Category: News

Day and Kelly go for CFP title

The Big Story – Will it be Ryan’s Day vs. ND? It’s one win to go for former Central High School QBs Ryan Day and Chip Kelly. The ’90s QB and Offensive Coordinator duo at UNH get their shot at winning the CFP national championship Monday in Atlanta when Ohio State faces Notre Dame.

OSU got there behind a 14-point fourth quarter to earn a methodical 28-14 win over Texas, with the decisive blow being defensive end Jack Sawyer turning his strip sack of Quinn Ewers into an 83-yard scoop and score with 2:13 left. ND got there with a 27-24 win over Penn State.

The game comes your way at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.

Sports 101: Dustin Pedroia is one of eight players to win Rookie of the Year, win an MVP award and be on two World Series winners. Name the other seven.

News Item – Big Story II: It is the one talk radio buzzed about all week: who would be the Patriots’ new head coach. It turned out to be a return to the good old days in Mike Vrabel. No surprise there, and news that it was the three-time Super Bowl winner was met mostly with cheers thanks to his impressive six-year stint as Tennessee Titans coach between 2018 and 2023.

News Item – Interesting Rumor: It’s the one where Raiders minority owner Tom Brady may be interested in a reunion with Bill Belichick as HC of the LVRs.

Yes, he’s now HC at North Carolina. But it’s not like he hasn’t walked out on a new job before. Like when he was HC of the NYJs for one day. All it would take is paying off his $10 million buyout, which is NFL chump change these days. No way, you say? Maybe, but stranger things have happened.

News Item – Playoff Notes:

Patriots fans couldn’t miss the barf-inducing nine catches for 197 yards by Ladd McConkey on Saturday. Yes, the same Ladd the Patriots handed the Chargers by trading out of the 34th pick where L.A. got him, so NE could take Ja’Lynn Polk three picks later. Whose entire rookie season — eight catches for 87 yards — didn’t match what McConkey did Saturday.

The Ravens ran for an astonishing 299 yards vs. Pittsburgh, led by Derrick Henry’s 186. That was the third time he ran for 150+ in the playoffs to tie Terrell Davis for most times doing that.

Hope the analytics “always go for it on fourth down no matter what” goofballs noticed that passing on two chip shot FG’s inside their five-yard line for two failed go-for-it attempts nearly cost Washington their win vs. Tampa Bay. It worked once for a TD in three tries, giving them a temporary 20-17 lead. Which TB soon made 20-20 with a FG. However, if Washington had gone for the three chip shot FG’s it would have been 22-20 and they wouldn’t have needed total luck to survive the bad coaching with a doinked-off-the-crossbar FG that barely trickled over as time expired.

The Numbers:

2nd & 40 – the you-don’t-see-this-every-day situation Houston found itself in after a series of penalties took the ball from the 12-yard line to the other side of mid-field. And they still almost got the first down, falling four yards short, leading to a FG.

4 – interceptions thrown by Chargers QB Justin Herbert vs. Houston after throwing only three in 17 regular season games in 2024.

… Of the NFL Season Awards

Thumbs Down – NFL and Amazon Prime: Bad form by the NFL to keep the Baltimore-Pittsburgh Wild Card game off regular TV in lieu of Prime Video. Fans should pay both back for that.

Sports 101 Answer: Frank Robinson, Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Thurman Munson, Jose Canseco, Albert Pujols and Justin Verlander.

Final Thought – Vrabel’s a Safer Choice but — : I have to say that despite Mike Vrabel being my favorite player in the first half of the Patriots dynasty, I was hoping for a guy with a background in developing young QBs and creative 21st-century offense to become the new Patriots coach.

