Category: News

Quality of Life 26/05/07

Full tank, empty wallet

According to a May 4 press release from online fuel price tracker GasBuddy.com, New Hampshire gasoline prices rose 28.5 cents per gallon during the week beginning April 24. The average gasoline price in the state as of Monday, May 4 was “$4.35/g … according to GasBuddy’s survey of 875 stations in New Hampshire. Prices in New Hampshire are 44.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.48/g higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 21.3 cents compared to [April 24] and stands at $5.621 per gallon.”

QOL score: -1

Comment: The same announcement reported that gas inflation in New Hampshire is fairly modest compared to the rest of the country.

New Hampshire, the Lithium State?

As reported in an April 29 online news story in the Concord Monitor, “a new USGS assessment estimates that the Appalachian region of the eastern U.S. contains 2.3 metric tons of undiscovered, economically recoverable lithium: enough to replace 328 years of U.S. imports.” Lithium deposits have been known about in Maine for several years, the report continued, “and the geological conditions suggest that similar deposits likely exist in New Hampshire.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: “Lithium has long been a valuable resource for industrial and health-related applications,” the Monitor story read, “but has become much more important as the energy transition has increased the importance of batteries, often based on various lithium chemistries. About half of the lithium used in the U.S. is currently imported. “

New proms, experienced dresses

As reported on WMUR’s New Hampshire Chronicle on April 28, many area teens will be wearing second-hand or vintage dresses to prom this year. “There are several reasons teens are thrifting for prom,” WMUR reported, noting “the cost, environmental concerns, or wanting a unique look no one will have. Lucky for those students, there are several free or low-cost options available around the Granite State.” One of these options, according to the report, is Missy’s Closet Thrift Shop (13 Hazel Lane, Manchester, 978-7872, facebook.com/MissysClosetBoutique); ReProm Pop-Up in Exeter and Tom and Chickpea in Derry were also mentioned.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The story said that Missy’s Closet “collects donations all year long and started the season off with 3,000 dresses and received 1,000 more over the four weeks it was open.”

A Nashua Junior Ranger?

An April 29 online article in The Cabinet Press was headlined “Nashua fifth grader in running for Junior Ranger title … and $20k.” Fifth-grader Gavin Ryan is one of five remaining contestants in his age group in this year’s Junior Ranger contest sponsored by Ranger Rick Magazine, the story said. The competition’s website (jr-ranger.org) says the contest is designed to “celebrate curiosity, confidence, and a love for the natural world.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: “The competition ends on June 4 and the winner will be announced on June 19,” the Cabinet story read. “Should Gavin win the competition, he would be featured in Ranger Rick, have an exclusive wildlife experience with renowned biologist Jeff Corwin and receive $20,000.” The story also noted “The link to vote for Gavin is available at jr-ranger.org/2026/gavin-8531.”

QOL score last week: 46

Net change:+2

QOL this week: 48

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 26/05/07

Energy week

NH Energy Week continues through Friday, May 8, according to a press release from Clean Energy NH. Throughout the week, which started May 4, more than 30 in-person and virtual events are scheduled, focusing on a range of energy-related topics, the release said. Events on Thursday, May 7, and Friday, May 8, include 603 Solar for a “Solar Lunch and Learn” on May 7 in Exeter at noon; Energy Trivia at Rockingham Brewing Co. in Derry on May 7 at 6:30 p.m.; a virtual program on “How to Combat Rising Energy Costs with Solar Panels” on May 8 at 11 a.m., and “Currents of Change: Hydro & Community Power at Amoskeag” in Manchester at noon on May 8, according to nhenergyfuture.org, where you can find details on these and other events those days and register to participate. On Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Lake Region Citizens’ Climate Lobby will hold a “Love Your Earth Day” event at Veterans Square in Laconia, the website said. See cleanenergynh.org for more on Clean Energy NH.

Career Closet

Plymouth State University Student Support Foundation and Academic and Career Advising Center has opened the University’s Career Closet, a program that gives students access to business casual clothing, according to a press release. The program offers the clothes to students at no cost and will accept donations of clean, stain- and tear-free men’s and women’s blazers and jackets, dress pants, button-down shirts, sweaters, cardigans, suits and matching sets, professional dresses and skirts, professional shoes and accessories such as belts, ties and bags, the press release said. “Clothing donations must be scheduled prior to drop-off; appointments are available Monday through Friday. Anyone interested in scheduling a donation appointment may email career.development@plymouth.edu or call 603-535-3065,” the release said.

