Category: News

Quality of Life 26/06/04

It only seems soggy

As reported by WMUR in a May 21 online article, “The latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows a sharply divided water situation across New Hampshire,” the story read. Despite a very green spring, “about 75% of New Hampshire remains in drought conditions, largely due to dry weather that began last summer and a prolonged lack of groundwater recharge.” Water from this spring’s rain has been absorbed by growing vegetation, so, although there is a lot of healthy vegetation, very little water has seeped deep into the groundwater.

QOL score: -1

Comment: Many residents are not well positioned to deal with droughts that may occur later this year, WMUR reported. “54% of the wells in the state’s groundwater monitoring network remain below normal levels for this time of year, according to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.”

Ice cream-cation

In a May 21 press release the State Division of Travel and Tourism announced that it “expects visitation and spending for New Hampshire’s 2026 summer travel season to remain consistent with last summer’s, with an estimated 4.8 million visitors generating approximately $2.6 billion in visitor spending statewide.” The press release said that a key part of the State’s tourism strategy this year will be the New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail, a list of 69 ice cream stands across the state. “New Hampshire farms are known not only for producing healthy, delicious food but also for turning agriculture into memorable experiences through agritourism activities like the Ice Cream Trail,” said Josh Marshall, Assistant Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food. There is an interactive website that lets you look at the stops on this year’s Ice Cream Trail and filter the results alphabetically, by region, by town, and by amenities available. Visit visitnh.gov/things-to-do/food-drink/ice-cream-trail.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Enthusiasts who fill out an Ice Cream Passport with visits to at least two official stops in each region of the state and 55 stops in total can mail their passports in to the Department of Tourism at the end of the season for bragging rights and a commemorative T-shirt.

Potty drama

In a May 28 online article Nashua InkLink reported a new development in Nashua’s City Hall Plaza ongoing portable toilet predicament. “Clean Restroom Rentals — the company contracted to maintain the porta-potty on City Hall Plaza — notified the city last week that they are no longer able to maintain it due to its current state and ‘constant abuse,’ according to Administrative Service Director Tim Cummings,” the article read. “Cummings told the Committee on Infrastructure Wednesday night that some ‘behaviors and activities’ are making it problematic for them to keep up with the management of it, which includes the pumping and disposal of waste.” The story said that according to Nashua Police, issues around the porta-potty over the past two months have included “people congregating in the area of the porta-potty, alleged drug use, and people sleeping in the unit at night.” There have also been issues of trash and needle caps being disposed of in the unit, the article said.

QOL score: -1

Comment: Nashua InkLink quoted Alderman Patricia Klee, who has looked into how other cities deal with this sort of issue. “San Francisco has porta-potties throughout their entire city that self-wash and so on. Nobody will stay in them for any length of time because they will be locked in there and ‘chemicaled’, Klee said.”

QOL score last week: 48

Net change: -1

QOL this week: 47

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 26/06/04

Tick reminder

The most common tick bite-spread infections in New Hampshire are “Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Powassan virus, and hard-tick relapsing fever (Borrelia miyamotoi),” according to a May 27 press release from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

The release also reminds residents that mosquitoes in New Hampshire “can spread illnesses such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), West Nile Virus, and Jamestown Canyon Virus.”

“Ticks are typically most active from April to November, with tick encounters peaking in May and June. … Warmer weather also brings mosquitoes, and the risk of diseases spread by mosquitoes begins in the spring and continues throughout the summer and into the fall. DHHS partners with municipalities across the state to trap and test mosquitoes from June through October, using test results to inform communities of local risk for diseases carried by mosquitoes,” the release said. At dhhs.nh.gov, you can see the press release and find a link to the Department’s tickborne diseases page, which offers tips on protecting yourself and an explanation on the blacklegged tick (deer tick) life cycle.

According to a May 29 press release from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, while at a press conference in New Hampshire, Department Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “announced a series of major initiatives to strengthen the nation’s response to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.” See hhs.gov/press-room.