But that doesn’t mean he’s a bad choice. Since track records matter, he’s the safest choice because his 56-45 record in Tennessee shows he can win in the NFL. And I know he’ll bring toughness to a team that needs it. But I wonder if owner Bob Kraft is living in the past and trying to recreate an era that’s gone. Can Vrabel adapt? His Titans won by grounding and pounding behind all-time great Derrick Henry. He doesn’t have that here or a line to do it even if he did. That makes the OC choice key. Hopefully he finds a guy who complements him the way Ben Johnson does Dan Campbell in Detroit. So while it’s likely a good hire, I’ll hold off on a grade until he rounds out his staff.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

News & Notes 25/01/16

Radon Action Month

According to a press release from the American Lung Association, about 35 percent of radon test results in New Hampshire equal or exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s action level, as reported in the Association’s “State of Lung Center” report, which you can see at lung.org/research/state-of-lung-cancer. As part of January and National Radon Action Month, “the Lung Association in New Hampshire strongly urges all residents to test their home for radon and take immediate steps to mitigate the threat if high levels are found,” the release said. “Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless naturally occurring radioactive gas emitted from the ground…. [Radon] is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked.” Get a free radon test kit at freeradontestkit.com/ala. See lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/radon for more on radon.

Museums, assemble

The Currier Museum of Art, SEE Science Center, the Manchester Historic Association, which operates the Millyard Museum, and the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire are launching a “Manchester Museums” collaboration that will seek to promote the museums, according to a press release. A new website, manchestermuseumsnh.org, will offer links to the four museums’ websites as well as a suggested two-day trip itinerary. The partnership will hold a launch on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 4 p.m. at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, 54 Hanover St., the release said.

“Cultural institutions are the heartbeat of a city’s economy, weaving creativity and heritage into the fabric of daily life, driving tourism, innovation, and community growth,” said Heather McGrail, president and CEO of Greater Manchester Chamber, in the press release.

The four institutions are launching the campaign in advance of the November 2025 convention of the New England Museum Association, which will be held in Manchester, the release said.

Franco-American guv

Kelly Ayotte, who officially became New Hampshire’s governor on Jan. 9, is the first Franco-American elected to the office, according to a note in the Franco-American Centre’s newsletter from the Centre’s executive director John Tousignant. She is also the first Republican woman to hold the office, the note said. Large numbers of French Canadians moved to New Hampshire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the note said.

Cash to charge

New Hampshire received $15 million in federal grants for publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, according to a press release from the state’s Department of Transportation, which applied with collaboration from New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and others. The funds will be used for the “Next Level NH” program, which will increase EV charging hubs throughout the state, the release said. See dot.nh.gov/projects-plans-and-programs/ev-charging-infrastructure for more on the projects.

Go, Twitchers

The Twitchers, a New Hampshire Audubon team that participates in the Mass Audubon’s annual Superbowl of Birding, will once again seek to find the most bird species during a 12-hour period on Saturday, Jan. 25, according to a press release. The Twitchers, led by captain Becky Suomala, are looking to raise $4,000 for the NH Audubon Conservation Department, the release said. See nhaudubon.org/make-a-donation-to-twitchers for more on the Twitchers. For more on the event, which covers the Massachusetts North Shore as well as towns in Rockingham County, see massaudubon.org and look for “Superbowl of Birding” in Programs & Events.

From church to home

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance has a new handbook available to “assist congregations that are considering leaving or repurposing historic properties and want to explore their building’s re-use for housing,” according to an Alliance email. The handbook, Transitioning Religious Properties to Meet Housing Needs, is available for download for free at nhpreservation.org or for purchase as a hard copy for $22.

The preservation trades

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance is also offering “career exploration opportunities for participants ages 16 to 19 who are interested in the old building trades,” according to an Alliance email. During February (Feb. 24-Feb. 28) and April (April 28-May 2) vacations, teens (who do not need experience) will get exposure to “a range of historic preservation activities which may include traditional construction techniques, repair of damaged building elements, wood window restoration and the history of the buildings being worked on,” according to the website. Professionals — many of whom are members of the Timber Framers Guild, the Window Preservation Alliance or other trade organizations — will provide the mentoring, the website said. The program will be offered in two regions — Central New Hampshire (Canterbury, Andover, Warner, etc.) and the Seacoast (Portsmouth and the vicinity), the email said. Apply at nhpreservation.org/internship-program by Jan. 24 for the February week and March 14 for the April week, the website said.

The New England Petite Pageant will be held Sunday, Jan. 19, at 3 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St. in Concord). The pageant is open to women of all ages who are 5 foot 6 inches and under. See newenglandpetite.com.

