News & Notes 25/05/01

Bedford traffic

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation is working on F.E. Everett Turnpike, in both directions, at the Bedford Tolls through June 15, according to a NHDOT press release. The work will take place between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. and require lane closures as construction crews work on the first phase of creating an all electronic toll area (boothless and cashless), the release said. Sign up for “free, real-time traffic related messages … from newengland511.org,” the release said.

Grant proposals

New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation is accepting proposals for 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund State and Local Assistance Grants, “a program providing federal funds to assist with public outdoor recreation projects,” according to a press release. Submit an intent-to-apply form to New Hampshire State Parks by Friday, June 27, at 4 p.m.; eligible parties will receive an invitation to apply, the release said. Call 271-3556 or email lwcf@dncr.nh.gov,” the release said.

Mac & vets

Mr. Mac’s Macaroni and Cheese (497 Hooksett Road in Manchester, mr-macs.com) will donate $1 for every order of “Classic All-American” variety of mac & cheese (featuring a blend of cheddar and American cheeses) sold during May to help end veteran homelessness, according to a press release. The eatery is joining the City of Manchester, which has partnered with Harbor Care on efforts to address housing for veterans, the release said. Mr. Mac’s is slated to hold a kickoff for the effort on Thursday, May 1, at 10 a.m.

NH scholars

Six New Hampshire high school seniors have been named semifinalists in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, according to a New Hampshire Department of Education press release. The semifinalists are Charles J. Anderson of Portsmouth, Portsmouth High School; Rahma A. Ibrahim of Brookline; Li Po Chun of United World College; Roxane Park of Bedford, Phillips Exeter Academy; Vedant Patil of Nashua, Nashua High School South; Meera Rajendran of Salem, Salem High School, and Avishant Gupta Ullal of Hollis, The Derryfield School, the release said. “The Commission on Presidential Scholars will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars at a later date,” the release said. See ed.gov/psp.

Ona Judge

The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, in partnership with the Greenland Historical Society, will unveil a historic marker honoring Ona Marie Judge Staines at the Greenland Parade Gazebo in Greenland on Saturday, May 3, at 11 a.m., according to a press release. Ona Judge was enslaved by George and Martha Washington and escaped in 1796, eventually settling in Greenland, the release said.

Celebrate coffee at the Northeast Coffee Festival Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, in Concord. A community market (admission is free) featuring vendors, demonstrations and live music will run 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Coffee education and a Latte Art Throwdown require passes. See northeastcoffeefestival.com.

Petals in the Pines in Canterbury will be open Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., for World Labyrinth Day when attendees can explore the venue’s two woodland labyrinths, according to a press release. A nature journaling activity will be held from 2 to 3 p.m.; register in advance at petalsinthepines.com/world-labyrinth-day for $10 per person. Admission to World Labyrinth Day will cost $7 per person or free with a 2025 Season Pass purchase on or before that day, the release said.

The Dover Public Library will present the virtual program “From Sewer to Superstars: The Untold Story of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” with Dan Yezbick, professor of English and communications at Wildwood College in Missouri. The event is free; sign up at library.dover.nh.gov.

10 Easy Plants — 04/24/2025

on the cover

We can all garden, so says Henry Homeyer, who offers up his advice for 10 un-mess-up-able varieties of plants to grow.

Also on the cover Chefs have an opportunity to get chef-y with plants and other vegan eats during the Manchester Vegan Chef Challenge in May (page 16). The Manchester Community Theatre Players present The Bridges of Madison County (page 12). John Fladd investigates wines without alcohol (page 18).