NH’s own Seth Meyers

Comedian and host of NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, Manchester High School West alum Seth Meyers will perform at the SNHU Arena in Manchester on Friday, Aug. 7, at 8 p.m. The performance will benefit CASA of New Hampshire and the Granite State Children’s Alliance, according to a SNHU Arena press release. See snhuarena.com for tickets.

Conference update

The New Hampshire Writers’ Project has changed the date and venue for its upcoming 603 Writers’ Conference, according to a press release. The conference will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, at Grappone Conference Center, 70 Constitution Ave. in Concord, the release said. The event will still feature keynote speaker author Chris Bohjalian and “expert-led workshops, a moderated AI panel discussion, the signature Pitch Party & Social, catered meals, and networking opportunities,” according to a press release. See nhwritersproject.org to register.

NH’s outdoors

The Granite Outdoor Alliance will hold its “Outdoor Industry Day 2026: The Barn Raiser” on Wednesday, June 10, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Barn on the Pemi in Plymouth, according to a press release. “Outdoor Industry Day is GOA’s annual gathering celebrating New Hampshire’s outdoor economy and the businesses, nonprofits, public partners, and leaders helping shape the sector statewide,” the release said. See graniteoutdooralliance.org/nh-outdoor-industry-day for tickets.

Concord Parks & Rec and Merrimack River Watershed Council will hold a Park Clean Up Day on Saturday, June 6, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Healy Park and Exit 13, on Basin Street, according to the City Manager’s May 29 newsletter. Volunteers must be 18+ and sign a waiver; wear long pants and boats and bring work gloves and bug spray, the newsletter said.

Allenstown will hold a townwide yard sale on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to allenstownnh.gov, where you can check for a listing of addresses holding a sale.

The summer Free Fishing Day in New Hampshire is Saturday, June 6, when residents and nonresidents can “fish any inland water — or saltwater — in New Hampshire” without a fishing license, according to wildlife.nh.gov, which noted that season dates and other fishing regulations still apply.

The Nashua ER, a free-standing emergency room that is a campus of Catholic Medical Center at 338 Amherst St. in Nashua, will hold a community event and open house on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring a touch-a-truck, free hot dogs and snow cones, kids’ games and free stuffed monkeys (while supplies last) and live entertainment, according to a press release.

This Week 26/05/28

Thursday, May 28

Manchester’s Taco Tour takes place today from 4 to 8 p.m. in downtown Manchester. See tacotourmanchester.com and our story in the May 21 issue on page 24, available in our digital library at hippopress.com.

Saturday, May 30

Sip and Sun Brew Fest will take place today from noon to 4 p.m. at Mel’s Funway Park in Litchfield, featuring tastings from local breweries, live music from The Slakas, food trucks and more, according to melsfunwaypark.com, where you can purchase tickets.

Saturday, May 30

NH Roller Derby continues its season with a doubleheader against Garden State Roller Derby today at 4 p.m. at JFK Coliseum, 303 Beech St. in Manchester, according to nhrollerderby.com.

Saturday, May 30

Synthfest 2026, an evening of live electronic music, will take place today from 5 to 8 p.m. in Rollins Park Gazebo in Concord, according to boseyjoe.com/synthfest. The line-up includes Bosey Joe, Green Leader and Hyponova, according to the website.

Saturday, May 30

Concord Community Music School’s “New England Roots & Branches” series will hold a Contra dance today, starting with an open slow jam session at 6 p.m. followed by a dance called by David Millstone at 7 p.m. at the Citywide Community Center on Canterbury Road in Concord, according to a school newsletter. Performers include Audrey Budington, Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki, and Liz Faiella on fiddles and Dan Faiella on guitar, the newsletter said. See ccmusicschool.org.

