Category: News

This Week 26/01/22

Thursday, Jan. 22

“Art and Bloom,” a show in collaboration with the Women’s Caucus for Art, New Hampshire Chapter, and Kimball Jenkins Estate, 266 N. Main St. in Concord, will open to the public today from 2 to 4 p.m. with an opening reception scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. The show will feature floral arrangements interpreting the works of Kimball Jenkins’ winter show “Apricity: The Warmth of Winter Sun.” The show will also be open Friday, Jan. 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (during the Concord NH Winter Festival; see page 15). See kimballjenkins.com.

Thursday, Jan. 22

The Manchester Community Music School (2291 Elm St., Manchester, 644-4548, mcmusicschool.org) presents Stick Figures, a percussion-focused concert featuring faculty member Adam Cahalane tonight at 7 p.m. This concert is free and open to the public.

Thursday, Jan. 22

Dynamic drum troupe and visual spectacle Drum Tao will perform at the Chubb Theatre (Chubb Theatre at CCA, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) tonight beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $44.25.

Friday, Jan. 23

The Majestic Academy of Dramatic Arts will present Seussical the Musical, Jr. at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry, 404-2928, derryoperahouse.org) tonight at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 24, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m. This production stars children and teens of The Majestic Academy. General admission tickets are $17. Visit majestictheatre.net.

Friday, Jan. 23

Laugh Attic at Strange Brew Tavern (88 Market St., Manchester, 666-4292, strangebrewtavern.net) presents The Interview tonight from 8 to 10 p.m. This is a comedy showcase where Human Resources asks the comics things you’ve always wanted to know. Tickets are $20 through eventbrite.com.

Saturday, Jan. 24

One of the premier Beatles tribute acts, Beatlejuice, will perform at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com) tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 through the Tupelo’s website.

Saturday, Jan. 24

There is a Winter Wonderland Masquerade Party at the Jewel Music Venue (61 Canal St. Manchester, 819-9336, jewelmusicvenue.com) tonight from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. with special performances by Wettybop, The Artist Graves, Sokomodo, SPVNYVN, and Jephirsun Danger. There will be a masquerade costume contest with a $100 cash prize. Find the event on Jewel’s Facebook page for the QR code to scan top purchase tickets.

Sunday, Jan. 25

Granite State Generosity (gsgnh.org) welcomes the start of ski and snowboard season today with the Ninth Annual Bob Gilman Fun Run Ski and Snowboard Race at McIntyre Ski Area. Visit mcintyreskiarea.com/acitivities/bobgilman to register.

Save the Date! Thursday, Jan. 29

Dancing with the Stars will burn up the dance floor at SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com) on Thursday, Jan. 29, with special guest Danielle Fishel. Tickets start at $76 through gotickets.com. A VIP package is available.

Featured photo: Horton, Clover, the Grinch and the Whos!

Pats in Denver Sunday

The Big Story – Pats Win: Been saying it all year, and did it again Sunday — how are they doing it? Except they keep doing it. This time beating the tougher-scheduled Texans 28-16 to return to the AFC Title Game for the first time since 2018. The defense got five turnovers while making C.J. Stroud look awful. Next up is Denver, where old friend Jarrett Stidham will start at QB after starter Bo Nix sadly broke his ankle in the waning minutes of OT in their 33-30 win over Buffalo. Game time 3 p.m. Sunday in Denver.

Sports 101: On Monday Indiana attempted to join eight other D-I colleges who’ve won both a football and a basketball national championship. Name the other eight.

News Item – Patriots Beat Houston 28-16:

• Best Play – Kayshon Boutte: His spectacular one-handed fourth-quarter TD catch was not only the play of the game, it also iced the game.

• Key Stat: Houston had just 48 rushing yards.

• Backslide – Drake Maye: After four more fumbles you’ve got to hold on to the ball in the pocket much better, young fella.

• Game Ball – Defense: With four picks, a recovered fumble, three sacks, constant pressure on Stroud and a pick-six by Marcus Jones it was tremendous.

News Item – Red Sox: After giving Phillies lefty Ranger Suarez almost as much as Alex Bregman wanted, the Sox have prioritized starting pitching over AB and that’s hard to argue with. Now get a real second baseman and the off-season work is done.

The Numbers:

14 – after coughing up four more Sunday, Maye’s NFL-leading fumbles.

28.0 – microscopic QB rating for Stroud vs. NE — can you play any worse than that?

119 – million dollars per year is what Tucker will actually cost L.A. instead of the meager 57.1 he’ll get after exceeding every luxury tax threshold. But who cares it’s only deferred money.

