Category: News

This Week 25/01/23

Thursday, Jan. 23

There will be an author talk at the Nashua Public Library (2 Court St., Nashua, 589-4600, nashualibrary.org) tonight from 6 to 7 p.m., “The United States of Cryptids.” From the legendary Bigfoot to the obscure Snallygaster, writer J. W. Ocker uncovers the bizarre stories of these creatures and investigates how communities have embraced and celebrated their local cryptids. This event is free and open to the public.

Friday, Jan. 24

Esperanza Spaulding, one of the greatest jazz bassists playing today, will take the stage at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com) tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $59 and are available through the Center’s website.

Friday, Jan. 24

The curtain rises on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. presented by the Majestic Academy of Youth/Teens (majestictheatre.net) at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry) tonight through Sunday, Jan. 26. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. tonight; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25; and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $12 to $16.

Saturday, Jan. 24

There will be a Puzzle Swap at the Derry Public Library (64 E. Broadway, Derry, 432-6140, derrypl.org) today from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Love puzzles? This program is for you! You can donate your old puzzle to our puzzles, and take a new one home with you, whether you’re just taking a puzzle or leaving one. All are welcome.

Saturday, Jan. 24

Positive Street Art (48 Bridge St., Nashua, 589-9003, positivestreetart.org) will host a reception this evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Artists Michelle Peterson, Laura Zorawovicz, Dei Xhrist and Yasamin Safarzadeh will present a body of work one year in the making. Webs, wool and wood, mostly collected from rural spaces, some from commercial salvage, have been claimed and reworked. This event will include an orchestral performance by NH Philharmonic instrumentalist lead Nicholas So, a sound art piece by Dei Xhrist, and a string figure performance piece.

Saturday, Jan. 25

The Hooksett Winter Carnival will take place at the Hooksett Memorial School (5 Memorial Drive, Hooksett, 485-9890, memorial.sau15.net) today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be entertainment, vendors, snowshoeing, a bonfire with s’mores, a blood drive and more. Visit k16021.site.kiwanis.org/hooksett-winter-carnival.

Sunday, Jan. 26

Japan’s famous Yamato Drummers will perform at the Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) this afternoon beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets start at $38, through the Capitol Center’s website.

Save the Date! Saturday, Feb. 1

Queen City Black Market will be an event focused on the alternative, antique and oddity culture in New Hampshire. It will be held at the Henry J. Sweeney American Legion Post #2 (251 Maple St., Manchester, 623-9145, sweeneypost.org) on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 1 to 8 p.m. The market will pay homage to the alternative, punk, goth, DIY-scene in New Hampshire & New England. “Come join us and 20+ weirdo vendors” with a cash bar and food trucks, said the eventbrite page. Visit eventbrite.com to reserve a spot.

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 25/01/23

What about “Clear-o-Pathra”?

The results are in. On Monday, Jan. 13, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation announced the winners of this year’s “Name a Plow” contest to find official names for some of its snowplows. “After receiving 975 name suggestions and over 3,000 votes from across the state,” the agency posted on its Facebook page (facebook.com/NHDOT), “we are excited to showcase the ingenuity and humor of our Granite Staters.” The New Hampshire public suggested possible names in one round of voting in December, then chose from a slate of those names in another vote. The winning names were CTRL-SALT-DELETE with 21 percent of the votes, Tomie dePlowa and Live Free and Plow with 15 percent each, followed by Adam Sander and 6 Snow 3 with 13 percent each, The Big Leplowski with 12 percent, and Fritz Plowerbee with 11 percent.

QOL score: +1

Comment: In its announcement, the NHDOT reminded drivers “to give snowplows plenty of room to work!”

Cash, boom bang

In cooperation with the New Hampshire Lottery Commission, popular percussion-based band Recycled Percussion surprised students at Charlotte Avenue School in Nashua on Friday, Jan. 17 with a concert. The school was also presented with a check of $2,500 from the Lottery Commission. According to a Jan. 17 press release from the Commission, “the Charlotte Avenue Elementary School was randomly selected through a New Hampshire Lottery Facebook contest that generated over 800 entries.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: “Recycled Percussion is known as the original junk rock band and originally formed in Goffstown, NH,” the press release read. “The group performs across the globe using instruments built from recycled materials. Recycled Percussion placed third on season four of America’s Got Talent in 2009 and had a residency in Las Vegas for 10 years.”