Fundraiser for veterans

The Pulse of NH radio stations will hold an on-air fundraiser Wednesday, May 13, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. — the Veterans Count “Make 12-Hours Count Radiothon,” according to an Easterseals NH press release. The money raised during the event will support New Hampshire service members, veterans and their families, the release said. The event will broadcast on stations including “News Talk 107.3 WTPL, 98.1 WTSN, and 107.3 WEMJ” and “music stations, including Frank FM, 105.5 JYY, Country 93.3 The Wolf, and Country 95.3 & 107.1 The Wolf,” the release said. “Easterseals NH Veterans Count is joining forces with Binnie Media to present a day of programming by and about veterans to fundraise for the New Hampshire military community. Hosted by Jack Heath of Good Morning New Hampshire and broadcast legend Mike Pomp, listeners will enjoy a day filled with stories, sponsor interviews, celebrity endorsements, and dignitary spotlights,” the release said. Last year’s event raised more than $70,000 according to the press release, which said “close to 100,000 NH residents over the age of 18 are either active-duty service members, in the National Guard or military veterans.” See vetscount.org/donate-now.

Ride for a cause

Iron Legacy Motorcycle Club – Freedom Crew in partnership with American Legion Post 27 and Connor’s Climb Foundation (“an organization dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention initiatives”) will host a Charity Ride for Mental Health & Suicide Awareness on Sunday, May 17, at the American Legion Post 27 in Londonderry, according to a press release. “This community-focused event aims to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention while supporting a meaningful cause,” according to the release, which said that 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Connor’s Climb (see connorsclimb.org for more on the organization). Registration is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. with “kickstands up” at 11:30 a.m. Participation costs $20 per rider, $30 per rider with passenger, and $10 non-rider admission to the party, which will feature food, a cash bar, raffles and more, the release said. Contact abarilone0405@gmail.com for more information.

Twilight tour

The Currier Museum of Art is selling raffle tickets for a private Twilight Tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses for up to six people featuring drinks and light bites, according to currier.org. Tickets cost $100 each and only 150 will be sold, the website said. A winner will be drawn on May 15 and proceeds will go to the Currier’s Annual Fund, according to the website, where you can purchase a ticket.

Evening at the village

The Canterbury Shaker Village will hold “Simply Shaker,” a fundraiser, on Thursday, June 25, starting at 5 p.m., according to shakers.org, where you can purchase tickets. The evening will feature a cocktail reception, live music, an opportunity “to experience traditional printing methods and to create a handmade souvenir,” dinner and a presentation about the Meeting House preservation project and the Village’s new summer internship program, the website said.

Night at camp

The New Hampshire Boat Museum in Moultonborough will host its fundraiser, “Night at the Museum: Up to Camp,” on Friday, June 5, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The event is a tribute to New Hampshire youth camps and will feature “camp-themed cuisine with a modern twist” as well as dancing, auctions and more, the release said. Guests are encouraged to wear camp-inspired attire, the release said. Tickets cost $150; see nhbm.org.

Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth will hold Springfest: A Celebration of Gardens and Baby Animals on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which will feature animals, artisan vendors, sheep shearing demonstrations, hands-on activities, food trucks and a bake-off of Portsmouth orange cakes on Sunday, according to strawberybanke.org, where you can purchase tickets.

Families in Transition will hold its Walk Against Hunger on Sunday, May 17, starting at noon in Veterans Park in Manchester, according to fitnh.org, where you can register to participate in the 2.5-mile loop and find details about the after-party.

The NH Humanities Council and the New Boston Historical Society will host a program on “African American Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire During the American Revolution” with speaker Glenn Knoblock on Thursday, May 14, at 7 p.m. at the New Boston Community Church, 2 Meetinghouse Hill Road, according to newbostonhistoricalsociety.com.

Keith O’Brien will be at Balin Books in Nashua on Saturday, May 9, at 2 p.m. to discuss his new book Heartland, about the life of Larry Bird and his “unlikely rise from a struggling small-town life in Indiana to college basketball stardom,” according to balinbooks.com.