Read the e-edition

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.
Senate race update U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander told WMUR that she will not seek the U.S. Senate seat in 2026, ...
Draft winds blow tonight
The Big Story – NFL Draft: It comes your way on ESPN and The NFL Network starting Thursday at 8 ...
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.
Gold (golden brown) anniversary As reported in an April 18 online story by New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR), the chicken ...
Independent Bookstore Day Logo
Friday, April 25 Nashua Theatre Guild presents the New Hampshire premiere ofIncident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a play ...
Veggies, flowers and trees for a low-effort gardening season Alright, if one more person tells me they’re not a gardener ...
male and female actor on stage in front of photo backdrop showing covered bridge with trees behind, actors looking at camera as if about to take a photo
The Bridges of Madison County musical in Manchester Even though it won Tonys for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations, ...
The Art Roundup 25/04/24
The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities • Childhood memories: Nashua Theatre Guild presents the New Hampshire premiere ...
ceramic pitcher with elaborate top, painted with floral designs, and an eagle standing on as shield
Hi, Donna, I’m attaching a couple of pics of a ceramic pitcher and wonder if you can tell me its ...
Family fun for whenever Vacation day at the museum • The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in ...
Red round icon that reads Weekly Dish
News from the local food scene • Opened: There’s a new coffee bar on the north end of Manchester’s Elm ...
focus on hand holding chip topped with vegetable stew and leafy greens, man blurry in the background
Manchester will host a Vegan Chef Challenge Throughout May, restaurants across Manchester will compete to produce the best plant-based dishes ...
inside of Barrel & Baskit showing large room with wooden floor and wooden walls, tables set up, display fridges with products against the back walls
Barrel & Baskit finds reasons for fun There are many reasons why businesses host fun events. For Beth Richards, the ...
smiling man wearing t-shirt, standing next to barrels and holding a glass of red wine
A look at alcohol-free wines According to Richard Jacob, one of the hottest trends in alcohol at the moment is ...
black and white photo of a cocktail in a stemmed glass sitting on a counter surrounded by bottles
She doesn’t come up in conversation very much — not today, anyway; 100 years ago it was a different story ...
Stella Cole, Stella Cole (Iron Lung Records) & The Crystal Teardrop, The Crystal Teardrop Is Forming (Popclaw/Rise Above Records)
Stella Cole, Stella Cole (Iron Lung Records) Don’t be fooled by the disposable-template look of the album cover. The world ...
The book cover of Tilt, by Emma Pattee
Tilt, by Emma Pattee (Marysue Rucci Books, 227 pages) If you’ve ever imagined yourself in the middle of a natural ...
A scene from SINNERS (R)
Director Ryan Coogler crafts a very good supernatural thriller studded with a few top-shelf musical set pieces — including one ...
• Abba dabba: Time travel back to the ’70s with Abba tribute act Mamma Mania! The New York City based-band ...
man standing on dirt road holding guitar
David Wilcox performs in Manchester A lot of David Wilcox’s fans consider him a musical minister, his songs providing spiritual ...

Kiddie Pool 25/04/24

Family fun for whenever

Vacation day at the museum

The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry; aviationmuseumofnh.org) is open two extra days for April school vacation. The museum will be open Monday, April 28, and Tuesday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in addition to the regular hours, which are Wednesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 6 to 12 and for veterans, active military and 65+, and free for kids 5 and under.

• There’s an extra day to see SEE Science Center (200 Bedford St. in Manchester; see-sciencecenter.org): Monday, April 28, for April school vacation in addition to its regular Tuesday-through-Sunday days of operation. SEE is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Admission costs $14 for ages 3 and up.

• The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive in Concord; starhop.com) is also open daily Wednesday, April 16, through Sunday, May 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $13 for adults, $12 for 62+ and ages 13 through college, $10 for ages 3 to 12 and free for ages 2 and under. Planetarium shows are an additional $7 for ages 3 and up.

Game time

• The Fisher Cats will kick off a series of games at Delta Dental Stadium in downtown Manchester against the Portland Sea Dogs on Tuesday, April 29, with a 6:35 p.m. game. Other games are Wednesday, April 30, at 5:05 p.m. (Waggin’ Wednesday, when leashed dogs can come to the park); Thursday, May 1, at 6:35 p.m. (with a koozie giveaway); Friday, May 2, at 6:35 p.m. (Grateful Dead Night), and Sunday, May 4, at 1:35 p.m. (Cats Con — “game will celebrate our favorite movies, comic books, heroes, villains … featuring characters from Double Midnight Comics!”), the website said. See milb.com/new-hampshire.

