Category: News

Quality of Life 26/10/29

A sudden enthusiasm for hockey?

According to an Oct. 18 online article at CICNews.com, if your family has lived in Manchester for several generations, you might already have dual citizenship in Canada. “In Manchester, New Hampshire,” the article read, “a combined 11.5% of residents report Canadian or French-Canadian ancestry, according to census figures for 2020 to 2024. … [T]hanks to recent changes to the country’s citizenship laws, just one Canadian ancestor in an individual’s direct lineage is enough to make an entire side of the family tree Canadian.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: “The real number is likely higher,” the CICNews article said. But don’t start packing yet. “As of October, IRCC [Canadian Immigration] figures showed about 130,700 citizenship certificate applications waiting for a decision. New applicants faced an estimated wait of 34 months,” the article said. Visit cicnews.com/2026/10.

Do you smell french fries?

As reported by WMUR in an Oct. 23 online article, there has been a rash of thefts of used cooking oil from several Manchester restaurants. “Several restaurants along Manchester’s Hooksett Road say thieves have stolen gallons of used cooking oil,” WMUR reported. “Some business owners said suspected thieves targeted barrels containing used cooking oil three separate times over a couple of days. One worker said he first realized what was going on after he noticed that 30 gallons of used cooking oil seemingly disappeared overnight on Monday. On Wednesday at about 4 or 5 a.m., more people were spotted checking inside the barrels, the worker said.”

QOL score: -1

Comment: “The restaurants sell their used cooking oil for a relatively small amount of money,” the article read. “Officials have said used cooking oil is targeted because it can be used to make biodiesel or for other purposes “

Keep an eye on your pick-a-nic baskets

In an Oct. 26 press release, the Squam Lake Natural Science Center in Holderness announced that it has welcomed a young bear into its care. “The Black Bear cub was found abandoned along a divided highway in Utah when he was just a few months old,” the announcement read. “It is assumed that he got separated from his mother when she jumped over a concrete road divider and he could not. He was brought to a wildlife rehabilitation facility in Utah, where staff cared for him before determining that he could not be released back into the wild.” The bear has been named Wasatch, after the Wasatch Mountain Range in Utah.

QOL score: +1

Comment: “Following a routine quarantine period, Wasatch underwent his first physical examination and received a clean bill of health,” the Science Center’s announcement said. “He has been adjusting well to his new surroundings and will soon move into the Science Center’s off-exhibit Bear Habitat, where he will spend the winter.” The Science Center is already home to another American Black Bear named Randolph. Visit nhnature.org.

QOL score: 62

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 63

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 26/10/29

Vote

Tuesday, Nov. 3, is election day for New Hampshire governor, U.S. senator, U.S. representatives, several other state offices and two ballot questions. Find your sample ballot and information about how to register to vote on election day at sos.nh.gov/elections.

Clean-up

There will be a Valley Street Cemetery Clean Up held by Generation Connect, which is part of Manchester’s Age Friendly initiatives, in partnership with SNHU Chandler Center, Manchester Police Mounted Patrol and the Manchester Parks and Recreation department on Friday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon, according to a flyer linked to the Manchester Economic Development Office newsletter. “Parking will be available at SNHU Arena VIP Lot at the corner of Lake Ave and Chestnut St,” according to the flyer. “Bring gloves, sturdy shoes, and a rake. Enjoy refreshments and good company after our hard work.”

NH Day

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, 23 Science Center Road in Holderness, will hold New Hampshire Day on Sunday, Nov. 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to a press release. New Hampshire residents can get a $10 trail admission to the center on Nov. 1 (regular admission costs $30 for adults, $28 for seniors and $24 for youth), the release said. See the website, nhnature.org, to purchase tickets for one-hour entry blocks, with “Up Close to Animals” presentations offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., the release said.