This Week 26/04/30

Friday, May 1

The curtain rises tonight on To Kill a Mockingbird, an adaptation of the Harper Lee novel by Christopher Sergel, performed by the Community Players of Concord tonight and Saturday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, at 2 p.m. at Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St. in Concord. See communityplayersofconcord.org for tickets.

Friday, May 1

Puffs, or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, a parody of a magical school and the students who go there, will be presented by the Windham Actors Guild on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, at 2 p.m. at Windham High School Auditorium, 64 London Bridge Road in Windham, according to a press release. “The play follows the journey of Wayne Hopkins, a regular boy from New Mexico who finds out he’s a wizard and is whisked away to a magic school in England. There, he is sorted into the ‘Puffs,’ a group of well-meaning, loyal, and often disregarded students…,’” according to the press release, which also stresses that this is “not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, film or play.” “Due to language/themes, this play is suited for audiences 13+,” the release said. See windhamactorsguild.com/tickets for tickets.

Saturday, May 2

Frizzhome Gardens, 270 Back River Road in Bedford, is holding its Spring Blossoms Festival today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring 20 local vendors and Wicked Tasty Food Truck (slated to arrive at 11 a.m.), according to a post on Frizzhome’s Facebook page. Seefrizzhomegardens.com.

Saturday, May 2

The annual Kitty Angels fundraiser featuring an artisan, craft, flea and yard sale with more than 100 vendors as well as raffles, food and more, will take place today and Sunday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Treasures Antiques, Collectables & More at 106 Ponema Road, Route 122, in Amherst. See treasuresnh.com.

Saturday, May 2

The Queen City Bazaar will offer “premier vintage clothing and period antiques and high-end collectibles” today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3 Sundial Ave. in Manchester, according to a Facebook post about the event. The market will also feature artisanal goods, furniture and historical items, textiles, and more, the post said. Admission is free, according to a press release.

Saturday, May 2

The Concord Chorale will perform Brahms’ Requiem today at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Concord, according to concordchorale.org, where you can purchase tickets.

Saturday, May 2

The Liberty House: Stand Up for Vets featuring Jimmy Dunn and friends will take place tonight at 7 p.m. at the Dana Center at Saint Anselm College in Manchester. See tickets.anselm.edu for tickets. “Enjoy a lineup of talented comedians, exciting raffle and auction items, and an overall fun night out, all while supporting a meaningful cause. Proceeds from this event directly benefit Liberty House’s program and services for veterans in our community,” the website said.

Wednesday, May 6

The Concord Hospital Rock’N Race will be held today at 6 p.m., featuring live music and food on the Statehouse lawn in downtown Concord, according to runsignup.com/Race/NH/Concord/RockNRace, where you can register.

Save the Date! Saturday, May 8
Monday, May 18, is the deadline to apply to be part of the 14th annual New Hampshire Maker Fest, which will be held in and around the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to a press release. “If you are an engineer, a scientist, a baker, a tinkerer, a hobbyist, or an artisan, we want to see what you do! Makers must offer a demonstration, free make-and-take activity, or some kind of interactive experience,” the release said. See childrens-museum.org/programs/nh-maker-fest.

Featured photo: To Kill a Mockingbird. Courtesy photo.

Sox fire Alex Cora

The Big Story – Cora Gets the Axe: It takes something big to knock the NFL draft and crucial playoff games for the Celtics and Bruins off the week’s top story. But Red Sox owner John Henry did it Saturday by scapegoating Alex Cora and several coaches for the team’s you-get-what-you-pay-for dismal 10-17 start by firing them, leaving this question to be answered: Now what, Mr. Henry?

Sports 101: When the Patriots traded down with SF from 16 to 28 in the 1985 draft for extra picks, who did the 49ers take with the Pats’ original pick?

News Item – Patriots Draft Observations:

• They drafted for need in the first three rounds to improve the OL with tackle Caleb Lomu and tight end Eli Raridon, sandwiched around edge rusher Gabe Jacas. If they can play, nice job.

• It doesn’t mean he won’t be a good player, but it was interesting seeing six edge rushers taken in Round 2 alone ahead of Pats taking their new edge guy Jacas.