More broadband coverage

As reported by Nashua Ink Link in a Jan.13 online article, New Hampshire is halfway toward meeting its goal to provide broadband service to more than 40,000 unserved or underserved addresses across the state. “The project, part of $122 million provided to the state for broadband under ARPA’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, must connect a total of 48,016 homes and businesses by the end of 2026,” the article read. In a press release, Taylor Caswell, the Commissioner of the state Department of Business and Economic Affairs, was quoted as saying, “As of Dec. 1, about 28,000 addresses, or 58 percent, now have access to high speed, reliable internet access. This was an historic investment and the results are significant.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: According to the same press release, “Well over 1,000 miles of fiber was installed, much of it in rural towns, but also places like the summit of Mount Washington, to help operations and communications at the state park and for the meteorologists at the Mt. Washington Observatory.” See nheconomy.com.

QOL score: 52

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 55

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

Let us know at [email protected].

Great day for Manchester

The Big Story – OSU’s Big Day: Monday was a great day for former Central High quarterbacks Ryan Day and Chip Kelly as they led Ohio State to a 34-23 win over Notre Dame for the college football championship. They’re the first locals to win a national championship since Concord’s Matt Bonner won the NBA title in 2013-14 with the San Antonio Spurs. Congrats, fellas.

Sports 101: Travis Kelce (172) now has a sizable lead over Jerry Rice (151) for most catches in playoff history. Who are the three guys who round out the top five?

News Item – Celtics Play-By-Play Guy Drew Carter Drools Over Jayson Tatum Feat: Good god, young fella, pump the homer-ism brakes on Tatum climbing the list of the highest point totals by the age of 27. Journalists are supposed to give context, not drool. Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Bob McAdoo didn’t have two gigantic advantages Tatum’s era has. Those guys couldn’t enter the league until 22, while for JT it was 19. Plus there was no three-point shot then. Which means JT got a 4,312-point head start. Take that away and he’s at 8,628, which isn’t even in the top 25. Though many ahead of him also had his advantages.

News Item – Playoff Notes:

Player of the Weekend – Jayden Daniels: The dynamic rookie was the catalyst for Washington’s shocking 45-31 upset of 1-seed Detroit by throwing for 299 and two TDs and running for another 51 yards.

Player of the Week II – Saquon Barkley: Ran for yards 205 on 26 carries and two TDs on runs of 78 and 62 yards.

Smartest Decision – Bills Coach Sean McDermott: For taking the FG to make it an eight-point lead over a TD on fourth and 1 with 3:29 left like most automaton analytics followers of the day. Because when Baltimore couldn’t convert the two-point try to tie it at 1:33 the sure-thing FG won the game.

Turnovers Kill – Lesson 22,015: All the stats went to Baltimore. But they lost three and the Bills had none.

The Numbers:

2 – in Shaq Mason and Joe Thuney, guards playing in the playoffs for the Chiefs and Texans on Saturday who were shown the door by the offense-line-challenged Patriots.

6 – with two more in Philly’s win, league record TD runs of 60 yards plus in one season by Barkley.

100 – percent for sure prediction/boast from Rex Ryan he was a shoo-in to become Jets coach for a second time. But not so, as he was out of it before he even got interviewed.

… Of the Week Awards

Thumbs Up – Major League Baseball: For banning Yankees fans/nitwits Austin Capobianco and John Hansen from all major league parks indefinitely for grabbing Mookie Betts’ arm and ripping the ball out of his glove on a play down the line in the World Series to “help their team.”

Sports 101 Answer: Nos. 3-5 all-time playoff reception leaders are Julian Edelman (116), Rob Gronkowski (98) and Tyreek Hill (96).

Prediction – Next Week NFL:

Buffalo 23-16: Bills finally get by KC thanks to the league laying down the law to the officials to not give KC any more game-changing gift calls.

Washington 27-24: Commanders stay the actual biggest story in D.C. by getting to their first SB since 1992.

Final Thought – Slump or Something Else for Celtics: On Sunday the Celtics were 8-8 in their last 16 games and playing awful basketball. What is the problem? Could be just a slump as guys like Derrick White and Jrue Holiday are not playing well. Could also be teams adjusted to defending their three-point barrages or the self-satisfied complacency of a one-time champ that doesn’t have the hunger. It’s likely all of that plays a role. But it’s also time to call out the coach for the following:

Always making excuses for players rather than calling them out when they show little effort.

Having no alternative when threes aren’t falling besides Tatum and Jaylen Brown driving.

Never getting a good shot at the end of a quarter or game. Same thing: Tatum isolates one on one, wastes too much time, then takes a horrible off-balance fade-away that bricks.