Art trail

The Route 3 Art Trail will run Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring a self-guided tour of locations Concord, Franklin, Boscawen and Penacook, according to a press release. “This year, we’ve begun to expand the trail, which now runs 20 miles with more than 20 art-filled destinations, including some new locations in downtown Concord. Pick up an official Trail Guide at a location on either end of the tour and then visit at least five trail locations for the opportunity to enter a raffle with a choice of prizes from up and down the trail,” the release said. Locations include Eagles Aerie & Co., Franklin Public Library, the Waterhorse Pub, Penumbra, The Eleventh Letter Writing Gallery, Sweet Dreamz/Fox Hardware, The Art Porch Gallery, Laborata Studio, Black Forest Nursery and Kimball Jenkins, according to the press release. Find a map and schedule at route3arttrail.com.

Tinker night

The SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St. in Manchester, will hold an adult “‘Fun’draiser” the Tinker Games: A Challenge Event for Grownups on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 5 to 8 p.m., according to a press release about the 21+ event. “Teams of four will compete in several rounds of timed challenges to rack up points by employing their tinkering skills. Attendees can also try individual challenges, mingle, enter a raffle and enjoy appetizers and beverages between rounds. A winning team will be crowned at the end of the night,” the release said. “Participation in this event supports the SEE Science Center’s programs and initiatives. Tickets for a foursome are $300 and include food and drink,” the release said. See see-sciencecenter.org for tickets.

The works of artists Dana DeGiulio (who “works in various media ranging from painting, drawing, video, photography, installation and writing”) and Michelle Grabner (who “shifts between painting, drawing, weaving, sculpture and installation”) are on display at Outer Space, 35 Pleasant St. in Concord, through Saturday, Dec. 19, according to outerspacearts.xyz. DeGiulio “will present works focusing on the body in space for this exhibition” and Grabner “will present an installation of hand painted porcelain sculptures of various foods such as cabbage and potatoes,” the website said. The gallery is open Saturdays, noon to 3 p.m., the website said.

The Holiday Craft & Vendor Market will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, and Sunday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tanger Outlets, 120 Laconia Road in Tilton, according to the Tanger Outlets Facebook page. “Explore 90+ vendors, delicious treats, festive décor, jewelry, gifts, and more,” the post said.

Manchester Community Theatre Players will host a Comedy Cabaret on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 698 Beech St. in Manchester hosted by Lauren Graven, according to manchestercommunitytheatre.com.

Tickets are on sale now for the LaBelle Lights holiday attraction at the LaBelle Winery, 14 Route 111 in Derry, which opens for the season on Wednesday, Nov. 18, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 10, according to labellewinery.com, where you can purchase tickets and see the operation schedule as well as the schedule for special events.

This Week 26/10/22

Thursday, Oct. 22

Greater Manchester Restaurant Week starts today, according to palacetheatre.org/restaurant-week and our story in the Oct. 15 issue of the Hippo, where you can find details about this year’s event, which corresponds to the Friday, Oct. 23, opening of the show Fiddler on the Roof at the Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St. in Manchester. Restaurant week runs through Nov. 1. The show runs through Sunday, Nov. 15; see palacetheatre.org for tickets.

Friday, Oct. 23

The curtain rises on Carrie The Musical, the stage adaption of the Stephen King novel, presented by Manchester Community Theatre Players at MCTP Theatre at North End Montessori School, 698 Beech St., Manchester, tonight at 7:30 p.m. The show runs through Sunday, Nov. 1, according to manchestercommuniththeatre.com, where you can find a link to purchase tickets. Shows take place at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays, the website said. Described as “a dark pop-rock stage adaptation” of the story “about a bullied teen with telekinetic powers,” Carrie the Musical is recommended for ages 13+, the website said.

Find more spooky and fantastical theatrical events this season, as well as haunted attractions, downtown Halloween events, kid-friendly fare and more in the Halloween guide in the Oct. 15 issue of the Hippo, which is available in the digital library at hippopress.com.

