Category: News

This Week 26/01/01

Thursday, Jan. 1

Make-A-Wish New Hampshire (wish.org/nh) will hold its 5th Annual Polar Plunge today at 11 a.m. at Sawyer’s Beach in Rye. Participants will swim in icy water to raise money to help grant wishes for New Hampshire kids with critical illnesses. All proceeds go directly to Make-A-Wish New Hampshire. Sign up through the organization’s Facebook page at facebook.com/makeawishnh.

Saturday, Jan. 3

There will be two Looking Together tours at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org) today and tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 4, at 11 a.m. and noon. Spend 15 minutes looking closely at a single work of art with a museum guide and other visitors. Featured works will include Josef Scharl’s “Black Man Praying” (1943) and an untitled work by George Woodman (c.1966-68). Visit the Currier website.

Saturday, Jan. 3

Motley Crüe tribute band Notley Crüe will perform at Jewel Music Venue (61 Canal St., Manchester, 819-9336, jewelmusicvenue.com) tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.98 through eventbrite.com.

Sunday, Jan. 4

To Share Brewing (720 Union St., Manchester, 836-6947, tosharebrewing.com) will host an Open Mic event today, hosted by James and Molly, from 4 to 6 p.m. Sign up on arrival.

Sunday, Jan. 4

The Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com) will host PizzaStock Showcase 2026 today, beginning at noon. A fundraiser for the Jason R Flood Memorial, this show will feature four bands: Rite of Passage, Punching Pedestrians, Spectrum, and one mystery guest band. Tickets are $23 through Tupelo’s website

Monday, Jan. 5

There will be an Open House Night at Manchester Maker Space (36 Old Granite St., Manchester, manchestermakerspace.org) from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening. Guests can explore the Makerspace and learn about Manchester’s maker community. No registration or ticket required.

Tuesday, Jan. 6

Learn a new skill for the new year tonight at 6 p.m. at the Stark Brewing Co. (500 N. Commercial St., Manchester, 625-4444, starkbrewingcompany.com). The Massachusetts-based Hand The Light holds a Soap Making Workshop where participants can create two goat milk soaps, according to the Stark Brewing website, where you can find a QR code to buy tickets.

Wednesday, Jan. 7

There will be a free Wood Shop Orientation and Safety class tonight at 6:30 p.m.,at MakeIt Labs (25 Crown St., Nashua, 487-6218, makeitlabs.com). This class provides essential information and required procedures to ensure safe operation of various power tools in the MakeIt Labs wood shop and is limited to 10 participants. Check availability at eventbrite.com.

Save the Date! Thursday, Jan 8
Disney’s Frozen and Encanto on Icewill be at the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com) beginning Thursday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. Find ticket information via the SNHU Arena website. “This adventure on ice transports fans into two of the most popular Disney films as audiences can sing along to their favorite songs while embracing world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics and more,” according to a press release. See disneyonice.com.

Featured photo: Encanto On Ice

Quality of Life 26/01/01

Lights on, let’s play

Installation has begun on lights at the athletic field at Keach Park in Concord, according to a Dec. 24 Concord Monitor article. The lights will cover a youth-sized field, the story said, and will be ready for nighttime use sometime in May or June 2026; this will make Keach the only lighted field in Concord other than Memorial Field.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Local advocacy group Change for Concord lobbied for years for the lights and had wanted a larger area to be lighted, according to the article, which quoted city Parks & Rec Director David Gill as saying that the current plan will not illuminate abutting houses much.

Thousands of crows

In a Dec. 22 article, Manchester InkLink reported that a recent survey “counted 7,800 crows passing over the Amoskeag Fishways [in Manchester] on their way to their night roost.” Using a thermal imaging drone, New Hampshire naturalist Mark Timmerman and photographer Craig Gibson, who has conducted similar studies on the crow population in Lawrence, Mass., hope to document the Millyard’s crow population.

QOL score: +1

Comment: While Manchester’s crow population is smaller than Lawrence’s, the birds’ environments are extremely similar. Both have large, brick, mill buildings on the Merrimack River. Gibson expects both populations to be made up of the same species, American Crows, with a smaller number of Fish Crows, according to the article.