Queen City Rotary Club will hold its annual Comedy Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 6 p.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Manchester. The event will feature a buffet dinner, comedy show, raffle, silent auction and cash bar, according to a club press release. Tickets cost $50 per person and can be purchased on eventbrite.com, search “2025 Comedy Bowl,” the release said. The comedian line-up includes Harrison Stebbins, Rob Steen and Tim McKeever, the release said. See queencityrotary.org.

St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Manchester will hold an Apokriatiko Celebration (a Greek Mardi Gras) on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 7 to 10 p.m. in the church hall featuring music from The Salonica Boys with Greek and American dancing, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The cost is a $25 donation per person (children 12 and under get in free). Call 622-9113 for information.

Nashua Fire Rescue will hold an “Adult Field Trip” with the Nashua Fire Marshal on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 9 a.m. Meet at the fire station at 70 E. Hollis St. in Nashua on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 9 a.m. to learn more about the Nashua Fire Marshal’s office, tour the station and get fire safety tips, according to a newsletter from Great American Downtown Nashua.

This Week 25/01/09

Thursday, Jan. 9

The New Boston Historical Society (2 Central Sq., New Boston, 487-2526, newbostonhistoricalsociety.com) will host a lecture by Mary Adams of the New Hampshire Historical Society called “Redcoats & Rebels: New Hampshire and the American Revolution” tonight at 7 p.m. in the Community Church, 2 Meetinghouse Hill Road, New Boston. This event is sponsored by the NH Humanities Council.

Friday, Jan. 10

The Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com) will host a Night of Comedy tonight, starting at 8 p.m. The comedians will include Paul Nardizzi, Kyle Crawford (pictured) and Jolanda Logan. Tickets are $22 through the Tupelo website.

Friday, Jan. 10

Jewel Music Venue (61 Canal St., Manchester, 819-9336, jewelmusicvenue.com) will host Boston Flowmies presents: Bass Blizzard, a night of local talent, flow arts, craft vendors, raffles and more, tonight from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. All flow props and levels of experience welcome. Tickets are $15 through eventbrite.com.

Saturday, Jan. 11

The “Library of Things” at the Derry Public Library (64 E. Broadway, Derry, 432-6140, derrypl.org) has a loom and library trustee Monica Cataldo will give a demonstration on how to use it today from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Ms. Cataldo has demonstrated loom technique many times, even at the League of NH Craftsmen fair. Watch the demonstration and try it out for yourself. All are welcome at this free demonstration.

Tuesday, Jan. 14

Join Positive Street Art (48 Bridge St., Nashua, 589-9003, positivestreetart.org) for its monthly free Art Social this evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees can bring their art projects and supplies to work on in a supportive environment. Tables and seating will be provided, and there will be snacks and drinks for purchase. The space is wheelchair-accessible with ramps and an elevator.

Wednesday, Jan. 15

The audience at Dancing with the Stars: Live! will have the opportunity to experience the excitement, athleticism and artistry they see in the TV show’s famed ballroom live, up-close and personal at the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester) tonight at 7:30 p.m. The tour delivers a night of electrifying dance performances from world-renowned dancers who topped the leaderboard, including Emma Slater, Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Britt Stewart, Daniella Karagach, Gleb Savchenko, Pasha Pashkov and Rylee Arnold. Tickets start at $54.50 through ticketmaster.com.

Save the Date! Wednesday, Jan. 22
Legendary comedian Sarah Silverman returns to the stage at the Chubb Theatre (Chubb Theatre at CCA, 44 S. Main St, Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) Wednesday, Jan.22, at 8 p.m. The show, “Postmortem” focuses on the deaths of her father and stepmother two weeks apart from each other in 2023. Tickets start at $63.75 through the Capitol Center website.

Featured photo: Kyle Crawford.

Quality of Life 25/01/09

An eggs-treme shortage

As reported on Dec. 30 by Manchester Ink Link, New Hampshire’s inventory of fresh eggs has been hit hard by bird flu. “Avian flu, officially H5N1 bird flu, continues to cause issues for supermarket chains, bakeries and restaurants,” the story read, noting that area Hannaford supermarkets have been adversely affected, as well as many other wholesalers and retailers. “

QOL score: -1

Comment: “Prices are up 20 to 22 cents for Extra Large [eggs], up 24 cents for Large, and unchanged for Medium,” the USDA wrote in a Dec. 30 press release. Visit mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov/viewReport/1427.

