Category: News

This Week 25/05/08

Friday, May 9

The Majestic Academy of Dramatic Arts teens will present Sweeney Todd School Edition tonight at 7 p.m.; tomorrow, Saturday, May 10, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 11, at 2 p.m. at Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway in Derry; majestictheatre.net). Tickets cost $15 to $20.

Friday, May 9

The Peacock Players present Chicago Teen Edition with shows tonight and May 16, at 7 p.m. and Saturdays, May 10 and May 17, and Sundays, May 11 and May 18, at 2 p.m. at Janice B. Streeter Theatre, 14 Court St. in Nashua. Tickets cost $15 to $18 for adults, $12 to $15 for students and seniors.

Saturday, May 10

The Perennial Exchange runs today from 8 a.m. to noon at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St. in Concord). The event, put on by the Friends of the Audi and Concord’s General Service Department, urges gardeners to split overgrown plants to bring to the Audi to swap and share, with plants available for new gardeners and a Great Gardening Raffle, according to theaudi.org. Call 344-4747

Saturday, May 10

The Granite State Trading Cards & Collectibles Show will take place today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Everett Arena (15 Loudon Road in Concord). Admission costs $5; ages 12 and under get in free. See jimmysplacesportscards.com.

Saturday, May 10

The New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival will take place today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tomorrow, Sunday, May 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Deerfield Fairgrounds (34 Stage Road in Deerfield). The event will include a sheep show, fleece sale and judging, lectures and demonstrations and more. See nhswga.org/festival for tickets.

Saturday, May 10

“Impressions,” a printmaking exhibition, will be on display at Mosaic Art Collective (66 Hanover St. in Manchester; mosaicartcollective.com) today through Friday, June 27, with a reception today 4 to 8 p.m., according to Mosaic’s Facebook page.

Saturday, May 10

The Colonial Garden club of Hollis will hold its Annual Plant Sale today from 9 a.m. to noonin the field next to the Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Road, in Hollis.

Saturday, May 10

Experience Monster Jam live at the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com) today at 1 and 7 p.m., and tomorrow, May 11, at 1 p.m. Tickets start at $20.

Saturday, May 10

The second annual Maker’s Market craft fair will be held today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center for Life Management, 10 Tsienneto Road in Derry, featuring handcrafted artwork and gifts, according to an email.

Save the Date! Thrift Shop Prom
To Share Brewing (720 Union St., Manchester, 836-6947, tosharebrewing.com) will host its Second Annual Thrift Shop Prom Saturday, May 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be a Pop-Up Shop by Fishtoes Vintage, drag performances by Luke Laroe and company, and live DJing by DJ Shamblez. Dress in your most fabulous thrifted and/or outrageous prom attire and come ready for an unforgettable night of celebration, music and giving back.

Featured photo: Joselyn Rutstein as Mrs. Lovett and Gavin McCullough as Sweeney Todd

Quality of Life 25/05/08

A reprieve from pollen

Although this time of year is typically one of high pollen counts, recent rainy weather has temporarily knocked pollen out of the air. In an April 29 online weather update, WMUR warned New Hampshire allergy sufferers that this is usually the high point of airborne pollen in the state. “Late April and early May mark the peak of tree pollen season in New Hampshire,” the report read. “Maple, birch, and juniper are currently the dominant allergens, though nearly every tree species produces pollen.” Recent rainy weather has brought some relief, however. According to a May 5 15-Day Allergy Forecast by the Weather Channel (weather.com/forecast/allergy) area pollen counts should remain low through the weekend.

QOL score: +1 for a ah ah ahchoo break

Comment: The same allergy forecast projects a return to between “Moderate” and “Very High” levels starting around May 12.

Your package is not waiting to be delivered

According to a recent study by online technology education website Fullstack Academy, the most common way for New Hampshire residents to get scammed out of their personal data is through fake messages claiming that the target has a package or online order that can’t be delivered without more information. According to an April 4 blog post by Fullstack Academy, “Shipping scams are so prevalent that the [U.S. Postal Service] has guides to detecting and protecting yourself from such impersonators. Per [Federal Trade Commission] data, consumers lost $12.5 billion in 2024 to scams, with imposter scams accounting for $2.95 billion in losses alone.”

QOL score: -1

Comment: According to the study, “women are more likely than men to receive phishing lures impersonating shipping companies. Out of all female respondents, 54% said they’ve received USPS scams, while just 46% of male respondents said so. And with UPS-impersonated scams, 53% of women reported receiving one, while just 45% of men have received one.” To read more about this report, search online for fullstackacademy.com and “Phishing Lures.”