Parading down Main Street 100 years ago

On Dec. 22, the Concord Public Library posted a press release on the City of Concord’s website (concordnh.gov) reminding the public that one of the Library’s many resources is a digital collection of historic Concord photographs, including of President Theodore Roosevelt’s visit to Concord on Aug. 28, 1902; the Concord High School Girls Basketball Team in 1920, and dozens of parade photos. Visit concordnhlibrary.omeka.net, where you can also find a wealth of other Concord historical resources.

QOL score: +1

Comment: This is another reminder that local libraries do much more than lend books. See the Oct. 2 issue of The Hippo, “29 Reasons to love your library,” which is available online. Visit hippopress.com.

QOL score to start 2026: 50

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 53

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

Pats back on top!

The Big Story – Pats Win AFC East: The Patriots blasted the Jets 42-10 Sunday. Then when the Bills’ failed 2-point conversion as time ran out made them 13-12 losers to Philly, it made NE the AFC champs! Who saw that coming in August? Not me.

Sports 101: Which college has won the most New Year’s Day Rose Bowl football games?

News Item – Jets Crash Land in Foxboro:

The Pats’ 42-10 wasn’t much of a game competitively. But they took care of business from the jump and Drake Maye was something to see.

Key Stat – Maye’s five TD passes. He was unstoppable going 19-21 for 256 yards in only 35 minutes played.

Improvement – Everyone: It was their most dominant game of the year.

Backslide – The Jets: Somehow they gave up a TD the first six times the Pats had the ball. And amazingly they gave up 12 first downs on the first 15 plays of the game as NE scored two TDs and averaged 9.1 per play.

Game Ball – Maye and Stefon Diggs – Again: Diggs had five large catches for 101 yards and Maye was sensational.

Next Up – Miami, 1 p.m. Sunday: A win combined with Denver losing to the Chargers makes them the No. 1 Seed in AFC playoffs.

News Item – Predictions for 2026:

• LeBron James and Travis Kelce retire.

• Bill Belichick gets fired by UNC. Showing again it usually ends badly for even the best coaches.

• The Jets do not go the entire 2026 season without an interception as they have so far this season.

• At least five more players, coaches or refs get caught in illegal sports gambling stings in 2026.

• It’s a repeat of Henry letting Kyle Schwarber walk to hit 46, 47, 38 and 56 homers in four seasons in Philly. And aggravatingly for the same money they gave Masataka Yoshida, who has hit 29 with Boston. This time Pete Alonso hits 52 homers with Baltimore after Henry passes on giving him the money he shed in the Rafael Devers trade. Instead, to play first base, they traded for a solid but aging 33-year-old ex-catcher, Willson Contreras, who averaged 19 bombs the last four years in big park St. Louis.

• The 2026 Season Champs: NBA – Houston Rockets. NHL – no idea. MLB – L.A. Dodgers’ money buys their third in a row. NFL – 2026 Patriots come all the way back, baby.

2025 Big Numbers:

1.1 – billion dollars in deferred payment for the buy-everything-in-sight-just-because-I-can L.A. Dodgers.

3 – players — Nick Kurtz, Eugenio Suarez and Schwarber — each hit four homers in the same game.

82 & 146 – combined wins and losses of the teams the Pats played in 2025.

… 2025 Of the Year Awards:

Thumbs Up – Stefon Diggs: Very quick recovery from the ACL tear, much better than expected, with none of the diva nonsense we were warned about. A most pleasant surprise.

Thumbs Down – John Henry: You almost had me when you dumped Devers. Then you put the money back in your pocket instead of trying to win by signing a big banger to replace his big bat.

Best Individual Game – Nikola Jokic: Scoring over 50 in an NBA game like he did with 56 in an OT win vs. Golden State last week is a big deal. But then throw in the 15 assists and 16 rebounds he had as well, and that his 17 points were the most ever scored in OT. That gives it to him over the three four-homer guys because that makes 21 who’ve done that.

Sports 101 Answer: USC has far and away the most Rose Bowl victories with 25 in 35 appearances. They’re followed by Ohio State with 10, Michigan with 9 and Stanford with 8.

Final Thought – Things I Hope Happen in 2026:

• While he’s earned a big sendoff, I hope LeBron does not go out a winner, as that will keep the Celtics’ all-time 18 title wins one ahead of the Lakers. Though they actually only won 12 of them as the L.A. Lakers.

• Henry sells the Sox to someone who cares enough about winning to spend to do it. Then he gets elected to the Hall for being the owner when they ended the Curse and won three more titles before he went cheap.

