Category: News

News & Notes 25/06/19

Kids are alright

New Hampshire received top ranking for child well-being in the 2025 Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count Data Book, according to a release from the Department of Health and Human Services. The report looks at indicators in “four domains — economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors” and the state ranked among the top five states in those areas, the fourth year in a row it has done so, the release said. See the whole book at aecf.org/interactive/databook.

Falcon update

The three peregrine falcons hatched earlier this spring at Brady Sullivan Tower in downtown Manchester (you can view them in three different livestreams via nhaudubon.org/education/birds-and-birding/peregrine-cam) are now working on flight. According to the daily log, which you can find a link to in the livestream, Una, the first hatched, fledged on June 10. Learn more about the falcons at a meet and greet and supply- and fund-raiser for Wings of the Dawn Rescue & Rehab on Saturday, June 21, at 10 a.m. at the Brady Sullivan Tower, according to the daily log. The rain date is Sunday, June 22. See the log for a wish list of supplies.

Nature week

The New Hampshire Audubon Nature Challenge kicks off Sunday, June 22, and will run through Saturday, June 28, when participants can help to “document the birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, flowers, trees, mosses, mushrooms, and everything that either stops at our sanctuaries or calls [the NH Audubon’s wildlife sanctuaries] home!” according to nhaudubon.org. Sign up online.

City Lights

The 2025 recipients of the Gate City Light Awards were celebrated at the Nashua Board of Aldermen meeting on June 10, according to a press release from the Nashua Mayor’s Volunteer Recognition Committee. The awards “recognize local nonprofit organizations whose volunteer-powered efforts make a meaningful impact on the Greater Nashua community,” the release said. This year’s winner is the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, with the Runner-up award presented to the Nashua Senior Activity Center and the Unsung Hero Award going to The PLUS Company, the release said. See nashuanh.gov/541/Gate-City-Light-Award.

Help for vets

Mr. Mac’s Macaroni and Cheese restaurant of Manchester donated $3,000 to Harbor Care, a nonprofit providing services to homeless veterans, according to a Mr. Mac’s press release. The donation on June 11 was the result of a fundraiser in May where $1 of every Classic All-American Mac dish sold was collected for Harbor Car, the release said. See harborcarenh.org and mr-macs.com.

Catch NH Roller Derby at JFK Memorial Coliseum (303 Beech St. in Manchester) on Saturday, June 21, at 4 p.m. when the NH Roller Derby All-Stars take on Hartford Area Roller Derby followed by an open scrimmage for 18+ at 6 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.; tickets are sold at the door: $15 for adults, $5 for veterans and NHRD vets, kids 12 and under get in for free. See nhrollerderby.com.

The Barley House, 132 N. Main St. in Concord, thebarleyhouse.com, is holding its annual Burgerfest through Saturday, June 21, with a special menu of burgers like the Chimichurri Roja Butter Burger and the Elote Bison burger, according to a menu on the restaurant’s website. The Barley House will donate $1 per burger sold to Dartmouth Health Children’s, with sponsors for each burger also donating $1 per burger and New Hampshire Distributors donating $1 per beer, the email said.

Juneteenth New England, hosted by Black Womxn In New Hampshire Collective, is described by organizers as a free community celebration “honoring Black American culture, history and joy” and will take place Saturday, June 21, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Crossway Christian Church, 33 Pine St. in Nashua, according to givebutter.com/juneteenthne. The event is free and will feature food, music and more.

Tickets for the Oct. 25 NH PoutineFest at Anheuser-Busch Biergarten in Merrimack will go on sale Saturday, June 28, at 10 a.m. Tickets have quickly sold out in years past, according to an event email. See nhpoutinefest.com.

This Week 25/06/12

Thursday, June 12

The second annual United Through Color art event takes place at Positive Street Art (48 Bridge St., Nashua, 589-9003, positivestreetart.org) this evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Members of Positive Street Art and Opportunity Networks have collaborated to learn and experience art, science, professional skills and studying the human form. Visit to see paintings and sculptures, performance, art and photography, and enjoy signature food and dancing. There will be allergy-friendly foods and live DJ-ing from some of the group members. Visit positivestreetart.org/exhibitions.

Saturday, June 14

The New Hampshire Master Chorale will perform the Brahms Requiem, one of the most beloved choral works in the classical music repertoire, as the centerpiece of its 2025 spring concert series, tonight at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 21 Center St. in downtown Concord. Tickets for adults are $33 through nhmasterchorale.org. The Requiem will be performed in English.

Saturday, June 14

Balin Books (Somerset Plaza, 375 Amherst St., Nashua, 417-7981, balinbooks.com) hosts a book signingevent today at 2 p.m. with Paul August, the author of Ripples in the Nile. This adventure/thriller is set in modern Egypt and is full of shocks, surprises and betrayal.