Is the bird flu going to last for-heiffer?

In a Jan. 1 online article, New Hampshire Public Radio reported that the state will join a federal program to test dairy herds for aggressive strains of avian influenza. While the only instances of bird flu that have been detected in New Hampshire were in wild birds about a year ago, other states have reported infections in dairy cattle. “Concern about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is spreading,” NHPR reported. “At least 875 dairy cattle herds in 16 states have tested positive…”

QOL score: -1

Comment: On its website, the United States Department of Agriculture has stated that the dairy testing is part of a coordinated strategy to “facilitate comprehensive H5N1 surveillance of the nation’s milk supply and dairy herds. The strategy is designed to increase our understanding of the virus’ spread …, decrease the risk of transmission to other livestock …, and protect farm workers, to help lower their risk of exposure.” Visit aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-livestock.

Electrical service was gone with the wind

WMUR reported in a Jan. 3 online story, “As winds gusted above 40-45 mph, thousands of New Hampshire customers lost power.” More than 10,000 customers were left without electricity, as high winds picked up Thursday afternoon, Jan. 2.

QOL score: -1

Comment: “The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for all of New Hampshire,” the article read; that lasted until 9 p.m.

A stronger community through flowers

Fortin Gage Flowers in Nashua announced in a Jan. 6 press release that it has launched a new initiative called “Flowers for Good” to “support local nonprofits through unique floral arrangements.” Each month the Nashua florist will design a unique flower arrangement for a particular area organization, the announcement said. “Proceeds from the sale of these exclusive arrangements will directly benefit the featured nonprofit, fostering community engagement, connection and support.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: Sales of January’s arrangement will go to support Bridges: Domestic & Sexual Violence Support. “The exclusive arrangement for January, titled ‘Flowers for Change,’ features a harmonious blend of purple hydrangea and purple veronica in a white vase, symbolizing purity, hope, and courage,” Fortin Gage wrote in its announcement, “reflecting the resilience of those affected by domestic and sexual violence.”

QOL score: 53

Net change: -2

QOL this week: 51

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

Let us know at [email protected].

Pats fire Mayo

The Big Story – Mayo Out After Final: Well, that didn’t take long. But seeing Mike Vrabel interviewing to be HC of the NYJ’s last week likely gave Pats owner Bob Kraft the sense of urgency he needed to do the right thing and put Jerod Mayo out of his misery immediately. Stay tuned to see what, if any, changes are coming next, over what should be the eventful weeks ahead.

Sports 101: Name the NFL team and players that had their QB named MVP one year and his backup win it for them the next year.

News Item – Ohio State Rolls in CFP: You’ve got to love what Ryan Day’s OSU Buckeyes have done in dismantling Tennessee (41-17) and Oregon (43-23) in the first two CFP rounds. And it wasn’t just Chip Kelly’s offense, which pretty much ended it for the undefeated Ducks by midway through the second quarter. The D did their part in holding OU to an astonishing minus 23 yards rushing on 28 carries.

Up next: Texas in Dallas on Friday night.

News Item – QB controversy in Foxboro: While it was an exhibition kind of game, it’s hard to say anything bad about the debut of rookie sixth-round pick Joe Milton in the Pats’ franchise-damaging 23-16 win over Buffalo. And to think he had to transfer out of Michigan to start elsewhere his senior season after struggling in Ann Arbor. He was cool, calm, athletic and dynamic in going 22 for 29 for 241 yards and a TD while running for another. Which pretty much matched anything Drake Maye did all year. Throw in the standing back flip the 6’5” 250-pounder did after scoring his TD and it’s a legend in the making. Hey, wait, a sixth-round pick from Michigan competing with a more highly drafted guy for the QB job. That sounds familiar. Hmmm.