• After the Eagles used their top pick on the highly rated receiver along with dealing for pricey DL Jonathan Greenard, it’ll be a stunner if that AJ Brown-to-NE trade doesn’t happen in June.

The Numbers:

0 – sacks allowed on the 358 snapsLomu played last year for Utah when he allowed a puny eight pressures and six hurries.

21 – rebounding edge when the Celtics destroyed Philly on the boards 46-25 in Sunday’s blowout win.

43 – points scored off the bench by Ayo Dosunmu after Minnesota lost Anthony Edwards early in their 112-96 Game 4 win to lead Denver 3 games to 1.

… Of the Week Awards

Thumbs Up – The Celtics: A little of their annoying but familiar lost in game focus in the Game 2 loss. But mostly solid the rest of the time in taking a 3-1 lead over Philly.

Thumbs Down – Prime and the NBA: Blacking out playoff games, as the NBA did with the Celtics-Philly on Friday, so desperate fans will buy a Prime subscription is a good way to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. Until it stops, boycott Amazon and NBA merch.

Bad Announcing Moments of the Week – Jayson Tatum: To all NBA announcers now slobbering over him every time he has the ball: He did not cure polio as you’re making it seem. It should be: admirable job on the rehab and nice to have you back, young fella, and leave it at that.

Anti-Raffy Devers Quote of the Week – Pats’ Top Pick Caleb Lomu: “I just want to play, I’ll play wherever. I’m coming in to play some football, the game I love. I’m able to play any position, so wherever the team needs me, I’m going to be able to play.”

Sports 101 Answer: That ill-fated 1985 draft swap is the Patriots version of selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees, as SF took the great Jerry Rice with the 16th pick that day.

A Little History – Yikes, What a Steal: The Patriots used the first, second and third SF picks from the swap for center Trevor Matich at 28, then DE Ben Thomas and DB Audray McMillian. The Niners got the all-time leader (by wide margins) in receptions, receiving yards and TDs, while leading them to three SB wins.

Final Thoughts – Alex Cota Firing: Some of it’s on Cora, as they lacked spark coming out of spring training again. However, a bigger reason is that their best players have not lived up to management’s expectations. But the GM also put a team out there on the cheap so devoid of power that they’re somehow last in MLB in homers while playing at Fenway! Whichhappened despite there not being anyone in New England who didn’t know they needed to add power last winter.

They cheaped out on Pete Alonso, whose slow three-homer start for Baltimore would still be second on the Sox in homers. Let Alex Bregman walk, which I was fine with because he’s injury-prone and not worth close to the $40 million per he got from the Cubs. How is that fatal flaw Alex Cora’s fault, Mr. Henry?

Especially when another big bat they didn’t even try for was slugging Japanese import Munetaka Murakami. Yes, he was untested in the MLB (so were Ichiro and Shohei Ohtani). All he did last week was hit more homers than any Red Sox has hit the entire season. His five bombs in five games gave him a second best in MLB 10 homers in 2026. And all baseball’s worst team (White Sox) gave him was $34 million over two years. Not a lot even for the ever evolving cheapness of John Henry.

Blame Cora all you want. But the truth is the mess at Fenway is much more a front office and ownership failure than bad managing. Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

Quality of Life 26/04/30

Spectacularly beautiful murals for kids

From April 16 to April 26, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua hosted Mural Fest 2026, a public art initiative that covered walls in the building’s basketball courts, swimming pool room and other large spaces with brightly colored, highly detailed murals. As described on the Club’s website, “The festival brings together professional international mural artists, Club youth, families, and community partners to create murals that celebrate creativity, unity, and youth empowerment.” The murals are stunning.

QOL score: +1

Comment: In a telephone interview, Derek Pollacchi, the director of communications for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, explained why the murals are so important: “It really boils down to this: It’s for the kids. It’s for the members. It’s for inspiration. It’s a message. It’s hope. The kids are involved with the murals from the start, you know, underneath the mural is their touches and their art. It’s really about using the space that we have to put out a message of inspiration and hope and inclusivity for the youth that we serve.”