… Of the Week Awards

Crybabies of the Week – Joe Mazzulla and Jaylen Brown: I’m the last person to defend NBA (or NFL) refereeing and know how frustrating inconsistent officiating can be. But after hearing Brown and Slo Joe whine after consecutive Celtic losses, come on. Brown about a big free throw disparity and Mazzulla (correctly) about a no call on a moving screen on the game-winning score. Earth to those sore losers: everyone in the NBA moves setting picks and if Joe didn’t complain when Al Horford did it on every pick he set, then why now? As for the reason the C’s are last in free throw in the NBA, it’s because they are first in 3-ball attempts. You rarely get fouled 25 feet from the basket. Stop blaming others and get to the rack if you want more foul shots.

Prediction – CFP Title Game: With the game already over, here’s my pre-game prediction. Rooting for Miami to make Notre Dame’s whining about UM getting in over them look worse. But, I got Indiana winning their first national title 31-14.

Sports 101 Answer: The dual title winners are Florida, Michigan State, Ohio State, Michigan, Syracuse, Maryland, Arkansas and Cal.

Final Thought – Fourth Down: I know going for it on fourth down is all the rage, but coaches overdo it. If I’m fourth and more than 2 in the red zone during the playoffs I’m taking the FG. Not doing that cost Chicago the game vs L.A. Sunday, when they failed three times in six fourth-down tries. They scored a TD on one of the makes, but if they made FG’s on those failed attempts instead, Williams’ miracle heave would have won the game not tied it. Of course Mike Vrabel did it Sunday and it scored the Pats’ first TD on fourth and 1 from inside the 10. But that does not change my mind.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

Quality of Life 26/01/22

A school project with wings

According to a Jan. 13 online article by WMUR, an airplane built by students at Manchester School of Technology has arrived at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. “Students have been working on the aircraft since 2023,” the article read. “It’s the second airplane built at the school through a partnership with the Manchester School District and nonprofit Tango Flight. The plane will be inspected and go through flight testing before receiving certification that it’s airworthy.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: According to a post on the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire’s website, “the aircraft, a two-seat Van’s RV-12iS recreational plane, will undergo FAA inspection followed by a ‘fly-off’ procedure supervised by an approved test pilot. “ Visit aviationmuseumofnh.org.

A cheer heard from here to Foxboro

As reported in an online article by WMUR, the New England Patriots Cheerleaders are led by a Londonderry native. “Driss Dallahi was one of the first male cheerleaders on the team,” the story read, “and now, he’s managing the squad. He joined the team in 2019, becoming one of the first male cheerleaders on the squad in nearly three decades. He was recently appointed manager.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: “Dallahi said preparing for a playoff game looks a lot like the regular season, just with more intensity,” the WMUR article said.

Eagles conserved

As reported by the Boston Globe in a Jan. 13 online article, “bald eagles are making a comeback in New Hampshire. According to the State’s most recent Wildlife Action Plan, released in December, “[The eagles’] recovery has been notable enough that they’re no longer considered a ‘species of greatest conservation need,’” As reported in the Globe article, “128 bald eagle pairs were documented in the state in 2025, 13 more than in 2024.”

QOL score: +1 for the eagles

Comment: On the other hand, five new species of shorebirds have been added to the list of those in need of conservation: Black-bellied Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper,Short-billed Dowitcher and White-rumped Sandpiper. Visit wildlife.nh.gov/wildlife-and-habitat/nh-state-wildlife-action-plan.

QOL score: 55

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 58

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 26/01/22

Celebrating Christa McAuliffe

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord will hold “Reach for the Stars: Celebrating Christa McAuliffe” Saturday, Jan. 24, through Sunday, Feb. 1, according to the Center’s website, starhop.com. “Join us as we honor the legacy of Christa McAuliffe and the STS-51L Challenger crew. Together, we remember their lives, their courage, and their enduring impact on education and space exploration,” the website said. Concord school teacher McAuliffe and the crew of the NASA Space Shuttle Challenger died on Jan. 28, 1986, shortly after the shuttle’s launch. The NHPBS documentary Christa will be shown throughout the week in the Planetarium, the website said.

On Wednesday, Jan. 28, the center will hold a program called “Reach for the Stars: Then, Now, & Forever” from 5 to 7:30 p.m. that will include “Christa’s Lost Lessons with NASA Astronaut, Ricky Arnold,” the unveiling of a new Christa McAuliffe exhibit and a panel discussion, the website said. Deadproof Pizza Co. will be on site for patrons to purchase dinner starting at 4 p.m., the website said.