• After finally knocking off the petty crap to keep Bill Parcells out of the Patriot Hall, ditto for Bob Kraft and Canton. If for no other reason than so we’ll be free from his relentless campaigning to get in (and for the six titles won on his watch).

• The very likable Brian Scalabrine gets a clue to not say “we” when broadcasting Celtics games. Even the biggest homer of them all, Johnny Most, never did that.

• The reigning blowhard of sports broadcasting, Steven A. Smith, gets a four-month case of laryngitis that starts right before the NBA playoffs begin. Happy New Year to all.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 26/01/01

$2 less

Eversource customers are expected to see a 2 percent decrease in their bills for the first two months of 2026 “due to rate adjustments in the first two months of the new year,” according to an Eversource press release from Dec. 16. “The energy company recently filed multiple rate adjustments, including energy supply, that will take effect early next year, leading to a slight overall decrease for customers if approved by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC),” the release said. “Due to rate adjustments in the first two months of the new year, the delivery portion of all customer bills will go down, resulting in an approximately $2 or 2% decrease. The Default Service rate, which is the energy supply that Eversource purchases on behalf of customers with no markup or profit, will remain stable, changing in February from 11.2 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 11.3 cents per kWh,” the release said. See eversource.com.

Shoebox project

The United Way of Greater Nashua is collecting items for its Shoebox Project for Seniors Monday, Jan. 5, through Friday, Jan. 30, at its 20 Broad St. location in Nashua from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, according to a press release. The shoebox kits are distributed to seniors “served by Gateways Community Services, Meals on Wheels, Americorps Senior Companions and The Caregivers, reaching individuals who are often isolated and difficult to reach,” the press release said. Items accepted include exercise bands, puzzle books, healthy recipe books, note cards, stamps, magnifying glasses, pocket calendars, small stuffed animals, colored pencils and adult coloring books, combs and brushes, dental floss, facial tissue, hot chocolate, tea and coffee bags, travel-size shampoo, toothpaste and other items, the release said. See unitedwaynashua.org/event/shoebox-project-for-seniors-day-of-caring/.

Renovations

The New Hampshire Audubon’s McLane Center, 84 Silk Road in Concord, will be open to visitors, such as those who want to check out the “Enchanted Owls” exhibit of fiber art featuring the works of Sandra Grant, on Friday, Jan. 2, and Saturday, Jan. 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. but then closed Jan. 4 through Jan 20 for renovations, according to a NH Audubon newsletter. “Enchanted Owls” will continue at the McLane Center after it reopens, on display through Saturday, March 7. See nhaudubon.org for updates. The Massabesic Center, 26 Audubon Way in Auburn, will be closed for New Year’s Day (Thursday, Jan. 1) but otherwise open normal hours, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its new exhibit — “Outings,” featuring the watercolor works of Nick Amadeo — will open on Friday, Jan. 9, with an artist reception that evening from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through Saturday, Feb. 28, according to the NH Audubon’s calendar on its website.

The Concord Public Library, 45 Green St. in Concord, will hold a Stuffed Animal Sleepover for kids in preschool and elementary school on Friday, Jan. 2, at 3 p.m. Bring a stuffie who will spend the night at the library and then pick them up on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m., when kids can have breakfast and watch a G-rated movie, according to concordnh.gov/1983/Library, where you can register for the event.

New England author Katy Hunt will be at the storytime on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 11:30 a.m. at Bookery Manchester, 844 Elm St. in Manchester, with her books There’s a Wub in the Tub and My Cousin Is A Dragon, according to bookerymht.com.

Check out another Rob Reiner-directed classic — 1986’s Stand By Me, based on Stephen King’s “The Body,” which will screen on Sunday, Jan. 4, at 1 p.m. at the Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St., according to nashualibrary.org.

This Week 25/12/25

Thursday, Dec. 25

The Gift of Lights display at NH Motor Speedway, 1122 Route 106 in Loudon, continues through through Sunday, Jan. 4, opening at 4:30 p.m. on most days (weather dependent), according to nhms.com, where you can purchase a ticket (one ticket per vehicle).

Friday, Dec. 26

Charmingfare Farm, 774 High St. in Candia, visitthefarm.com, keeps the fun going with Encore of the Lights running this weekend today; tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 27, and Sunday, Dec. 28, in the afternoon and early evenings. See the website to book tickets on a sleigh or logging sled to see the farm’s holiday lights display and to visit the farm animals, enjoy hot cocoa by the campire and more.

