits. The exhibits will explore “intergenerational dialogues and artistic conversations between practitioners who have not necessarily met in real life but whose work similarly resonates despite their differences,” according to the Currier’s website. The exhibit will be on display through Sunday, Oct. 22. The Currier is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (as well as from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays as part of Art After Work, when admission is free) and admission costs $20 for adults, $15 for 65+, $15 for students, $5 for ages 13 to 17 and children 12 and under get in free.

• Baskets: The League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery (279 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Meredith; 279-7920, meredith.nhcrafts.org) will hold a basket-making class with Ray Lagasse on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tools and materials will be supplied; no prior experience is needed. Register in advance; the cost is $125 to $155, depending on the style of basket. Additional classes will be held Saturday, Sept. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 14, according to a press release.

• Save the date for the symphony: Ticket subscriptions for the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra’s 2023-2024 mainstage season are now on sale, with subscription prices at $160 for adults, $145 for 60+ and $92 for students, according to a press release. The season will start on Sunday, Nov. 5, with a premiere of the commissioned piece “At This Point” at the Music Hall in Portsmouth at 3 p.m. Additional shows include Holiday Family Pops! and New Year’s Eve Champagne Pops and concerts in March and June, the release said. See portsmouthsymphony.org.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
“Shakespeare on the Green” presented by Theatre Kapow (tkapow.com) on Founder’s Green outside the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive in Manchester; tickets.anselm.edu) wraps up its two-week presentation with A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Thursday, July 27, through Saturday, July 29, at 7:30 p.m. Find the Dana Center on Facebook to check on any weather-related schedule or location changes. Tickets cost $25 for general seating; ages 12 and under get in free. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and snacks, according to the website.

Erasing stigma

Currier Museum of Art opens the conversation on substance use disorder with Art of Hope

By Mya Blanchard
mblanchard@hippopress.com

In January 2018, Currier Museum of Art in Manchester started Art of Hope, a support group for people with loved ones who have, or had, substance use disorder.

“This was really our response to what we can do in light of the opioid epidemic here in Manchester and our whole local area,” said Corie Lyford, who organizes the program. “[It] is intended as a wellness and respite program for people who … have family and loved ones [with] substance use disorder.”

Art of Hope is held on select Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. when the museum is closed, to offer a level of privacy, and is free and open to the public. Doors open 45 minutes before the program begins for people to spend time in the galleries and for a late dinner.

After an introduction to the night’s theme, which include topics like love, hope, grief and self-care, the evening begins with time in the galleries to enjoy art and engage in conversation centering around the theme. The group, which tends to average between 12 and 20 people in size, then gathers in one of the studio spaces for the peer support group led by parent mentors.

“[The parent mentors] might immediately talk about personal experiences they’ve had, they might talk about helpful resources that they’ve found for the group, or they might start by opening it up and just asking the group, ‘What do you think about that?’ [or] ‘What do you all have to say about this topic?’” Lyford said. “It’s really led by the participants. Everyone is encouraged to share, although no one has to.”

One parent mentor who has found it helpful and rewarding to share her experience is Patricia Perkins, whose son is now seven years opiate-free and recently married after a five-year battle with substance use disorder. His struggle began after losing both his father and grandfather within seven months of each other when he was 17.

“I have a son who’s a productive part of society and no longer looks to substances to temporarily solve his problems, but it was years of waiting by the phone [for someone] to say he didn’t make it, or trying to put all your things away so he doesn’t take anything,” Perkins said. “Living in a prison in your own house is really what it’s like. I look at him [now] and think, ‘He’s my miracle kid.’ I’m just such a lucky mom to have made it so far.”

According to Perkins, it is these conversations that work toward breaking down the stigma that surrounds substance use disorder.

“If people don’t talk about it, that stigma just continues to grow,” she said.

The night ends with an art project designed, demonstrated and led by Lyford, which can involve painting, drawing, sculpting or printmaking. While everyone is working on the same thing, creative expression is always emphasized.

“I think that the shared life experience and the knowledge that people are so willing and so brave to share within the [topic] of substance use disorder always amazes me,” Lyford said. “There are other support groups out there, but I think this support group is special in that they’re enjoying the calm and the beauty and the peace of the museum, and they’re learning how to incorporate the power of the arts into their lives at the same time.”