Fewer cigarette butts, more science

On April 20, the SEE Science Center, Manchester Connects, and the City of Manchester worked together in the second year of SEE’s Park2Park clean-up event. In an April 23 press release, SEE Science Center reported, “With the coordinated power of 227 volunteers who each spent 2 hours in this effort, 266 bags of trash and 20 containers of sharps were removed from 15 parks in 4 city wards. Volunteers at this year’s event collected 23.75 bags of cigarette butts (approximately 6,000 butts) for special recycling and also participated in citizen science recording how much trash was collected where.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: According to the same press release, “Manchester public spaces span more than 1,400 acres of municipal property across 83 sites, including parks, trails, recreational facilities, cemeteries, and public schools.Anyone interested in how they can support Manchester’s public spaces throughout the year can learn more by visiting the division’s Adopt-a-Site and Blue Bags for Litter programs on the Manchester city website.”

QOL score last week: 44

Net change: +2

QOL this week: 46

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 26/04/30

Text scam

New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella sent out an April 22 press release “warning residents about an ongoing wave of scam text messages falsely claiming to be from New Hampshire Courts, including a new variation that uses QR codes to direct recipients to fraudulent payment sites.” Consumers have made reports to the New Hampshire Department of Justice Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau about text messages alleging that “they have missed a court date or owe a fine. These messages may include what appears to be an official ‘notice of hearing’ and now, in some cases, a QR code that recipients are instructed to scan to obtain more information or submit payment to avoid legal consequences,” the release said. The state’s Judicial Branch does not solicit payments via text and does not request payment through links or QR code sent by text, the release said. To check on the status of a court case, go to courts.nh.gov.

Record scholarships awarded

The Foundation for New Hampshire Community Colleges, which “supports the Community College System of New Hampshire by securing and stewarding resources to assist students,” awarded 1,650 scholarships totaling $1.1 million during the 2025-2026 school year, the most scholarships awarded in the Foundation’s 25-year history, according to an April 20 press release. Students received scholarships ranging from $200 to $3,000 that went toward “tuition, fees, and emergency financial needs to reduce obstacles that can derail a student’s path to degree completion,” the release said. See givenhcc.org for more on the organization.

Climate summit

NHPR will present By Degrees Climate Summit: Community Resilience on Friday, May 8, from noon to 4 p.m. at Manchester Community College, according to a press release. “This year’s summit will examine water quality and environmental pollutants including PFAS chemicals and other emerging contaminants, and the ways communities are creating change through policy, science, storytelling and collective action. We will focus on community resilience, highlighting how local towns and neighborhoods respond to environmental threats and work toward practical solutions,” the release said. See nhpr.org for a link to register.

Golf for a cause

It’s golf fundraiser season.

The Junior Service League of Concord will hold its eighth annual Golf Tournament on Monday, May 11, at Pembroke Pines Country Club in Pembroke to raise money to “support women and children in crisis across the greater Concord area,” according to a press release. Golf starts at 8 a.m. and the day features a seated banquet lunch, raffles and games, according to a press release. See jslconcord.org/upcoming-events.

The Hooksett Soccer Club will hold its Golf Classic on Monday, June 1, at Pembroke Pines Country Club in Pembroke to benefit the club, according to an email from event organizers. The day starts with registration at 7 a.m. and a shotgun start at 8 a.m. and will feature lunch, awards, prizes for top teams, raffles and more, the email said. See birdease.com/hscgolf.

The Seacoast Cat Club will have its annual Cat Show at the Everett Arena, 15 Loudon Road in Concord, on Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring vendors and a feline agility competition, according to cfa.org/shows-events.

The Craftworkers’ Guild Spring Fair Craft Shop at Oliver Kendall House (3A Meetinghouse Road in Bedford, behind the Bedford Public Library) will be open Thursday, April 30, through Sunday, May 24, Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. See thecraftworkersguild.org.

Tickets will go on sale May 16 for this year’s PountineFest, which will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, at 603 Brewery in Londonderry. See poutinefest.com/newhampshire for details about the event, including different ticket tiers, and to purchase tickets.

Malvenn, described as “a traditional Balfolk trio based in Montreal with harp, cello and clarinet,” will perform Friday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Wilton Folk Cafe Coffeehouse, Wilton Collaborative Space, 21 Gregg St., Second Congregational Church Hall in Wilton, according to a press release. Admission for the coffeehouse is free; doors open at 7 p.m. with the show at 7:30 p.m., said the release, which recommends reserving a spot by emailing strumma@aol.com or calling Sandy at 603-654-1245.

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