Friday, Oct. 23

Red River Theatres, 11 S. Main St. in Concord, kicks off its annual screenings of Rocky HorrorPicture Showwith a screening tonight at 10 p.m., according to redrivertheatres.org, where you can purchase tickets and see the rules. Costumes are encouraged and ticket-holders will get a bag of props (no outside props allowed) for this 18+ event, the website said. The movie will also screen, with all the fixings, on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Friday, Oct. 30, at 10 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 23

The Laconia Pumpkin Festival is slated for tonight from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., featuring local vendors, a pumpkin tower, food and drink, a costume parade, a 10K and 5K walk and run, a duck derby and more, according to laconiapumpkinfestival.com, where you can find a schedule.

Friday, Oct. 23

It’s the Tupelo Music Hall’s monthly Tupelo Night of Comedy tonight at 8 p.m. featuring comedians Kenny Rogerson, JJ Jones and Bill Douglas, according to tupelomusichall.com, where you can purchase tickets. The Tupelo Music Hall is at 10 A St. in Derry.

Saturday, Oct. 24

Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St. in Rochester, rochesteroperahouse.org, will present Arrested Development tonight at 8 p.m., according to the website, where you can purchase tickets.

Sunday, Oct. 25

Celebrate Samhain will take place today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hilton Nashua, 2 Somerset Parkway in Nashua, according to facebook.com/NHSamhain. The event will feature vendors, psychics, music, workshops and more, the post said. See celebratesamhain.com for more.

Save the Date! Friday, Nov. 20
The pre-Thanksgiving weekend schedule is packed. One of the options is Come From Away, the musical about Gander, Newfoundland, on Sept. 11, 2001, presented by Community Players of Concord (communityplayersofconcord.org) Friday, Nov. 20, and Saturday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 22, 2 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium, according to communityplayersofconcord.org, where you can purchase tickets.

World Series starts Friday

Big Story – World Series: The $130 million payroll Brewers gave the Players Association fresh ammo in advance of the coming labor fight over whether a salary cap is needed or not by sweeping the $430 million L.A. Dodgers to win the NLCS. In the AL it was undecided at deadline with Tampa Bay up 3-2.

The prospect of a series with Milwaukee vs. Cleveland or TB does not have TV executives dancing in the aisles, as it offers no big names and no dastardly team like those Dodgers to root against for an upset. Just resilient, gritty teams who play small ball and know how to win. And we’ll see if that’s enough to draw big attention or just those who like watching baseball played like it ought to be played.

Sports 101: Who was the first Black player to hit a home run in the World Series?

News Item – Pats Down Jets 26-19: A lackluster effort that made this one live up to the definition of a trap game.

• Good – Situational Football: It was so solid it let them make enough plays in big moments to hold off the better than expected Jets. Plus the kick coverage was the best it’s been all year.

• Bad – Injuries to the OL: Three starters going down in the same game. Yikes. But they somehow survived as the depth helped them do what they wanted: grind down the clock on the ground in the fourth quarter to ice it.

• Ugly – A.J. Brown: Either he needs to knock off the rust or he has hands of concrete, which included letting the Jets crucial onside kick go right through his hands.

• Grade – C: They did enough to win, which is what counts most, but it wasn’t pretty.

News Item – Bad Day at Black Rock for Top 10: It was a rough day for the Top 10 in college football on Saturday as Georgia, Notre Dame, Alabama and last week’s No. 1 Texas all lost. As did fifth-ranked Indiana, taken down by local lad Ryan Day’s now top-ranked Ohio State in the clash of the day.

The Numbers:

237 – yards allowed per game by the Seattle Seahawks, who gave up 277 to the Pats in Week 1.

127.3–NFL-leading QB rating for Seattle backup Drew Lock in his two games filling in for starter Sam Darnold.