Art of Hope
When: Select Mondays, 6 to 8 p.m.; upcoming dates are July 31 and Aug. 21
Where: Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester)
Visit: currier.org

This Week 23/07/27

Big Events July 27, 2023 and beyond

Thursday, July 27

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats celebrate that classic Manchester food item, the chicken tender, at tonight’s game at 7:05 p.m. versus the Hartford Yard Goats. There will be Atlas Fireworks after the game. The run of games continues at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in downtown Manchester (7:05 p.m. on Friday and Saturday — Saturday will also feature post-game fireworks) through Sunday, July 30, when game time is 1:35 p.m. and the first 1,000 attendees will receive a Fisher Cats flag. See milb.com/new-hampshire.

Friday, July 28

The Nashua Silver Knights also have a game this week — tonight at 6 p.m. they will face off against the Westfield Starfires with post-game fireworks. See nashuasilverknights.com.

Friday, July 28

Ro Gavin Collaborative Theatre kicks off the final weekend of its production Big Fish at the Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road in Concord; hatboxnh.com) with shows tonight at 7:30 p.m.; tomorrow, Saturday, July 29, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 30, at 2 p.m. Find more theatrical productions in the Arts section, which starts on page 13.

Friday, July 28

Catch comedians Will Noonan and Andrew Della Vope tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org). Tickets cost $25. Find more laughs in the Comedy This Week listings on page 36.

Saturday, July 29

Browse sales of books and whatnots, enjoy a frappe bar and sausage grinders, participate in (or just cheer on) a 5K road race and watch an 11 a.m. performance by Mr. Aaron (pictured) at the Canterbury Fair today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at locations in Canterbury Center. The day will also feature live animal encounters and other activities for kids, Canterbury Historical Society exhibits, artisan demonstrations, a full schedule of live music and a wide variety of eats including a chicken barbecue. See canterburyfair.com.

Tuesday, Aug. 1

Author Richard Russo will discuss his new book Somebody’s Fool tonight at 7 p.m. at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com). Tickets cost $39 for one admission, $49 for two admissions and include a book. Find more book listings on page 29.

Save the Date! Thursday, Aug. 10
The Manchester International Film Festival returns for its second year on Thursday, Aug. 10, through Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) and the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester). The festival kicks off with Animation Night at 6 p.m. on Aug. 10 at the Rex with screenings of animated shorts, an animated student film, a feature film, a Q&A with filmmakers and a presentation of an “Emerging New Hampshire Animator” award, according to the Palace’s website. Friday, Aug. 11, is New England Night and Comedy Night with a screening of the short Nuclear! (see the trailer at gonfalonpictures.com/nuclear), a post-film Q&A, a feature film billed as a “Manchester premiere,” a Q&A with filmmakers and the presentation of “Best New England Short Film” award, the website said. At the Rex, the Saturday, Aug. 12, line up will include a Cartoon Festival with Cereal, short films, a feature presentation and an audience choice film, the website said. Tickets cost $20 ($10 for students) to each day. Call the box office for more ticket info.

At the Palace Theatre on Aug. 12, catch actor and comedian Kevin Pollack at 7:30 p.m. for “An Evening with Kevin Pollack.” Tickets to this event cost $59 to $79 (VIP tickets include a 6:45 p.m. meet and greet) and include a weekend pass to the rest of the festival.

Featured photo: Mr. Aaron.

Quality of Life 23/07/27

Plastic habit

According to a study by personal-finance website WalletHub, New Hampshire ranks 4th among the states with the highest credit card debts. The median credit card balance in New Hampshire is $2,793, and the cost of interest until payoff is $355, with the expected timeframe to pay off the median credit card balance at 14 months and 13 days. The study used data from TransUnion, the Federal Reserve, the U.S. Census Bureau, and WalletHub’s proprietary credit card payoff calculator to determine the cost and time required to repay the median credit card balance in each state. The analysis included credit cards with a balance and excluded store cards. The calculation assumed consumers would pay an average 20.92 percent interest rate, based on the APR paid by existing cardholders.

QOL score: -1

Comment:Interesting considering New Hampshire’s per capita income is on the higher end at $41,241, ranking the 8th highest, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Kids catching up

Recent assessment results in New Hampshire indicate positive academic gains among students, marking a slow upward recovery trend for two consecutive years. According to a press release, preliminary performance scores from the spring 2023 assessment show modest improvements in math and reading across various grade levels, except for 11th-grade SAT scores. Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut expressed delight in the signs of academic progress, which defy national trends. “This newest data from New Hampshire contradicts some nationwide data showing that academic recovery has stalled and reflects the hard work of our school leaders, teachers, students and families, that everyone needs to work together to close learning gaps,” he said in the release. While student performance advanced from 2022 to 2023, student growth percentiles also improved in every grade level and subject area, indicating accelerated learning rates compared to 2019.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The iPlatform system will release individual school and district data for both the NHSAS and SAT results in the fall. Parents had previously been given access to their child’s scores.