Bout time

• Check out the double-header season opener for NH Roller Derby on Saturday, April 26, at JFK Memorial Coliseum (303 Beech St. in Manchester). Doors open at 3:30 p.m. At 4 p.m. it’s the NH Roller Derby Cherry Bombs vs. Twin State Derby’s Bandits, and at 6 p.m. it’s an open gender mixed scrimmage (for A level experienced skaters ages 18+; sign up online), according to nhrollerderby.com. Tickets at the door cost $15 for adults, $5 for veterans and NH Roller Derby vets and kids 12 and under get in free, the website said.

Family fun

• Chunky’s (707 Huse Road in Manchester; chunkys.com) has upcoming family game nights. On Saturday, April 26, at 6 p.m. it’s a family trivia night about Bluey. On Sunday, April 27, at 1 p.m., and Friday, May 2, at 6:45 p.m., it’s a family-friendly theater candy bingo night, with a $10 ticket reserving you a seat (which comes with a bingo card, a box of candy for the pot and a $5 food voucher), according to the website. Chunky’s will also hold a family paint night event featuring A Minecraft Movie image on Friday, April 25, at 6 p.m. Admission costs $25 per person, the website said.

• Vacation hours at Krazy Kids (60 Sheep Davis Road in Pembroke; krazykids.com) will be Monday, April 28, through Thursday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and then from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 2, with Glow Night hours from 6 to 9 p.m.

Cowabunga’s (725 Huse Road in Manchester; cowabungas.com) will be open daily through April school vacation week with visits by different costumed characters scheduled for each day, Monday, April 28, through Friday, May 2, according to the website. The characters are slated to appear at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for photos and to play a game, according to the website, where you can find the expected lineup.

Episode III

O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square (24 Calef Highway in Epping; oneilcinemas.com) is among the area theaters screening Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith(PG-13) a movie celebrating its (brace yourself) 20th anniversary. The theater will have more than one screening daily Thursday, April 24, through Wednesday, April 30.

Outdoor time

Trails open for the season at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (23 Science Center in Holderness; nhnature.org) on Thursday, May 1, from 9:30 a.m to 5 p.m. (with the last trail admission at 3:30 p.m.). Walk the ¾-mile live animal exhibit trail, which traverses meadows, forests and marsh boardwalks and features animals including coyote, fisher, red fox, bob cat, black bear, mountain lion, river otters, white-tailed deer, owls, raptors and more, according to a center press release. Admission costs $28 for adults, $26 for 65+ and $22 for ages 3 to 15, and is free for ages 2 and under, the release said.

The Art Roundup 25/04/24

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

Childhood memories: Nashua Theatre Guild presents the New Hampshire premiere of Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a play by Katie Forgette, on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, at 2 p.m. at the Court Street Theatre (14 Court St. in Nashua). The story is a “bittersweet memory play about a Catholic childhood in the 1970s … a gently funny, often hilarious and touching production directed by Vicky Sandin,” according to nashuatheatreguild.org. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for 65+, students and military.

Our Town: Tickets are on sale now for the Community Players of Concord’s Thornton Wilder’s Our Town on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St. in Concord). Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for 17 and under and 65+. See communityplayersofconcord.org

Basket making: Ruth Boland will hold a series of basket-making classes (three eight-week sessions) for all levels, beginners included, starting Tuesday, April 29, in Nashua. The classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For a fee of $200, attend any 10 classes during the session including multiple classes during a week, with additional classes available for $10 per class or for $32 per class attend individual classes, according to an email. Email ruthbolandbasketry@aol.com to register or for additional information.