Saturday, May 30

Just Another Day, “a heartfelt and humorous theatrical production starring acclaimed actors Dan Lauria and Patty McCormack,” will be presented by The Front Door Agency at Souhegan High School in Amherst today at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m., according to a press release for the Front Door Agency, an “organization that invests in New Hampshire individuals and families as they transition from crisis to self-sufficiency.” Lauria is best-known for his role as Jack Arnold, Kevin’s dad, on the original The Wonder Years, and McCormack’s career in theater, television and film included her role in The Bad Seed as a child, the email said.

Saturday, May 30

The Nashua Chamber Orchestra wraps up its 2025-2026 season with a concert tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Nashua Community College featuring “the next generation of award-winning musical talent,” according to a press release. “Sixteen-year-old Antonio Casarano will perform Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C major. The orchestra commissioned a new work, Celebratory Overture by Nashua High School senior, composer & oboist Anthony Umbro, which will be premiered. Other works performed will be Delius’ On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring and Schubert’s ‘Tragic’ Symphony,” the release said. The orchestra will also play Sunday, May 31, at 3 p.m. at Milford Town Hall. See nco-music.org for tickets.

Sunday, May 31

The Palace Theatre’s annual Kitchen Tour will take place Sunday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring a self-guided tour of kitchens in southern New Hampshire, according to palacetheatre.org, where you can purchase tickets (a lunch is included).

Friday, June 19
Northlands Music and Arts Festival will take place Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21, at the Cheshire Fairgrounds in Swanzey, according to northlandslive.com, where you can purchase passes to the festival for three days or one day and find information about camping and parking. You can also find the line-up of bands on each day (Dirty Heads, pictured, is slated to perform Friday) on the website as well as information on food, craft and art vendors, health and wellness activities and kids’ activities.

Quality of Life 26/05/28

Hey! Their feelings are tender, too!

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats occasionally play under two other names during home games: the Manchester Chicken Tenders (to celebrate Manchester’s reputation as the “Chicken Tender Capital of America”) and the New Hampshire Space Potatoes (celebrating New Hampshire’s special history of UFO reports). In an open letter to the team on May 12, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine asked the team “to retire your Manchester Chicken Tenders identity and stop Tender Tuesdays, both of which promote unhealthy fried chicken.” The letter went on to explain that “eating 300 grams of poultry — about six typical chicken tenders — per week has also been found to increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancer and death from all causes.”

QOL score: -1 because, we know, docs, but hands off our tendies (meanwhile, chicken tender fans can head to instagram.com/tendertownies to check out the 2026 Chicken Tender Passport challenge and contest going on until July 21 at participating Manchester restaurants)

Comment: In a May 20 email to the Hippo, Fisher Cats General Manager Taylor Fisher wrote: “We are aware of the press release from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. The Chicken Tenders is an alternate identity meant to capture the fun, quirky nature of Minor League Baseball, an experience we’re proud to create for our fans no matter what we’re playing as. We’re equally proud of the local history the identity is based on, paying homage to Manchester’s Puritan Backroom Restaurant, where the chicken tenders were invented in 1974, a legacy our community understands and celebrates.”

Spring can be hard on a person’s lungs

Last week was a rough week for air quality. In a May 19 online article, NHPR reported that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services had issued a Code Orange alert “in anticipation of unhealthy ground-level ozone in Rockingham County,” adding, “The air quality alert also covers parts of the state that are higher than 2,000 feet in elevation.” Additionally, a May 22 forecast on accuweather.com predicted levels of airborne tree pollen between “high” and “very high” for the following week in the Manchester area.

QOL score: -2

Comment: According to the NHPR article, “a ‘code orange’ is an alert issued when air pollution levels are considered unhealthy for children and older adults, anyone with lung disease, and people who are active outdoors. Experts recommend people take precautions by limiting outdoor exertion.” AccuWeather.com advised pollen-sensitive breathers, “During peak season for tree pollen, keep your windows and doors closed, especially on windy days. Avoid outdoor activities in the early morning, and be sure to shower and change clothes after coming indoors. Taking allergy medication can also help alleviate symptoms.”