Go, team!

The University of New Hampshire swimming and diving team has been awarded CSCAA Scholar All-America honors for the Spring 2023 semester. According to a press release, they achieved a program-best 3.68 team GPA, surpassing their previous record of 3.67 from the previous semester. Additionally, senior captain Madison Linstedt won the America East Women’s Swimming and Diving Scholar Athlete of the Year award, making it the 11th time a Wildcat has received this honor. Several other team members also earned academic accolades.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The University of New Hampshire swimming and diving team also achieved their fourth consecutive America East Championship and secured their 11th overall title in the league’s history during the past seasons, marking the first time in the program’s existence that UNH has won four championships in a row.

QOL score: 80

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 81

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 23/07/27

2024 governor’s race

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has decided not to seek re-election in 2024, WMUR reported. In a letter to supporters, he explained that after much consideration and discussions with his family, he believes it is the right time for another Republican to lead the state. Following his announcement, the Republican field is already taking shape for the 2024 race in New Hampshire: former New Hampshire Senate President Chuck Morse immediately tweeted his gubernatorial candidacy announcement, saying, “Year in and year out New Hampshire ranks among the best states to live in. It’s not an accident and it’s not luck either. It’s because we elect conservatives who get results. It’s what I did as Senate President and it’s what I’ll do as Governor.” Morse previously lost the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in 2022. A few days later, former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte announced her candidacy for governor, saying, “Today, I’m announcing our campaign to be the next Governor of New Hampshire. … I love New Hampshire. I was born here, raised here, raised my kids here, and I’m going to die here. What we have here is worth fighting for.” On the Democratic side, Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington and Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig have already declared their campaigns.

Historic house

The Sullivan House in Manchester has been added to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places due to its remarkable architectural integrity and its significance as a rare example of a “Little House” architectural design. According to a press release, the Little House series was a unique collaboration between the magazine House and Garden and the department store W. and J. Sloane, aiming to offer affordable homes with room for expansion to young couples. The Colonial Revival-style Sullivan House, built in 1932 and 1933, showcases modernist decor elements inside while still retaining its original floor plan and finishes. It remains in the possession of the Sullivan family and stands as one of only six known Little Houses of this style. Listing on the National Register facilitates preservation efforts and provides potential benefits to property owners, such as qualifying for federal tax provisions and grants.

Road work

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) began full span overhead sign foundation construction on Rockingham Park Boulevard in Salem on July 24 that will continue for seven weeks on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, according to a press release. During this period, daytime lane closures will be in effect. To ensure safety, arrow boards and traffic control devices will be used to guide motorists through the construction zone, and drivers are advised to be cautious and follow all posted signs. Those traveling in the area are encouraged to sign up for real-time construction and traffic updates via text or email from newengland511.org. The construction is part of the $1.1 million Full Span Overhead Traffic Sign replacement project on Rockingham Park Boulevard in Salem, with an expected completion date of Sept. 8, 2023.

Lake preservation

Steve Wingate, a resident of the Lakes Region, has been honored with the 2023 John F. Morten Memorial Award for Exemplary Lake Stewardship by NH LAKES. According to a press release, Wingate has actively served in various local, regional and statewide organizations and projects dedicated to conserving New Hampshire’s lakes, wetlands and forests and educating lake residents about environmental care. The award was presented on July 15 at the Winter Harbor Way Association Meeting. The John F. Morten Memorial Award was established in 2002 to honor individuals who generously contribute their time, talent and resources to protect New Hampshire’s lakes and ponds. NH LAKES is a statewide nonprofit organization focused on preserving and restoring the health of New Hampshire’s lakes.

New hire

HealthForce NH and its backbone entity, Foundation for Healthy Communities, have named Kate Luczko as their new Senior Director, according to a press release. With extensive experience in economic and workforce development, Luczko’s previous role as the founding President & CEO of Stay Work Play New Hampshire focused on young workforce recruitment and retention. In her statewide leadership position, she will collaborate with various stakeholders, including employers, policymakers and underserved populations, to address health care workforce challenges and raise awareness for HealthForce NH strategies.