… Of the Week Awards

Thumbs Up – Tampa Bay: For actually managing a game to let the players win it, rather than having a shut-in stat geek with a laptop decide who does what, by letting excellent pitching starter Drew Rasmussen go seven innings and 95 pitches as he gave up one run and six hits in TB’s 3-1 Game 5 win over Cleveland.

In Case You’re Interested – Alumni News:

• In his first six games with Houston Kayshon Boutte has 14 catches on 21 targets for 169 yards and no TDs.

• Keion White has three sacks for the 5-0 49ers.

Sports 101 Answer: Larry Doby was the first when he hit one in the 1948 Series.

A Little History – Larry Doby: A guy pretty much forgotten by time despite being brought to the majors by Indians owner Bill Veeck (as in wreck) just a few months after Jackie Robinson in 1947. He played from 1947 to 1959, during which time the career numbers were .288, 273 homers and 1,093 RBI. Good enough to be elected to Cooperstown, though it took them 39 years to do it.

Final Thought – Five Things I’m Most Interested in as the NBA Season Opens:

• Knicks vs. 76ers vs. Celtics: All three haven’t really competed for the division crown together in the same season since 1967-68.

• Victor Wembanyama: I thought he was a chippy punk in the NBA Finals and I’m hoping he grows up beyond that. Because I’m most eager to see what this young Frenchman adds to his game to help him be the dominant player he has the package to become.

• The Philadelphia Experiment: The NBA’s most ultimate talent-vs.-chemistry situation since Wilt joined West and Baylor in L.A. in 1968-69. Most interesting is not Jaylen Brown. It’s how Lebron morphs his game to fit in at 42, which I think he’ll do.

• Cooper Flagg: In the final six games of his rookie year he scored 51, 45 and 33 in three of them. And while this is probably an unfair comparison, here’s how this rookie stacks up to Larry Bird’s. CF, then LB: points 21.0 – 21.3, assists 4.5 – 4.5, rebounds 6.7 – 10.4. FG 46.8 – 47.4. Pretty close, but remember LB was 23 when he was a rookie and Flagg 19. All of which will have Dallas fans asking, “Luka who?”

• Mitchell Robinson: I love offensive rebounders and he’s great at it. Plus he plays rim protecting D and is going to be the best pick-and-roll-for-the-lob-to-dunk Celtic since lob it to Rob Williams was traded to Portland.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

Quality of Life 26/10/22

It’s already flu season

According to an Oct. 16 online article by New Hampshire Public Radio, “Flu season has started early this year, with reports of flu cases, particularly Influenza A, beginning in September rather than the usual onset in October or November.” Dr. Gabriela Andujar Vasquez, of Dartmouth Health was quoted as said that the rate of infection is “still low but trending in the direction in which we start thinking that the season will be starting and picking up quickly and soon.”

QOL score: -1

Comment: “For people who can get the flu vaccine,” the NHPR report read, “health experts recommend getting the vaccine now as it takes two weeks to develop optimal protection.” It also noted, “Good handwashing practices, wearing masks and staying home when sick are also recommended to reduce spread of the flu.” Visit the Centers for Disease and Prevention’s flu page at cdc.gov/flu.

More hate graffiti

According to an Oct. 17 press release by Manchester Police Department, “Manchester Police are investigating a series of criminal mischief incidents involving hateful messages found in several areas of the city. So far, police have identified 15 incidents in three areas. The incidents occurred overnight and involved antisemitic, racist, and homophobic content. At this point in the investigation, the acts appear to be random, with no indication that specific individuals or properties were intentionally targeted.”

QOL score: -2

Comment: In the same statement, Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr wrote,”Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, and we take incidents like these seriously. We are actively investigating this matter and will work to hold those responsible accountable.” Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or has surveillance footage from these areas to contact the Manchester Police Department at 603-­668-­8711.