QOL score last week: 51

Net change: -3

QOL this week: 48

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

Summer begins

The Big Story – Memorial Day weekend

It’s not officially summer, but it makes it feel like summer has arrived. However, it brings an early holiday deadline that messes with my usual formula, so I’m doing something a little different today by giving my blueprint for how the C’s should reshuffle the deck.

Sports 101: Name the only three basketball players to win a HS State Championship, NCAA title, NBA title and Olympic gold.

News Item – Calendar Day: Come Monday, June 1, the Eagles can affordably make the long-rumored A.J. Brown deal to the Pats. What cost is moving him worth to you? Not more than a second-round pick for me, because at 29 he’s probably got three years left as a prime receiver.

Celtics Blueprint

The annual “we have to split up Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown” nonsense has begun. However, while it is a dumb practice, I could live with a deal for either depending upon whether the offer was eye-opening enough. It would have to achieve at least one of the following; (1) Makes them younger and deeper. (2) Someone in the middle who can cover Joel Embiid. (3) Spreads out years between max contracts to top players to manage the cap better. (4) A younger, cheaper on-the-way-up guy who’ll grow into what Brown or Tatum were at the same age in their careers.

Who Goes – Tatum or Brown: This year taught us they can win with either. So the one who goes is simply the one who brings the most back. That’s likely Tatum.

Rumors – Giannis Antetokounmpo: He’s one of my all-time favorites. But he’s 32, unsigned past this year, and his last two seasons have ended with injuries. All red flags. The only place he improves what’s needed most is size and scoring underneath.

A few names who’d interest me:

Nikola Jokic – Not likely, but Denver may be looking to shake it up. They’d give up quickness to fill the hole in the middle while improving ability to score better in half court and rebounding.

Deni Avdija – What’s not to like? He scores, rebounds and passes. Just nobody around here knows how good he is.

Stephon Castle – This guy’s got it — duende. A winner.

Jalen Johnson– It took him a while to get the career going with Atlanta but he’s been solid the last two years, culminating with last year’s 22.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game.

Acceptable deals:

Scottie Barnes and R.J. Barrett –Makes them more versatile offensively by adding two 20-point-per-night scorers for Toronto last year.

Amen Thompson– His age 21, 22 and 23 with Houston were all better than Brown’s. And he’s already the best wing defender in the league. Throw in 7-footer Jabari Smith to add size in the middle and I’m in.

The Numbers:

22 – points behind with 8:19 left before the Knicks overcame the largest fourth-quarter playoff deficit in franchise history in their 115-104 Game 1 playoff win over Cleveland

60.2 – regular season shooting percent for MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, which is unheard of by a guard

A Little History – The Memorial Day Massacre: It was an epic beatdown when the Celtics opened the 1985 NBA Finals with a 148-114 Game 1 slaughter of the Lakers. So bad that Celtics rookie Charles Bradley turned it into the first Celtics dunk-a-thon.

But it was also a lesson that taught all it was just one game, nothing more. Which L.A. demonstrated by winning the next two leading to a 4-2 Finals win.

Sports 101 Answer: The rare four-title champs are Jerry Lucas, Magic Johnson and Quinn Buckner.

Final Thought – Be Careful What You Wish For: The L.A. Clippers had Kawhi Leonard ready to re-sign if they could acquire another major star like Oak City’s Paul George. Which the usually wrong pundits all said would make them a true contender. But this deal reminds us trades are not won on paper, as Thunder GM Sam Presti used L.A.’s desperation for a star to extract an astonishing six first-round picks and an afterthought rookie on their current roster for George.

So who won that deal? Well, the Clippers never won more than 51 games, missed the playoffs entirely once, were Round 1 losers twice, and after playing just 236 of 410 games with L.A. the constantly injured George is now in Philly.

Meanwhile one of those six picks became All-Star Jalen Williams, and that rookie thrown into the deal is now two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after leading them to become reigning NBA champs and getting close again. And astonishingly they still have the 12th pick this year from a deal made in 2020.