Dumb strategy to give two FT’s when up by three with seconds left. That cost them Saturday’s game vs. Atlanta and gave New Orleans a two-point shot for the win that went in and out on Friday.

An idiotic day-off rest plan, like when Al Horford and fragile flower Kristaps Porzingis played against the worst team in the league (New Orleans) and then sat the next night vs. Atlanta, who they have trouble against because they kill them on the boards.

In short: Joe Mazzulla isn’t the only reason but he’s killing them.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

News & Notes 25/01/23

Birds & frogs

The New Hampshire Audubon’s annual Backyard Winter Bird Survey is slated for Saturday, Feb. 8, and Sunday, Feb. 9, and the Audubon will hold a webinar about how to participate in the survey on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 6:30 p.m. Go to nhaudubon.org to sign up to learn how to observe birds and submit data, identify commonly confused bird species and more, according to the Audubon’s newsletter. Instructions for participating in the count are also available on the website, the newsletter said.

The Massabesic Center in Auburn will also offer a Backyard Winter Bird Survey Practice Walk on Monday, Jan. 27, at 9 a.m. The event is free but RSVP online.

In the newsletter the NH Audubon also introduced its newest animal ambassadors: Northern Leopard Frog tadpoles. The frogs will have green and spotted skin and be on display at the Audubon’s centers, the newsletter said.

Volunteers & games

The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, 669-4877, aviationmuseumofnh.org) will hold a volunteer open house on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for those interested in volunteering at the museum and its programs, according to a press release. Those interested in attending can call and leave a message or e-mail [email protected].

Or just visit the museum to check out the exhibit of vintage aviation-themed board games, on display for a final weekend, along with the “Holiday Festival of Toy Planes and Model Aircraft,” through Sunday, Jan. 26. The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., the release said.

Class of 2026

Leadership New Hampshire, a program that seeks to help participants “explore critical issues facing the Granite State, gain a deeper understanding of its regions and communities, and create high-level, statewide connections,” is accepting applications for its class of 2026 through March 15. Those selected will participate in a 10-month program, according to a press release.

“Applications are open to anyone who has lived or worked in New Hampshire for at least one year,” the release said. See leadershipnh.org to apply or contact Leadership New Hampshire Associate Director Mandy Sliver at [email protected] for more information.

RIP David Lynch

Celebrate director David Lynch, who died last week, with a screening of his 2001 film Mulholland Drive (which is rated R) on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 6:30 p.m. at Red River Theatres, 11 S. Main St. in Concord. Lynch received a Best Directing nomination for the film, which he wrote and directed and which star Naomi Watts. See redrivertheatres.org.

Reed’s North in Warner will host a seaglass tree workshop on Sunday, Jan. 26, at 4 p.m. Register to learn to make this craft for $65 per person via Reed’s North’s Facebook page.

Bella Vita Dance Company will hold a 603 Salsa & Bachata Social at 859 Hanover St. in Manchester on Friday, Feb. 14, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20 solo admission, $35 for a couple ($5 more at the door). Lessons will run until 9 p.m., when the social dance will start. See bellavitadance.com.

Live Free Animal Rescue (livefreerescue.com) will hold its Great Gatsby Furball on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown. Tickets cost $125 and include a cocktail, dinner and dessert, according to the website, where you can find a link to purchase.

LaBelle Winery in Derry will host a Yellowstone-inspired dinner party on Friday, Jan. 31, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. featuring a three-course meal inspired by the TV show as well as games like cornhole and a mechanical bull, according to labellewinery.com, where you can purchase tickets ($85 per person).

Tickets are on sale now for the Granite Game Summit, a celebration of board games that will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Nashua with events Thursday, March 6, through Sunday, March 9. Tickets cost $80 and allow admission for all days ($35 for kids 13 and under). See granitegamesummit.com.

This Week 25/01/16

BIG EVENTS JANUARY 16 AND BEYOND

Thursday, Jan. 16

Coffee & Kindness (105 W. Pearl St., Nashua, 833-221-1822, coffeeandkindness.co) will host an open mic tonight from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Come to watch or come to perform. The mic is open for music, poetry and comedy. Full drink and food service is available; please arrive early to order before the show starts.

Friday, Jan. 17

Positive Street Art (48 Bridge St., Nashua, 589-9003, positivestreetart.org) will host a Vicus Vox (Latin for “Voice of the City”) open mic session this evening at 6 p.m., where participants can showcase their vocal talents with the community. Signups are on a first-come-first-served basis. All content must be friendly for all ages. The cost for spectators and participants is $5. Participants must fill out an application at tinyurl.com/4ckh3pzp.