Friday, Dec. 26

The Rex Theatre (823 Amherst St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) will host Wheel Gone Wild: an R-Rated Game Show tonight at 7:30 p.m. This is the ultimate adults-only twist on your favorite game show, according to the website.

Friday, Dec. 26

The Jewel Music Venue (61 Canal St., Manchester, 819-9336, jewelmusicvenue.com) will host I Love R&B: the Ultimate R&B Party Experience at 8 p.m.. Visit ILoveRNBParty.com for tickets for this 21+ event.

Saturday, Dec. 27

Hard-rocking band Chasing the Devil will perform at the Angel City Music Hall (179 Elm St., Manchester, 931-3654) tonight from 7 to 11:30 p.m., with special guests Angry Hill, Silent Season, and Trawl. Tickets are $23.18 through eventbrite.com.

Sunday, Dec. 28

Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest will screen today at 2 p.m. at the BNH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com). Max Webster (Life of Pi) directs the performance, filmed live from the National Theatre in London.

Sunday, Dec. 28

Experience the slam dunks and trick shots of The Harlem Globetrotters today at 2 and 7 p.m., at the SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St. in Manchester, snhuarena.com. They will take on their long-time rivals the Washington Generals.

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Comedian Juston McKinney will perform at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com) tonight through Friday, Jan. 2, at 10 p.m. Tickets are $45 through the Nashua Center’s website.

Wednesday, Dec. 31

The Adam Ezra Group will perform at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com) tonight at 9 p.m. Find more special meals, parties and other events to celebrate New Year’s Eve starting on page 24.

Save the Date! Thursday, Jan 8
Mania: the ABBA Tribute will take the stage at the Chubb Theatre (Chubb Theatre at CCA, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) Thursday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 p.m. This show has toured every continent in the world and has played more than 3,000 live concerts in more than 35 countries. Featuring a cast of musicians and performers, Mania: The ABBA Tribute delivers an authentic tribute to the legendary Swedish band, according to the website. Tickets start at $38 through the Capitol Center’s website.

Featured Photo: Juston Mckinney. Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 25/12/25

We know how to holiday

According to a recent study by health and wellness website Innerbody.com, New Hampshire is one of the most festive states in the U.S. The study examined Christmas-related online searches of topics including the sales of advent calendars, inflatable lawn decorations and festive holiday clothing. “New Hampshire has risen to 9th place in the rankings, up from 10th last year,” read a Dec. 16 press release from Innerbody, “suggesting an increase in its Christmas spirit.” This contrasts with its neighbors, Vermont and Maine, which rank among the states with the lowest (or “Grinchiest”) Christmas cheer.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The study ranked West Virginia as the most festive, and the District of Columbia as the least festive. Visit innerbody.com/most-festive-state.

Girl Scouts convert bags to benches

A Mont Vernon Girl Scout troop has collected enough semi-firm plastic bags — the type you get groceries in — to be recycled into a park bench. Girl Scout Troop 59205 is a group of four cadets in seventh grade, led by Scout Leader Bobbi Billow. When the project began, the troop had 13 members who all contributed to the project for a full year and helped reach the 1,000-pound milestone. “Month after month, the residents of Mont Vernon came together and averaged 100 pounds of plastic recycled per month,” Billow posted on Facebook on Dec. 1, “an incredible achievement for a small town with a big heart.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: According to a Dec. 15 press release from Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, Troop 59205 will donate their bench to the Mont Vernon Conservation Commission to be placed at Carleton Pond. This project was taken on as part of a challenge by Trex Recycling. Visit nextrex.com/view/programs.

New Hampshire and the Peace Corps

In a Dec. 15 press release, the Peace Corps (peacecorps.gov) announced its 2025 rankings of the top volunteer-producing states across the United States with New Hampshire ranked No. 3 among states with the highest number of Peace Corps volunteers per capita. According to the press release there are currently 36 New Hampshire residents serving worldwide. “In 2025, the nation’s capital is the largest producer of volunteers per capita with 31 volunteers, more than 4 volunteers per 100,000 citizens. Vermont took the No. 2 spot for per capita production, with 24 volunteers.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: Volunteers in the Peace Corps travel to other countries to donate their time and expertise. The Peace Corps aims “to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served” and “to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans,” according to its website.

QOL score: 79

Net change: +3

QOL for the end of 2025: 82

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

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