Hot. Very, very hot.

A May 2 story from Patch.com warns that this summer will bring “brutally hot weather for our part of the country.” A comparison of “NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, and Farmers’ Almanac shares predictions for the Granite State’s summer weather,” the story reported, and the consensus is that this summer will probably be another one of record-breaking heat. “A three-month outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center calls for above-average temperatures across the country from June through August, with pockets of extreme heat in the desert Southwest and parts of the Northeast. In New Hampshire, temperatures have a 70 to 80 percent chance of being above average.”

QOL score: -1

Comment: “Last year saw one of the hottest summers on record,” Patch.com reported, “with a nationwide average temperature of 73.8 degrees Fahrenheit, or 2.5 degrees above normal. It was also Earth’s hottest summer since global records began in 1880, surpassing a 2023 record.”

QOL score: 66

Net change: -2

QOL this week: 64

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

C’s have NY in sight

The Big Story – Celtics vs. Knicks Playoff Series: There have been a few skirmishes the last two decades. But there hasn’t been a good one since 1984 or one of equals since the early 1970s.

It’s most reminiscent of the ’84 series when the Celtics had a huge talent edge but still needed a 39-12-10 Game 7 triple double from Larry Bird to survive. That’s because NY’s Bernard King was at the height of his dominant scoring powers. Similarly, this time NY’s best chance is built around their high-scoring point guard Jalen Brunson. And how he fares against Derrick White and Jrue Holiday is the series’ biggest key. If he plays like he did vs. Detroit, NY can give the C’s trouble. But if they keep him contained, the series will be over early. It’ll be two games in when you see this, so we’ll know if it’s followed the “C’s are favored” script.

Sports 101: What hitter broke up 81 MLB no-hitters with home runs?

News Item – Jayson Tatum Update: (1) Even missing Game 2, with a 26.3, 8.7, 6.0 stat line JT had one of his best playoff series ever. (2) Not much for contrived nicknames like “the Truth” for Paul Pierce. But I do like Tatum being called “Player A.” (3) Talk radio made a big deal that he joined Bird as the only Celtic with three straight playoff games of 35 points or more. They didn’t mention that the likes of John Havlicek, Sam Jones and Tommy Heinsohn didn’t have the 3-ball to pad their total. If JT didn’t have it, he would’ve been 32, 33 and 34. Not knocking him, just setting the record straight amid gushing from the green teamers.

News Item – Red Sox Update: How does the Triston Casas injury not solve the Red Sox DH/Of log jam? Put Raffy Devers at first and Masataka Yoshida at DH to see how Devers does there, and if Yoshida hits, it expands his trade market.

News Item – NBA Playoff Update:(1) After being taken out in R1 by the T-Wolves, so much for the Lakers catching Boston at 18 for most NBA titles. (2) Was that LeBron’s last game?(3) Steph Curry reminded in the Game 7 win over upstart Houston how generationally great he is.

The Numbers:

0 – after the release of long snapper Joe Cardona, players left on the roster who’ve won a SB with the Patriots.

3 – games lost by Justin Slaten as the Sox bullpen spit the bit all week, losing four times in five games.

7 – points scored by James Harden in L.A.’s 120-101 loss to Denver to add to his extensive list of Game 7 chokes.

… Of the Week Awards

Thumbs Up – Red Sox Brass: For resisting the suddenly revived Red Sox Nation and media impatience to throw 20-year-old stud Roman Anthony into a brand new position at first base to get him into the line-up. Rather, when it happens they’ll let him acclimate to baseball’s highest level playing a position in the field he knows.

Stat of the Week: If you’re wondering why the Lakers lost in Round 1, how about that Minnesota outscored them 127-85 in the fourth quarter? It brought to mind that a lack of conditioning is a reason why Dallas traded Luka Doncic.

Random Thoughts: Next stop Hall of Fame for retiring Spurs legend Greg Popovich. He earned those five titles and reverence given league wide at the announcement. But his obstinacy with the media was unnecessary and his invention of “load management” is an insult to any fan paying $150 to see a guy play who didn’t.

Sports 101 Answer: Rickey Henderson broke up 81 no-hitters before they got started by leading off those games with a homer.

Predictions: T-Wolves over GS, Oak City over Denver, Indy upsets Cavs and C’s best NY.