Thus desperation led L.A. to make arguably the worst NBA trade in history.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 26/05/28

Teacher award

The New Hampshire Department of Education announced the three finalists for 2027 Teacher of the Year: Rebecca Fortgang, a French teacher at Pembroke Academy in Pembroke; Katherine McDonough, a Latin teacher at Rundlett Middle School and Concord High School in Concord, and Christ Powers, a math teacher at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, according to a May 19 press release. “An award winner will be announced in June,” the release said.

Give blood, get stuff

The American Red Cross is calling on people to give blood ahead of the summer season, according to a May 20 press release from the American Red Cross Northern New England Region. Schedule a donation at redcrossblood.org. Those who donate by May 31 will receive an oversized Red Cross beach towel while supplies last, the release said. Those who donate between June 1 and June 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice and be entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards, the release said. See RedCrossBlood.org/June for details.

Eyass update

Madi, named by Manchester’s Hillside Middle School’s fifth-grade math and science class for Mount Madison, hatched early May 20 and is the first eyass (falcon hatchling) to hatch from the group of five eggs this season at the peregrine falcon nest at the Brady Sullivan Tower in Manchester, according to the Daily Log accessible via the live video feeds from the nest. The peregrine cam offers livestreaming video of the nest via NH Audubon and the support of Peregrine Networks and Brady Sullivan Properties, according to nhaudubon.org/education/birds-and-birding/peregrine-cam. A meet & greet for those looking to learn more about the peregrine falcons will take place Saturday, June 27, at 10 a.m. at Brady Sullivan Tower, 1750 Elm St. in Manchester, according to the log, where you can find a list of needed supplies for the Wings of Dawn Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Bird Sanctuary in Henniker.

Art show for a cause

Darbster Rescue will hold its Pawsitive Energy Juried Art Show at Darbster Kitty, 332 Kelley St. in Manchester, Thursday, June 4, through Sunday, June 7, with a reception on June 4 from 5 to 8 p.m., according to a press release. Darbster Rescue will receive a donation for each sale, according to darbsterfoundation.com.

Pride month

Manchester True Collaborative will hold the Pride Flag raising at City Hall Plaza in Manchester on Monday, June 1, at 11:30 a.m., according to a post on the group’s Facebook page, where you can find details about other upcoming Pride Month events.

Writers’ Conference

The New Hampshire Writers’ Project will hold its annual 603 Writers’ Conference on Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, featuring “expert-led workshops, a moderated AI panel discussion, the signature Pitch Party & Social, catered meals, and networking opportunities,” according to a press release. See nhwritersproject.org to register.

Correction

The Taste of Downtown Nashua will take place Wednesday, June 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., according to downtownnashua.org, where you can check back for updates and to purchase tickets. (Hippo’s Summer Guide in the May 21 issue had the event incorrectly listed for earlier in June.)

“LaBelle in Bloom,” a five-year anniversary celebration for the LaBelle Winery’s Derry location (14 Route 111 in Derry), will be held on Saturday, June 6, at 6:30 p.m., according to labellewinery.com, where you can purchase tickets and see the dinner menu. The gala will also serve as a fundraiser for Lydia’s House of Hope, the website said.

A plant sale to benefit Community Hospice House will take place Saturday, May 30, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at St. John Neumann Parish, 708 Milford Road in Merrimack, according to thebiglittlegarden.com. Have a plant sale? Let us know at adiaz@hippopress.com.

There will be a Household Hazardous Waste Collection day on Thursday, June 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Nashua Park and Ride, 25 Crown St. in Nashua for residents of Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, Pelham and Windham, according to a press release. “Businesses must call NRPC [417-6570] to register and pay,” the release said. The cost is a “$20 fee per vehicle, for up to 10 gallons or 20 pounds. Cash or check made out to NRSWMD. … No Latex/Acrylic Paint, No Electronics, No Medications,” the release said. See nashuarpc.org/hhw.

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