Playreading: Theatre Kapow’s ARTiculate series returns with a live reading of the play Bauer by playwright Luren Gunderson on Sunday, May 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org). The play “tells the visceral and true story of forgotten modern artist Rudolf Bauer, struggling with his fading place in the history of art,” according to the Currier’s website. After the reading, there will be an “expert-led conversation in the galleries inspired by the themes of the play and the Currier’s latest exhibition, ‘Nicolas Party and Surrealism: An Artist’s Take on the Movement,’” the website said. Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for 65+ and students and $15 for ages 13 to 17. See currier.org.

Jack of Diamonds
Majestic Productions will present Jack of Diamonds, a comedy about four residents of a retirement home trying to regain their savings stolen by a crooked financial adviser, on Friday, April 25, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 26, at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, at 2 p.m. at Majestic Theatre (880 Page St. in Manchester; majestictheatre.net). Tickets cost $15 to $20.

Play fest: The Players’ Ring (105 Marcy St. in Portsmouth; playersring.org) will present Dionysia: A Festival of Short Plays Friday, April 25, through Sunday, April 27, with shows on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and shows on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15.

Summer show: Disney’s Freaky Friday will be the summer musical appearing on the Wilcox Main Stage of the Prescott Park Arts Festival in Portsmouth Friday, June 20, through Sunday, Aug. 10. Show will be most Thursdays through Sundays at 7 p.m. Matinees will be announced later this season. Reservations opening in May. See prescottpark.org.

Craft classes: The Meredith League of NH Craftsmen has several upcoming classes, according to a press release. On Sunday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. it’s an Advanced Stained Glass Class with artist Sue Ries; tuition is $55 plus a $45 materials fee. On Wednesday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. it’s a Mini Textile House Workshop with artist Cheryl Miller; tuition is $50 plus a $25 materials fee. On Saturday, May 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., it’s a Nuno Felted Scarf Workshop with artist Melinda LaBarge held at the Meredith Community Center; tuition costs $68 plus a $25 materials fee. Also May 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., it’s a Fun with Felt class; tuition costs $45 plus a $20 materials fee, the release said. The Meredith League of NH Craftsmen Fine Craft Gallery is at 279 DW Highway in Meredith and call 279-7920 to register; see meredith.nhcrafts.org/classes.

Mother’s Day concert: St. Peter’s Church (Mammoth Road at 3 Peabody Row in Londonderry) will hold a “Contemporary Baroque” chamber music concert with the Brandenburg and Beyond ensemble on Sunday, May 11, at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public (donations accepted), according to a church email. “You will hear classic baroque works including Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, themes from Masterpiece Theatre … and many others,” the email said. See stpeterslondonderry.org and brandenburgandbeyond.com.

This Week 25/04/24

Friday, April 25

Nashua Theatre Guild presents the New Hampshire premiere ofIncident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a play by Katie Forgette, tonight, tomorrow, Saturday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, at 2 p.m. at the Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua). The story is a “bittersweet memory play about a Catholic childhood in the 1970s … a gently funny, often hilarious and touching production directed by Vicky Sandin,” according to nashuatheatreguild.org. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for 65+, students and military.

Saturday, April 26

Today is Open Farm Day at Coppal House Farm (118 N. River Road, Lee, 659-3572, nhcornmaze.com) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring animal viewing, farm demonstrations, treats from local food vendors, live music, horse-drawn wagon rides and more.

Saturday, April 26

Today is Dance Day at Pumps & Pirouettes (250 Commercial St., Manchester, 518-5350, pumpsnpirouettes.com), from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with classes running all day long in shortened blocks to allow new and experienced dancers alike the chance to try out all the styles that Pumps & Pirouettes offers including ballet, heels, jazz, hip-hop, k-pop, contemporary and more. Each class runs for 30 mins and costs $1.