News Item – Darnold Seeing Ghosts Returns: Did the clock strike 12 on Sam Darnold’s Cinderella season? He sure looked like he did in his Jets days during Sunday’s showdown for the NFC Central title, where he was 18-41 for 166 yards and an 0-fer on TD’s the five times Minnesota got in the red zone. The easy 31-9 Detroit win gave the top-seeded 15-2 Lions home field throughout the playoffs and a Week 1 bye while 5-seed Minnesota face the Rams in L.A.

The Numbers:

24.1 – Christmas Day Chiefs-Steelers TV rating on Netflix, compared to the 5.25 NBA games averaged on ABC/ESPN the same day.

57,471 – careerminutes played by LeBron James as he passed Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s all-time record.

… Of the Week Awards

Thumbs Up – Detroit Lions Trick Plays: The best was the “stumble bum” just before Christmas where Jared Goff faked like he stumbled and fumbled as RB Jahmyr Gibbs dove on the ground like he was trying to recover the fumble. After the Bears bought it hook line and sinker, Goff straightened up and threw a 21-yard TD pass to a wide open Sam LaPorta. And the hook and ladder from Amon-Ra St. Brown to Jameson Williams vs. SF the next week for another shock TD was sweet too.

If it ain’t gonna be Vrabel, Bob Kraft, make it the guy who thunk them up to be the next HC of the NEP’s: Detroit OC Ben Johnson.

Thumbs Down – JimmyButler: Hearing a guy who forced his way out of Chicago, Minnesota and Philadelphia demanding a trade because he “lost his joy” in Miami is beyond laughable.

Best Commercial on NFL Broadcasts – Uber Eats: Matthew McConaughey is very funny in the clever spot as a guy seeing NFL games as conspiracies for getting viewers to buy food.

Random Thoughts:

I hate that the portal transfer rule allows senior QB’s, like Ohio State and Oregon had, to pick a team to move to alter the balance of college football every year.

Latest example why I hate Nike’s influence on the tradition of sports were the garishly awful red pants worn by Ohio State last week over their beautiful silver pants with the red jerseys.

Sports 101 Answer: Johnny Unitas was the 1967 MVP and after he went down in pre-season Earl Morrall stepped in to win it by leading Baltimore to the league’s best record at 13-1 in 1968.

Final Thought – Pats’ Plan Going Forward: Give Bob Kraft credit for admitting his mistake and firing his hand-picked not-ready-for-prime-time head coach Jerod Mayo after just one season.Mistake 2 was keeping the staff in place who helped Bill Belichick the GM compile an abysmal drafting record dating back to 2014. Which is why they came up with a 2024 draft that gave them nothing after Maye (and maybe Milton). The next step is getting a GM with a track record for creatively finding, acquiring and drafting talent to maximize their huge cap space edge and draft position. Then hire a coach who can help a young team grow into a winner.

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

News & Notes 25/01/09

New governor

Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte will get to drop the “-elect” on Thursday, Jan. 9, when she takes the oath of office at the Statehouse. On Jan. 6 she announced more of her staff members, building on her announcements in November that Christopher Connelly will serve as Chief of Staff and John Corbett will serve as Senior Advisor to the Governor. Additional hires include these:

  • Myles Matteson, who previously served as senior assistant attorney general and chief of the Criminal Justice Bureau at the New Hampshire Department of Justice, will be Legal Counsel.
  • Paul Dean, previously chief of police at the University of New Hampshire police department, will be Director of Citizen Services.
  • James Gerry, budget director for Gov. Sununu, will be Director of Policy and Finance.
  • Caroline Hakes, deputy campaign manager for Ayotte’s campaign, will be director of Communications.
  • Morgan Hughes, previously an associate attorney at Orr & Reno, will be Director of Appointments and Liaison to the Executive Council.
  • Consuelo Carver, a retired FBI agent and retired lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, will be the director of scheduling.
  • John Callaghan, field director on Ayotte’s campaign, will be policy and legislative assistant.
  • Alex Holderith, most recently a special assistant to Gov. Sununu, will be assistant director of policy and finance.
  • Donna Schoenfeld, a staff assistant in Sununu’s office, will be a staff assistant.
  • Virginia Drye, previously director of circulation for the Claremont Eagle Times, will be citizen services assistant.
  • Tyler Flanigan will be community engagement coordinator.