The State of New Hampshire will conduct an information session on Monday, July 31, to update the public on the progress of constructing a new 24-bed forensic psychiatric hospital. According to a press release, this facility, which is to be built adjacent to New Hampshire Hospital in Concord, aims to provide skilled psychiatric treatment in a secure and therapeutic environment for forensic patients. The session will take place virtually on Zoom at 6 p.m., and attendees can ask questions and share comments. Details can be found at dhhs.nh.gov/about-dhhs/locations-facilities/new-hampshire-hospital/proposed-forensic-hospital-information.

Manchester City Library (405 Pine St.) offers free lunches for children and teens age 18 and under through a pilot project by New Hampshire Hunger Solutions, running until Aug. 17. Meals are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 12:30 p.m., according to a press release. Children must be present, and supplies are limited. Visit nhhungersolutions.org.

The NH Division of Parks and Recreation, along with Hampton Beach State Park lifeguards, will host Water Safety Day at Hampton Beach State Park on Thursday, July 27. According to a press release, the event aims to raise awareness about water safety at New Hampshire State Parks and oceanfront beaches, lakes and rivers. It will feature rescue demonstrations, interactive discussions and an environmental component. The focus will be on water safety around Seacoast beaches, given the 207 ocean rescues already made this season by NH State Beach Patrol Ocean lifeguards. Visit usla.org/page/safety-tips.

Rockin’ the park — 07/20/23

Get some greenery with your live music. In this week’s cover story, Michael Witthaus talks to a few of the artists who play these outdoor gigs and some of the challenges they encounter. Then we offer a list of some of the places you can find some summer concerts.

Also on the cover Find ribs and food trucks this weekend in Merrimack at the Great American Ribfest & Food Truck Festival (page 22). And if you want to get a jump on next weekend’s food fests, check out the story (page 24) on the New England Hot Sauce Festival in Hampton. And after all the live music talk if you’re looking for even more area performances by bands and solo artists, see our Music This Week listing, which starts on page 31.

On surgery & sea sprites

In dark December I found myself hobbling into an urgent care clinic for x-rays. A few clicks by the technician, ...

News & Notes 23/07/20

Running for governor Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig launched her campaign for governor of New Hampshire with an event at the ...

The wellness model

Concord-based doctor discusses her center’s focus Dr. Cindi Croft is set to open New Dimensions Wellness Center in Concord in ...

Sox on a roll

Photo of assorted sports equipment for football, soccer, tennis, golf, baseball, and basketball

The Big Story: Things are looking up for the Red Sox, who’ve cut five games off the Tampa Bay lead ...

Quality of Life 23/07/20

A rain-soaked Sunday Torrential rain in New Hampshire caused significant damage, including sinkholes, flooded basements and over 120 road closures, ...

This Week 23/07/20

Big Events July 20, 2023 and beyond Thursday, July 20 Finally, today, we have reached “Barbenheimer” — the potential for ...

Rockin’ the park

band playing in gazebo in public park, people in lawn chairs in front of the gazebo, under trees, cloudy day

Where to find free music in the fresh air In Summer 2020, al fresco was the only option for fans ...

Spread the news

teen cast of musical, leaping during dance rehearsal

Ovation Theatre Company presents Newsies By Mya Blanchardmblanchard@hippopress.com A week and a half away from opening night, the cast of ...

The Art Roundup 23/07/20

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities • Celebrating water: The Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum (18 Highlawn Road ...

Tips for picking and arranging flowers

colorful flower arrangement in glass vase, sitting on decorative plate on table beside white wooden wall

Cut them fresh in the morning if you can I’ve been keeping track this year of what blooms for me, ...

Kiddie Pool 23/07/20

Family fun for the weekend Game time • The Nashua Silver Knights, playing in the Future Collegiate Baseball League of ...

Treasure Hunt 23/07/20

antique wooden chair viewed from slightly above, woven cane seat, wooden armrests, mechanics under the seat for raising or lowering the chair, on wheels

Dear Donna, I believe my grandfather bought this to use for my mother around the year 1927. As you can ...

On The Job – Lara Stawasz

Jeweler Lara Stawasz is a self-taught jeweler who owns her own business, Lara’s Theme Jewelry (495-6689, laras14k@aol.com, larasthemejewelry.patternbyetsy.com), based in ...

The Weekly Dish 23/07/20

News from the local food scene • Bubble Tea: The Teen Advisory Board at Chester Public Library (3 Chester St., ...

Rain or shine, the ribs go on

people lined up in front of food vendor tent under elaborate banners, sunny day on grassy field

The Great American Ribfest returns By Delaney Beaudoinfood@hippopress.com The Great American Ribfest and Food Truck Festival will be returning, rain ...