Paw-ranormal activity at the Howl-O-Ween 5K

On Saturday, Oct. 17, more than 500 human and canine runners and walkers raised more than $50,000 for the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire at the 9th Annual Howl-O-Ween 5K. “This year’s event was the biggest in the race’s history,” Jacob Harper of the ARLNH wrote in an Oct. 19 press release.“ Dog and human runners and walkers completed the 5K race in costumes that included humans dressed as pumpkins, bananas, and cows, and dogs in costumes that ranged from tacos, to hot dogs, to pink western gear.

QOL score: +1, because life is better with dogs dressed as tacos.

Comment:“The need for animal welfare services across New Hampshire continues to grow, and as we receive no state or federal funding, our team needs to raise $1.8 million this year to sustain our programs. Many of these programs provide critical support to low-income families,” wrote Marianne Jones, CEO of ARLNH, in the press release. The 10th Annual Howl-O-Week 5K is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 16, 2027.

QOL score: 64

Net change: -2

QOL this week: 62

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 26/10/22

Learn CPR

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month and the American Red Cross is urging people to learn CPR and how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator), according to a release from the American Red Cross Northern New England Region. “Cardiac arrest doesn’t wait for emergency responders to arrive,” said Stephanie Couturier, regional executive for the Red Cross of Northern New England, said in the statement. “The actions of a bystander in the first few minutes can make all the difference. CPR and AED training empowers people to respond with confidence and potentially save the life of a loved one, coworker, neighbor or stranger when every second counts.” Find local in person as well as online classes in adult and pediatric first aid and CPR or hand-only CPR at redcross.org/take-a-class, the website said.

Lung cancer

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and other health care organizations in the state are working to “increase awareness of lung cancer screening and help eligible residents learn whether they could benefit from this potentially life saving test,” according to a press release from Concord Hospital Medical Group, one of the participating organizations. According to the state’s Lung Cancer Screening page, dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/disease-prevention/cancer/nh-cancer-partnership/lung-cancer-screening, screening is recommended for ages 50 to 80 years old, people who currently smoke or quit in the last 15 years and have smoked at least one pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years, according to the website, where you can find screening sites across the state.

“Too many people who could benefit from lung cancer screening either don’t realize they qualify or haven’t had a conversation about it,” Kamen Rangelov, MD, Concord Hospital Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine – Laconia, said in the release. “By raising awareness across New Hampshire, we can help more people understand who should be screened and make an informed decision with their health care team. Increasing screening means more opportunities to identify lung cancer when it may be easier to treat.”

Game summit

Tickets for the Granite Game Summit, an event focused on “social, open board gaming in the Granite State” which will take place March 11-14 at the Sheraton Nashua, will go on sale on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m., according to a press release and granitegamesummit.com, where you will be able to find the link to purchase tickets. “Attendees are encouraged to bring games from their collection to play. We will provide tables on which to share your games with other attendees or to store underneath,” the website said.

The Civil Air Patrol Manchester Composite Squadron will hold an open house Thursday, Oct 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the North Elementary School, 19 Sanborn Road in Londonderry, according to an emailed flyer. The official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, this nonprofit organization participates in search and rescue as well as offering aerospace education and youth development, the flyer said. Email dvoigt@nhwg.cap.gov.

The Derry Public Library, 64 E Broadway in Derry, will hold a cookbook swap on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Bring cookbooks to swap for new-to-you cookbooks, according to a library email. See derry.org.

The Nashua Historical Society presents “Mary Estey: Her Life, Execution & Her Historic Legacy” on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. at the Speare Memorial Museum, 5 Abbott St. in Nashua, according to a press release. “Nashua native Mary Louise Bigham is the 9x great-granddaughter of Mary and Isaac Estey, sister of Rebecca Nurse, who was wrongfully convicted and executed for the capital crime of witchcraft in September 1692 during the Salem witch-hunt. … Discovering Mary Estey as a wife, mother, sister, neighbor, and ultimately a victim of the Salem witch-hunt has profoundly shaped Mary Louise’s life and the passions she pursues today,” the release said. The event is open to the public.

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