See gencourt.state.nh.us/house on Jan. 9 at 11:30 a.m. for a livestream of the proceedings.

U.S. Attorney resigns

Jane E. Young, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire, announced her forthcoming resignation on Friday, Jan. 17, in a press release on Jan. 2. Young was nominated for the position in January 2022 by President Biden and has been in the position since May 2022. “Over the past two and a half years, law enforcement in the Granite State prioritized investigating those who illegally possessed firearms, made threats to government officials and schools, exploited our most vulnerable citizens, as well as defrauded pandemic-relief and other federal programs. I am particularly proud of the education we provided community members and the private sector on emerging frauds and scams, the expansion of the United States Attorney’s Office to include two additional prosecutors focused on civil rights and violent crimes, and the restitution orders obtained to make fraud victims whole,” Young said in the statement.

Conservation training

The University of New Hampshire Extension, New Hampshire Fish & Game and New Hampshire Division of Forest and Lands is accepting applications now through March 1 for its NH Coverts Project, according to a press release. “Started in 1995, the NH Coverts Project has trained over 500 volunteers in promoting wildlife conservation and forest stewardship throughout the state,” the release said. “In exchange for the training, participants commit to volunteer for at least 40 hours during the coming year and motivate others to become stewards of the state’s wildlife and forest resources. … Some lead field walks or organize volunteer workdays, while others serve on town boards or manage their own property for wildlife habitat.” There is a $50 registration fee and the training workshop is May 14 through May 17, the release said. See extension.unh.edu/blog/2025/01/application-period-opens-2025-nh-coverts-project-training.

Blood drive

The American Red Cross is looking for blood donors and offering a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LIX. Donors who give through Sunday, Jan. 26, will be entered in a giveaway for a trip that includes tickets to the game, pre-game activities, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations and a gift card for expenses, according to a press release. See redcrossblood.org/SuperBowl for details. Upcoming local blood donation spots include:

  • NH Audubon McLane Center in Concord on Thursday, Jan. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua on Thursday, Jan. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Goodale’s Bike Shop in Nashua on Friday, Jan. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Boys and Girls Club of Greater Concord on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m
  • St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua on Monday, Jan. 13, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Bektash Shriners in Concord on Monday, Jan. 13, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.
  • St. John Neumann Church in Merrimack on Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Great North Aleworks in Manchester on Tuesday, Jan. 14, from noon to 4:30 p.m.
  • White Birch Banquet Hall in Hudson on Tuesday, Jan. 14, from noon to 4:30 p.m.
  • LaBelle Winery in Amherst on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Ice Castles in North Woodstock is slated to open Friday, Jan. 10, at 3 p.m. with attractions including the Mystic Light Walk, the Polar Pub ice bar, the tubing hill and more, according to a press release. See icecastles.com.

Registration is open for the 23rd annual Rock’N Race, which will take place Wednesday, May 7, at 6 p.m. at the Statehouse in downtown Concord to raise funds for HOPE Resource Center at Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care, according to a press release. Earlybird registration, through March 1, costs $35 for adults and $15 for youth and the first 2,700 registrants will receive a T-shirt, according to a press release. See rocknrace.org.

Ed Brouder, Manchester Historic Association trustee and past president, will present an illustrated talk about The Ledge, a swimming attraction in a granite quarry near Derryfield Park that was created when granite was pulled from the quarry in the 1870s and 1880s for the city’s mill foundations and street curbing, according to manchesterhistoric.org. The talk will take place Saturday, Jan. 18, at 11 a.m. at the Millyard Museum in Manchester and is included with admission to the museum. RSVP by calling 622-7531 or emailing [email protected].

The NH Wolves Hurling Club will hold a Winter Gala Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 18, to “honor the achieves of the past season and to kick off the new year” according to the nhwolveshurling.com (where you can find details of the Wolves Indoor Hurling and Gaelic Football series, which starts Tuesday, Jan. 28, in Goffstown). The gala will take place at American Legion Post 98 (43 Baboosic Lake Road in Merrimack). Tickets start at $30 per person (plus fees). The evening will feature food by The Peddler’s Daughter, an award ceremony, live music and more.

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