Meet me at The Spot

outside of commercial building with porch and railings, large front windows, bench and outdoor tables along front wall on either side of door

Breakfast and lunch restaurant to open in Hooksett By Mya Blanchardmblanchard@hippopress.com Your potential new favorite place to grab breakfast or ...

Let’s spice things up

man sitting behind table with rows of bowls and varieties of hot sauce in front of bowls, event tents and crowds of people in background, sunny day on grassy field

NE Hot Sauce Fest comes to Hampton By Maya Pumafood@hippopress.com Hot sauce companies from across the Northeast will come together ...

In the kitchen with Charley Moore

With 26 years of experience, Charley Moore is the executive chef at 603 Brewery in Londonderry. He started in the ...

Drinking the blues

wine glass half filled with dark purple margarita, garnished with small blue flower, glass sitting on plate on table outside grass and black-eyed susan flowers in background

We had just come home from a long trip, and I’ll admit that I was a little out of it ...

Album Reviews 23/07/20

Fay Victor, Blackity Black Black Is Beautiful (Northern Spy Records) This record is definitely in the same church if not ...

After the Funeral and Other Stories, by Tessa Hadley

book cover for After the Funeral by Tessa Hadley

After the Funeral and Other Stories, by Tessa Hadley (Knopf, 240 pages) The essayist Lorrie Moore once said that a ...

Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One (PG-13)

Tom Cruise and 3 other actors walking through stone courtyard in scene from Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One

Tom Cruise parachutes off a mountain to land on a moving train, engages in sleek spy-vs-spy action in an airport ...

The Music Roundup 23/07/20

Local music news & events • Striking strings: A regional ensemble with a world music approach, Acoustic Nomads includes Maurizio ...

Ever green

5 male band members wearing sunglasses, standing in row

Young Dubliners perform in Concord It’s been 35 years since the Young Dubliners debuted. With rocked-up songs that owed as ...

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In the kitchen with Charley Moore

With 26 years of experience, Charley Moore is the executive chef at 603 Brewery in Londonderry. He started in the industry as a dishwasher at Yo Mommas in Nashua before working as a cook at Villa Blanca for 12 years, which is where he met his wife. Originally from Florida, Moore has always been passionate about food. He and his family moved to New Hampshire when he was around 8 or 9 years old for new opportunities. His grandmother would cook family meals and his mother enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen. Following in their footsteps, Moore enjoys cooking at the brewery and at home for his family.

What is your must-have kitchen item?

Well, like any chef, your chef’s knife is one of the most important things you have in your tool kit, so that’s a big go-to for me. I am very mindful of my knives … I take care of my knives personally. I sharpen them all, so my chef knife’s my most important tool.

What would you have for your last meal?

I think I’d probably keep it something simple. I’m originally from Florida [and] one of my family’s favorite go-to meals is fried chicken, potato salad, corn on the cob. The feeling of home is probably more important than something else, so homestyle cooking.

What is your favorite local eatery?

One of the places my wife and I love to go to is the Hanover Street Chophouse. I was definitely gifted to go work there for a while, which was a great opportunity

Name a celebrity you would like to see eating in your restaurant?

There would probably be two I’d really like to see as far as culinary goes. I’d like the late Anthony Bourdain … [and] Guy Fieri would be a cool one for me to cook for. I think he’d really enjoy it.

What is your favorite thing on your menu?

Our top [seller] is our chicken sandwich. I think that’s probably one of the best things on our menu because it’s so versatile you can make it however you want. … It can go as crazy as your imagination.

What is the biggest food trend in NH right now?

Korean barbecue style food is really popular right now. I know New Hampshire is getting more into the smoked-style food, which is really cool because we’re definitely picking up on that trend.

What is your favorite thing to cook at home?

Being a chef you get asked this question a lot. … The things I like to cook the most are what make everybody happy. … Making desserts is really satisfying … I love making desserts. My kids would probably tell you chocolate mousse because that’s what they ask for almost every birthday, but I also make a chocolate lava cake that’s really good that my family also loves to eat on a regular basis.

–Mya Blanchard

Featured photo: Charley Moore. Courtesy photo.

Author: The Hippo Press

On The Job – Michelle McCartney

National Night Out

Kiddie Pool 23/07/27

The Art Roundup 23/07/27

Erasing stigma

This Week 23/07/27

Big Events July 27, 2023 and beyond

Quality of Life 23/07/27

News & Notes 23/07/27

Rockin’ the park — 07/20/23

In the kitchen with Charley Moore

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