Saturday, June 14

Check out Woofstock 2025 at Lake Park at Tuscan Village, 72 Rockingham Park Blvd., Salem, today beginning at noon. This event brings together local eight animal rescue organizations and shelters for a day of adoptions, Visit tuscanvillagesalem.com/events/eventdetails/woofstock.

Saturday, June 14

Comedian Tim McKeever will perform at 8 p.m. tonight at Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road, Manchester, 206-3888, chunkys.com). Tickets are $20 through the Chunky’s website.

Wednesday, June 18

Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing (R, 1989) will screen as part of the Pints! Camera! Action! Series — “A sociable, big-screen brouhaha with no tickets, no ushers, and definitely no shushing” — at the Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth tonight at 7 p.m. See themusichall.org.

Wednesday, June 18

It’s poetry Wednesday! Poetry Conversations, a monthly gathering on the third Wednesdays from 3 to 4 p.m., runs today at Pembroke Town Library (313 Pembroke St., Pembroke). This is an opportunity to share favorite poets and poems. And Poetry Society of New Hampshire will feature poets Holley Daschback and Patrice Pinette at today’s monthly poetry readings at Gibson’s Bookstore (45 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com), 4:30 to 6 p.m. with reading followed by an open mic.

Save the Date! Friday, June 20

Legendary band Phish will play the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com) Friday, June 20, through Sunday, June 22, as part of its 2025 Summer Tour. Visit the SNHU Arena website. Tickets start at $94 through ticketmaster.com.

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 25/06/12

Maybe the pollen was preferable?

On June 8, the National Weather Service announced an Air Quality Alert for the state for particle pollution until 10 a.m. on June 9. “The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services is predicting unhealthy air quality in the above-mentioned counties. Sensitive individuals include children and older adults; anyone with lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis; and people who are active outdoors. Even healthy individuals may experience mild health effects and should consider limiting strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities,” the alert said. In reports last week, WMUR attributed haziness to smoke from Canadian wildfires.

QOL score: -1

Comment: Find up to date air quality information at the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Prediction website www4.des.state.nh.us/airdata.

At least it’s a dry heat, though, right?

Unexpectedly heavy rains over the past two weeks led to flash flood warnings in Cheshire, Hillsborough, Merrimack and Belknap counties. In a June 7 online weather update, WMUR warned readers, “Drivers who encounter flooded roadways need to turn around. Never drive through a flooded roadway as it is hard to tell how deep the water is in flash flooding situations.” This followed reports the previous week of roads being washed out and eroded from another storm system. On May 31, WMUR reported that Route 47 in Francestown was closed due to flooding, and quoted Francestown Fire Chief Larry Kullren, who said that due to the rain damage, parts of Second New Hampshire Turnpike North had started to erode. “We were anticipating some heavy rains this afternoon, but we were not anticipating flooded roads and washouts,” he said.

QOL score: -1

Comment: According to U.S. Climate Data (usclimatedata.com), the state normally receives an average of 4.11 inches of precipitation in June. In a June 9 online article, WMUR reported that between Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, “more than 5 inches of rainfall fell in Bradford. Rainfall totals between 1.5 and 3 inches were observed in Hopkinton, Weare, Hanover and Roxbury.”

At least things will dry out by the weekend, right?

As reported by New Hampshire Public Radio, the weather across the state has been rainy for the last 13 weekends in a row. In a June 6 online article, NHPR reported that “after an unusually wet May — in fact, this May was the third wettest in New Hampshire’s history, according to AccuWeather — this weekend marks an equally wet start to summer.”

QOL score: -1

Comment: On the plus side, NHPR reported, “All that rain will help keep temperatures down, especially in comparison to last year’s intense heat. In 2024, New Hampshire — and the entire country — registered its hottest summer on record. This year’s increased precipitation, combined with predicted cold fronts, means heat waves will most likely not last long or hit record breaking numbers, [Paul Pastelok, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather] said.”

QOL score: 65

Net change: -3

QOL this week: 62

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

Sox fighting downward spiral

The Big Story – Red Sox Update: The 2025 ship appeared to be sunk after Friday night’s 9-6 loss to the Yanks, as it was their ninth in 12 games to leave them five under .500 and 10.5 back of the Yanks.But they did show some spunk with 10-7 and 11-7 comeback wins the next two nights, highlighted by Sunday’s five-homer barrage and Trevor Story coming to life with a five-RBI day Saturday and going 5 for 9 with a double, homer and six RBI overall in those wins. A nice glimmer, but with their woeful pitching giving the Yankees 23 runs in a three-game series the ship is hardly out of choppy waters. They left the Bronx 32-35 and 8.5 behind in the AL East.