On Saturday, Jan. 31, the center will host “Challenger: Soaring with Christa McAuliffe,” described on the website: “Journey through Christa’s life in this multi-media immersive living history performance, suitable for all ages.” Doors open at 5 p.m.

Go online to purchase tickets to either event or to purchase admission tickets for the week-long programming and reserve planetarium tickets.

Wash your hands

The Manchester Health Department reported that respiratory viruses including influenza, RSV and Covid-19, and norovirus (known for its stomach-related symptoms) are “actively circulating, statewide,” according to a Jan. 13 press release “Area hospitals are experiencing much higher than expected admissions and emergency department visits related to respiratory illnesses,” the release said. In the statement, Anna Thomas, MPH, Manchester’s Public Health Director said “We have officially entered the beginning peak of cold and flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates that this will last for a period of up to three months.” Recommendations for preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses include getting a flu shot, washing hands often for at least 20 seconds and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and throwing tissues in the trash after using them, disinfecting high-traffic surfaces and staying home from school or work until “your fever has been gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines” if you get sick, the release said.

New Hampshire author Mary Anne Totten will hold a reading of her book Silos, Secrets, and Silence at Bookery in Manchester on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1 to 3 p.m. See bookerymht.com for more on the event and matottenwrites.com for more on the author.

Thursday, Jan. 22, is Oscar nominations morning; see oscars.org at 8:30 a.m. for the announcements by Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman. Then settle in for some movie talk with the Derry Public Library at their “2025: The Year in Film” Zoom presentation on Monday, Jan. 26, at 6:30 p.m. Register at derrypl.org.

The Live Free or Die Farm, 11 Cricket Hill Drive in Amherst, will hold its annual Christmas Tree Burn and Bonfire Party on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 5 to 9 p.m., according to the listing on eventbrite.com, where you can find details about food and reserve a spot.

NH Pipes and Drums and Scottish Arts will hold a Burns Night celebration on Saturday, Jan. 24, starting at 5 p.m. at Castleton in Windham. The night will feature haggis, Highland dancers, whisky, Ceilidh dancing, live music, Burns poetry and more, according to nhssa.org, where you can purchase tickets.

This Week 26/01/15

Thursday, Jan. 15

Pilot Paul Russo will speak at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, 669-4820, aviationmuseumofnh.org) tonight at 7 p.m. about using the Alton Bay Ice Runway — the only official ice landing strip in the lower 48 states, according to a press release. Admission is $10 per person.

Friday, Jan. 16

Blues Brothers, the Next Generation will take the stage at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com) tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35 through the Tupelo’s.

Saturday, Jan. 17

The Majestic Theatre (880 Page St., Manchester, 669-7469, majestictheatre.net) presents a Disco Inferno tonight at 7 p.m. Immerse yourself in songs from the disco era during the ’70s and before/beyond. Tickets cost $20; see the Majestic’s website.

Saturday, Jan. 17

The Dana Center for the Humanities (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, anselm.edu) will host the 11th annual Regional Idol scholarship competition tonight at 7 p.m. Selected for their vocal talent from a large pool of hopeful applicants, 12 talented area high school vocalists will compete for recognition and for scholarship money. See tickets.anselm.edu for ticket info.

Saturday, Jan. 17

Today is Free Fishing Day. You can fish without a license in New Hampshire today. Note that all other regulations must be followed. Learn more about fishing rules by reading the NH Freshwater Fishing Digest at fishnh.com/fishing/publications.html.

Saturday, Jan. 17

The New Hampshire Historical Society, 30 Park St. in Concord, nhhistory.org, will host a curator’s tour, with director of education Elizabeth Durbulle, of the exhibition “If You Had to Choose: Patriots and Loyalists in Revolutionary New Hampshire” today at 2 p.m. Admission to the museum costs $10 for ages 18 and over (under 18 get in free), according to the website.

Saturday, Jan. 17

Illusionist Leon Etienne will perform his magic show “Magic Rocks!” twice today, at the Rex Theatre (823 Amherst St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) at 4 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 via the Palace.

Sunday, Jan. 18

Take a break from the winter and spend the morning in Italy with a screening of 1953’sRoman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck at Red River Theatres in Concord at 10 a.m. See redrivertheatres.org.

Sunday, Jan. 18

The Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) will host Funny Women of a Certain Age today at 4 p.m. with comedians Carole Montgomery, Leighann Lord and Liz Glazer. Tickets are $45 through the Capitol Center’s website or $50 at the door.