Saturday, April 26

It’s Independent Book Store Day! Balin Books (375 Amherst St. in Nashua; balinbooks.com) will have refreshments, exclusives, a rack of advance reading copies and more with 10 percent of the day’s sales (including $1 per advance reading copy) going to the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, according to an email from the book store. Bookery (844 Elm St., Manchester, bookerymht.com) has plans for local authors, giveaways, discounts, live music and more, according to an email from the store. Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St., Concord, gibsonsbookestore.com) will offer “exclusive merch, giveaways, maybe even some games and activities,” according to an email from the store. Check with your favorite indie bookstore for updates.

Sunday, April 27

Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group perform tonight at the Chubb Theatre (Chubb Theatre at CCA, 44 S. Main St, Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) starting at 7:30 p.m Tickets start at $58.28.

Sunday, April 27

The Hooksett Lions Club Presents its 28th Annual Model Train and Modeling Show today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cawley Middle School (89 Whitehall Road, Hooksett). This event features vendors, operating layouts, raffles, a white elephant table, food, clinics and more. Admission is $7 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 12, and free for children five and under.

Tuesday, April 29

Meet Ellie, Nashua’s newest police dog at the Nashua Public Library (2 Court St., Nashua, 589-4600, nashualibrary.org) today at 1 p.m. Meet Officer Turcotte and his partner, K9 Ellie, and learn about Ellie’s job at the police department, ask questions or simply say hello.

Save the Date! Tuesday, April 29

The Flying Gravity Circus, featuring children and teens who learn the circus arts, will perform a show called “One Man’s Trash” Tuesday, May 6, at 7 p.m. at Pine Hill Auditorium at the HIgh Mowing School in Wilton. Tickets cost $16.30 for adults, $11.20 for kids. See flyinggravitycircus.org.

Featured photo: Independent Bookstore Day Logo.

Quality of Life 25/04/24

Gold (golden brown) anniversary

As reported in an April 18 online story by New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR), the chicken tender has celebrated its 50th anniversary. Manchester comedian and chicken tender activist Nick Lavallee, known as “The Mayor of Tender Town,” organized a celebration at the Puritan Backroom Restaurant on Thursday, April 17, to celebrate the chicken tender’s entry into middle age. Food historians speculate that Manchester-style chicken tenders originated at the Puritan. NHPR quoted Lavallee: “A Manchester style tendie. Not only is it marinated in a blend of pineapple juice and other things, but when it’s served fresh and hot, it’s like it’s more of a crisp than a crunch,” he said. “It’s the best. There’s nothing quite like a Manchester style tender.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: As reported by WMUR in an April 17 online article, the cast of the MTV show Jersey Shore visited the Puritan to celebrate its chicken tenders. “Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino, Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi, Ronnie Magro and the crew from the show were at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester filming a new season of their show, Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, the story reported.

EZ to get scammed

An April 15 online story by WMUR stated, “The state Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission are working together to combat a scam that targets E-ZPass users in New Hampshire.” Many drivers have reported receiving fake text messages saying they have outstanding balances on their EZ accounts for unpaid tolls that need to be paid immediately. (For example: “Immediate action is required to avoid penalties and enforcement actions resulting from non-payment,” as the scam text QOL received just this week said.) “The agencies are planning to use data from reports to identify patterns and potentially disrupt scam operations,” the WMUR story reported.

QOL score: -1

Comment: WMUR quoted Senior Assistant Attorney General Brandon Garod, who emphatically stated that “E-ZPass will never text someone about an unpaid bill, something it makes clear on the front page of its website.”

A very senior prom

On Thursday, April 17, Winnacunnet High School students helped throw a prom for residents at a Hampton assisted living home. As reported in an April 18, online article by WMUR, “For months, students and residents at Cornerstone at Hampton worked together to plan the event, creating centerpieces, selecting songs for the DJ and crafting a menu.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: The prom’s theme was “Botanical Garden.” WMUR reported that “each resident was invited to bring a family member or friend as their prom date.”

QOL score: 62

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 63

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

Stay in the loop!

Get FREE weekly briefs on local food, music,

arts, and more across southern New Hampshire!