Saturday, Jan. 18

Iconic jazz combo the Branford Marsalis Quartet will take the stage at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com) tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $49 and are available through the Nashua Center website.

Saturday, Jan. 18

The New Hampshire Wolves Hurling Club will hold its winter gala this evening from 7 to 11 p.m. at American Legion Hall 43 on Baboosic Lake Road in Merrimack. This first annual celebration brings together players, families and supporters to honor the achievements of the past hurling season and to kick off the new year with enthusiasm. Tickets begin at $30 and are available through the club’s website.

Sunday, Jan. 19

The Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) will present an afternoon of swing dancing, beginning with swing dancing lessons at 3:30 p.m., followed by dancing at 4 p.m. The 19-piece New Hampshire Jazz Orchestra, led by Clayton “Skip” Poole, a 45-year veteran of the idiom, and acclaimed vocalist Laura Poole will provide the backdrop for the event. Tickets are $30.75 and are available through the Capitol Center website.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

The Goffstown Public Library (2 High St., Goffstown, 497-2102, goffstownlibrary.com) will host a New Hampshire Humanities lecture on “A Taste of the Old Country in the New: Franco-Americans of Manchester” this evening at 6:30 p.m. Historian Robert Perreault will share stories about life in one of America’s major Franco-American centers. This lecture is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Comedian and New Hampshire native Sarah Silverman will take the stage at the Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) tonight at 8 p.m.

Save the Date! Friday, Jan. 24

The Hotel Concord and Intown Concord will host the seventh annual Concord NH Winter Fest, Friday, Jan. 24, and Saturday, Jan. 25. There will be ice-carving demonstrations, an ice-carving competition, a Food Truck Festival and more. This is an outdoor event, so come dressed for the winter weather. This year there will only be food-related vendors and event sponsors. Visit members.intownconcord.org/events.

Featured photo: Branford Marsalis Quartet

Quality of Life 25/01/16

Opioid deaths down in Manchester and Nashua

As reported in a Jan. 7 online article by WMUR, deaths from opioid overdoses fell dramatically in New Hampshire’s two largest cities in 2024. “According to American Medical Response, there were 46 suspected opioid deaths in Manchester in 2024, 21% fewer than in 2023,” the story reported. “In Nashua, there were 20 suspected opioid deaths, marking a 49% drop. These are the lowest numbers since AMR (American Medical Response) began tracking them in 2015.” In a related Dec. 13 story, WMUR reported that one factor in the drop in overdose deaths might be the increasing availability of emergency medication. “Narcan, also known as naloxone, can reverse a deadly opioid overdose. Today, it can be found in public buildings and first aid kits,” that story read.

QOL score: +2

Comment: To see data from the New Hampshire Drug Monitoring Initiative, a project of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Resources, regarding New Hampshire’s drug use, visit dhhs.nh.gov.

Reading is up in Nashua

Nashua residents checked out significantly more books from the Nashua Public Library in 2024 than the previous year. In a Jan. 9 article, Nashua Ink Link reported a 12 percent increase in the Library’s circulation. “We read nearly 44,000 more books than last year,” Ink Link quoted Library Director Jennifer McCormic. According to the Library staff, the book that was checked out the most — The Ride of Her Life: A True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across America by Elizabeth Letts — was read more than three times as often as the next most popular — 554 times, compared to 163 checkouts for The Women by Kristin Hannah.

QOL score: +1

Comment: For lists of the Library’s most popular books by category, visit a Dec. 29 post on the Library’s Facebook account at facebook.com/nashuapubliclibrary.

The long reach of long Covid

In a Jan. 9 blog post, the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute reported that according to a recent study, “long Covid” has had a substantial impact on New Hampshire’s work force. “Longstanding symptoms resulting from initial Covid-19 infections and Post-Acute Covid-19, more commonly known as ‘long-Covid,’ may have kept several thousand Granite Staters from returning to work,” the post read. “About 9,300 Granite Staters with current long-Covid symptoms may still experience impacts to their work, with approximately 5,300 workers reducing their hours and an estimated 4,000 leaving the workforce entirely.” The state’s relatively small population has exacerbated the effect of long-term Covid infection, Jessica Williams, a Policy Analyst with the Institute wrote. “With an average of only 20,000 residents unemployed and actively seeking work in 2024, long-Covid’s impact on labor force participation may pose a significant challenge to New Hampshire’s economic growth and prosperity.”

QOL score: -2

Comment: To read the report, visit nhfpi.org/blog.

QOL score: 51

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 52

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

Let us know at [email protected].

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