Save the Date! Jan. 22
Drum troupe Drum Tao will perform at the Chubb Theatre (Chubb Theatre at CCA, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) Thursday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. Renowned for powerful and athletic drumming, their newest show, “The Best,” blends traditional wadaiko (Japanese drums) with modern energy and theatrical flair. Tickets start at $44.25 through the Capitol Center’s website.

Featured photo: Disco Inferno at the Majestic Theatre

Pats D smothers LA 16-3

The Big Story – Patriots Move to Round II: So much for “they’re only there because of an easy schedule.” Weird game in that it was close most of the way, but the Pats seemed in control the whole way. It wasn’t a thing of beauty. But if you’re from the “a win is a win is a win” club, it was, as they took out their ancient AFL rival from a supposed stronger division in the 16-3 win over the L.A. Chargers. Either way, they now move on to face the Houston-Pittsburgh winner in Round II.

Sports 101: Three head coaches have won a college football national championship and a Super Bowl. Name them.

News Item – Patriots vs. Chargers

• Key Defensive Stat: The L.A. offense was 3-14 converting third and fourth downs into first downs.

• Key Offensive Stat:Drake Maye threw for 278 yards and a TD, but his running was more pivotal. He saved two scoring drives with scrambles for first down as he ran for 69 yards on 10 carries.

• Backslide – O-Line: Maye was under pressure all night.

• Game Ball – Defense: Their best game for holding Justin Herbert to just 207 total yards and FG.

News Item – Pats Or C’s: Which was less conceivable on their opening days? The Patriots finishing tied with the best record in the NFL, or the Celtics climbing up to fourth in ESPN’s weekly NBA rankings last week?

The Numbers:

4 – ridiculous number of colleges Bill Belichick’s new QB Billy Edwards will have played for (Wake Forest, Maryland and Wisconsin) after transferring (again) to North Carolina.

18 – point lead blown by Green Bay to let archrival Chicago rally from down 21-3 at halftime to beat them 31-27 in their wild card playoff game.

… Of the Week Award

Har-Dee-Har-Har Moment of the Week – Jerry Jones: My friend George Copadis, the biggest Cowboys fan in NH, must have gotten a big laugh hearing the Cowboys owner say last week his goal is to retire with the most SB wins ever. Pretty funny when you consider in the 30 years since the architect of his three SB wins, Jimmy Johnson, walked out the door in 1994, they have never gone to even an NFC title game once. No shot.

Help Wanted – Chip Kelly: Nice to see he won’t be spending next year in Pago Pago unemployed after being hired as the Offensive Coordinator at Northwestern.

Random Thoughts – On CFP:

After Notre Dame’s tirade they deserved to be in the tournament over a team with the same record, who beat them head to head, ND looked even dumber when Miami beat Ole Miss to get to the championship game.

We haven’t seen the level of demolition of opponents by any school ever in CFP history like Indiana rolling up a 94-25 point differential in its wins over Alabama and Oregon. Which sets up IU as 7.5 favorites Monday night.

I’m betting Alabama already has IU head man Curt Cignetti on speed dial to be ready for the inevitable firing of Kalen DeBoer after next year for not being Nick Saban/Bear Bryant enough.

If you’re looking for a good underdog omen, Monday is the 51st anniversary of one of the biggest upsets in college sports history when Notre Dame beat UCLA to end its 88-game basketball winning streak.

Indiana 35-16.

Sports 101 Answer: The dual winning coaches are Pete Carroll (USC and Seattle), Jimmy Johnson (U of Miami and Dallas) and Barry Switzer (Oklahoma and Dallas).

Final Thought – The Alex Bregman Saga: There’s certain guys you just don’t like when they play for a rival team and he was of them. A whiner with Houston in the 2018 playoffs, in the middle of the Astros cheating scandal (with no apology I know of), a Scott Boras client with no loyalty and while good last year before getting hurt, he did get hurt again with the same kind of injury that derailed his 2020 season.

So the Red Sox losing him does not bother me even though they have no third baseman or real clean-up hitter with spring training five weeks away. And only partly because I don’t like him. The RBI totals of 55, 93, 97, 75 and 62 in the last five seasons do not bode well for giving a 32-year-old a five-year contract. Let alone at $35 million per, which he certainly is not worth now, let alone at 36.

But it does make me look stupid. Despite all the evidence he wouldn’t re-invest the money saved in the Devers trade in a big hitter like Pete Alonso, I gave him the benefit of the doubt he would. But, true to recent form, he didn’t. Instead it was just a salary dump. Now all that’s left is hearing lap dog/ president Sam Kennedy’s latest pathetic spin effort telling all how hard the Sox tried to keep AB.

As for me, I’m like that song from The Who — I won’t get fooled again.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

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