Final Thought – Patriots 2025 Hall of Fame: While fellow nominees Logan Mankins and Julian Edelman are worthy, Adam Vinatieri should be this year’s Patriot Hall inductee.

His FG through that blinding snowstorm is the NFL’s greatest kick and with the game winner later in OT vs. Oakland they kickstarted the dynasty. He then won two SB’s with kicks down broad street as time ran out. It’s not close, really, as he’s the greatest kicker in NFL history.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 25/05/08

Rail trail

The South Manchester Rail Trail has been selected as an American Public Works Associations 2025 Public Works Historical Restoration/Preservation Project of the Year, according to the city’s Department of Public Works. The project finished in May 2024 and extended the city’s rail trail network and repurposed the historic wooden railroad trestle over Cohas Brook into a pedestrian bridge, the press release said.

Forever chemicals

Mariah Blake, author of They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals, will take part in a community conversations about her book on Thursday, May 8, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. online and in person at the Merrimack Historical Society (10 Depot St. in Merrimack), according to a press release. The event is sponsored by New Hampshire Network for Environment, Energy and Climate along with the CItizens for Clean Water, League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club New Hampshire Chapter. See mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/781201 to RSVP.

Miss NH

A new Miss New Hampshire and Miss New Hampshire’s Teen were crowded last weekend and both will go on to compete in the national competitions, Miss America and Miss America’s Teen, according to a press release. Xanthi Russell, who is slated to graduate from NHTI in Concord this month with an associate degree in Paralegal Studies, was named Miss New Hampshire and Megan Plaza, a sophomore at Londonderry High, was crowned Miss New Hampshire’s Teen, the release said. Both won scholarships and will begin a year of service, the release said.

Egg update

Two of the five eggs have hatched in the peregrine falcon nest at Brady Sullivan Tower in downtown Manchester, according to the daily log available in the comments of one of the three livestreaming feeds. The two eyasses — unfledged falcon chicks — are Una, short for Sunapee, hatched on May 2, and Alpy, short for Walpole, hatched on May 6, the log said. The names of five New Hampshire towns were picked by two fifth-grade classes in Hooksett to serve as names for this year’s hatchlings, the log said. The eggs were laid between March 22 and April 7. Find the links to the three live views of the nest via nhaudubon.org/education/birds-and-birding/peregrine-cam, where the New Hampshire Audubon offers the nest cams with support of Peregrine Networks and Brady Sullivan Properties, the website said. The log also has a link to a document with basic information about the nest, the falcons and previous seasons of peregrine falcons that have occupied it and the chicks that hatched there.

Henniker Handmade & Homegrown, a festival of music, arts and food trucks, will run Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the community center and park at 57 Main St. in Henniker, according to a press release. The event will feature nearly 90 local artists, crafters, farmers and food makers, the release said.

Red Arrow Diners in Concord, Londonderry, Manchester and Nashua will offer teachers and nurses 50 percent off their individual meal, including cocktails and desserts, through Sunday, May 11, according to a press release. See redarrowdiner.com/appreciation.

The Great Bay Food Truck Festival will run Saturday, May 10, from noon to 4 p.m. at Stratham Hill Park in Stratham. General admission tickets cost $10 in advance, $15 on the day. See greatbayfoodtruckfestival.com.

The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass will perform, with special guests the Pinkerton Academy Jazz Ensemble, at the Stockbridge Theatre (44 N. Main St. in Derry; stockbridgetheatre.showare.com) on Tuesday, May 14, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $30.

This Week 25/05/01

Thursday, May 1

The Craftworkers’ Guild’s 2025 Spring Craft Shop opens today and will run through Sunday, May 25. The Craft Shop will be open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kendall House, 3A Meetinghouse Road off Route 101 in Bedford, behind the Bedford Library. Visit thecraftworkersguild.org.

Friday, May 2

The New Hampshire Farm, Forest & Garden Expo offers workshops, demonstrations, a Dark Horse Lumber Jack Show and more today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Deerfield Fairgrounds (34 Stage Road in Deerfield). Tickets cost $10. See nhfarmandforestexpo.org.

Friday, May 2

Community Players of Concord present Thornton Wilder’s Our Town this evening and tomorrow, Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St. in Concord). Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for 17 and under and 65+. See communityplayersofconcord.org.

Friday, May 2

Actorsingers presentsLegally Blonde The Musical this evening, and tomorrow, Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m. at the Keefe Center for the Arts, 117 Elm St. in Nashua. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $23 for students and seniors (plus fees).

Saturday, May 3

The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org) is holding its annual Run the Rail Trail 4-Miler this morning, with the race starting at 9 a.m. Sign up at runsignup.com; search for “Aviation Museum” under “Find a Race.”

Sunday, May 4

The Camienne Financial Cinco De Miles 5K starts this morning at 9:15 a.m. in Bedford. The route begins and ends near Bedford High School. See millenniumrunning.com/cinco.

Tuesday, May 6

Local Street Eats (112 W Pearl St., Nashua, 402-4435, local-streeteats.com) will host a Tarot Tuesday Takeover Tuesday, May 6, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tarot reader Michelle Guillemette will perform a mini reading for customers. Tickets are $35. Contact the restaurant directly to secure a time spot. Sign-ups are required.

Tuesday, May 6

The Flying Gravity Circus, featuring children and teens who learn the circus arts, will perform a show called “One Man’s Trash” tonight at 7 p.m. at Pine Hill Auditorium at the HIgh Mowing School in Wilton. Tickets cost $16.30 for adults, $11.20 for kids. See flyinggravitycircus.org.

Wednesday, May 7

The 23rd Annual Rock’N Race, which raises money for HOPE Resource Center at Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care, will kick off today at 6 p.m., according to a press release. The race starts at the Statehouse and racers can choose a 5K run, 5K walk or 1-mile walk. The cost to enter is $40 for adults at rocknrace.org.

Save the Date! May 10

The New Hampshire Renaissance Faire
kicks off its two-weekend engagement in Fremont on Saturday, May 10. A family-friendly event, the Faire features local artisans, performers, food and more. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for children 6-12, $15 for seniors and military, and free for children 5 and younger. Visit nhrenfaire.com.

Featured photo: New Hampshire Rennaissance Faire

Quality of Life 25/05/01

Pasta and water, but not pasta-water

A recent study by online insurance company Choice Mutual (choicemutual.com) set out to determine what people from each state would choose for their last meal. Not surprisingly, most respondents chose comfort foods. The study found that New Hampshire residents would order some sort of pasta or noodles, which “includes everything from chicken alfredo to ramen,” the study summary explained. Soda was the first choice of beverages in every state, but New Hampshire respondents chose water as their second favorite drink.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The top Last Meal choice in most states was a steak dinner, followed by potatoes. Excluding soda, the top beverage choices nationwide were wine and water. Visit choicemutual.com/blog/favorite-last-meal-by-state.

Cleaning up the Merrimack

As reported in an April 21 article by Nashua InkLink (nashua.inklink.news), the Massachusetts-based conservation organization “Clean River Project” hopes to expand its clean-up efforts to New Hampshire. InkLink quoted Rocky Morrison, the organization’s head. “We’re dying to go to Manchester and Nashua,” he told InkLink, “and do a scan on the bottom of the river. New Hampshire is like a treasure trove. We don’t know what’s there. You never know what you’re going to find.” The Clean River Project uses boats outfitted with sonar equipment to detect objects in the water, and has contracts with cities on the Merrimack in Massachusetts to maintain riverbanks by collecting floating trash.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Morrison and his group have applied for grants from the EPA to move their efforts into New Hampshire but have not received any yet. Visit cleanriverproject.org.

How fast did we run?

As reported by WMUR in an April 21 online article, “New Hampshire runners had a strong day at the Boston Marathon.” Amherst’s Samuel Bradbury was New Hampshire’s fastest runner, with a finishing time of two hours, 22 minutes, 23 seconds, placing 57th in the men’s group and 62nd overall. Emilee Risteen from Derry had the fastest time for New Hampshire women at two hours, 40 minutes, 35 seconds, placing 52nd among women and 855th overall. Thomas Cantera from Nashua finished the race in two hours, 37 minutes, 35 seconds, placing 490th in the Para Division and 611th overall.

QOL score: +1

Comments: According to an April 23 online article by Runner’s World (runnersworld.com), 28,845 runners started the race. The Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the Marathon, announced that John Korir from Kenya placed first overall, with a time of two hours, 24 minutes, 45 seconds, and Sharon Lokedi of Kenya was the fastest woman, with a finishing time of two hours, 17 minutes, 22 seconds. Switzerland’s Marcel Hug was the fastest wheelchair racer, with a time of one hour, 21 minutes, 24 seconds. Visit results.baa.org/2025.

QOL score last week: 63

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 66

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

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