Sports 101: Rick Carlisle is trying to become the fourth coach to win NBA titles with two different teams. Name the three who have.

News Item – Knicks Fire Thibodeau: Here’s the lone pertinent question on the shocking firing of their coach Tom Thibodeau: How can they have “plateaued” under him, as GM Leon Rose said in the announcement, when the win totals went 41, 37, 43, 50 and 51 in his five years and they went to a conference final for the first time in 25 years?

News Item – One-Word Descriptions for People in the News:

Angel Reese – jealous PUNK

Aaron Judge – GREATNESS

Tyrese Haliburton – CLUTCH

Brad Marchand: Florida BARGAIN

Rafael Devers – selfish. No, immature. No, selfish. No, make it BOTH.

The Numbers:

.133 –batting average since May 4 for struggling Red Sox rookie Kristian Campbell.

6 – pitchers used by Sox manager Alex Cora who pitched less than an inning as he used eight overall in nine innings during Sunday’s 11-7 win over NY.

6 & 17 – Red Sox record in 2025 one-run games.

… Of the Week Awards

Thumbs Up – Thank You, Caitlin Clark Award: The New York Liberty was recently valued at $450 million to make the WNBA team the most valuable women’s sports franchise in America. And while that number is not just because of her, the “thank you Caitlin” part (even though she plays for the Indiana Fever) comes in when you know that after 19 years in business the Liberty were worth “just” $130 million last spring and then, helped along by winning the 2024 WNBA title, they appreciated a quick $320 million in less than a year during the hoo-ha surrounding Clark’s arrival in the WNBA. Not a coincidence.

Give Me a Break Award – Worst Quote of the Week: ESPN’s Mike Breen opened Game 1 coverage by calling the Oak City vs. Indiana series “the most anticipated NBA Finals.” Since when, Mike? More than any Lakers and Celtics match-up — ever? All six of Jordan’s Finals? Dr. J’s entry to the NBA vs. Portland in 1977? Actually it’s two of the smallest TV markets ever to be in the Finals who, not surprisingly, delivered an awful Game 1 rating. A great matchup for real basketball people like me, but “most anticipated”? Come on, man.

Thank You, Paul George Award: Interesting how trading the so-called superstar to get the new team over the top actually was the key move that got both teams trading him to the NBA finals instead. The Clippers gave Oak City Shai Gilgeous Alexander and a zillion first-round picks for George after he first got to Oak City in a trade for Domantas Sabonis, who the Pacers later flipped for current Indy star Tyrese Haliburton. Thanks, PG.

Random Thoughts:

Given all Haliburton’s end-of-game heroics, he’s rapidly becoming to this era what Big Shot Bob (Horry) was to his.

Yes, Deion, I’m sure the Giants and other teams mistreated your son during pre-draft interviews. Of course it was a league-wide conspiracy to have him undrafted until the fifth round, instead of it being an entitled kid whose act turned all those teams off.

Sports 101 Answer: Pat Riley, Phil Jackson and Alex Hannum are the only two to win NBA titles with two different teams.

A Little History – Alex Hannum: He’s also the only coach to stop Bill Russell from winning a title during his 13-year career. He was player-coach when the St. Louis Hawks did it in 1958 and later HC as the Wilt-led 76ers did it in 1967.

Prediction: The OKC-Indiana series tied 2-2 when you see this.

Final Thought – Rafael Devers Saga: Latest developments:(1) David Ortiz says the brass should let Raffy decide if he wants to play first or not, making the mess worse. 2) It’s ridiculous that with Alex Bregman on the DL they still had to move journeyman first baseman Abraham Toro over to third because Devers is refusing to play there too.(3) Team owner John Henry actually flew to KC to beg a guy he’s paying $31 million a year to play a new position. Given No. 3, how could anyone be surprised at the shambles the team is in?

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 25/06/12

Hurricane season

The Atlantic hurricane season started June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, and the Red Cross is urging people to be prepared for the season predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to see 13 to 19 named storms, according to a Red Cross press release from its Northern New England Region office in Manchester. The release says even people living inland are at risk for wind, thunderstorms, flooding and power outages. The Red Cross Emergency app, which is free, offers weather alerts, open shelter locations and advice in English and Spanish, the release said. Find more on the app at redcross.org.

Forest lands

The Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire acquired a 99-acre parcel of the Robert Rix Family Forest in Deerfield on May 14, an addition to the 4.5 acres donated last year and a 70.5-acre parcel across the street donated in 2022, according to a SELT press release. The Robert Rix Family Forest, consisting of the three parcels, is owned and managed by SELT in honor of Robert Rix Sr., father of Robert and Brill Rix, who donated the land, the release said. See seltnh.org for a look at SELT’s lands and trails as well as more on the organization.

NH Humanities

Tickets are on sale now for the New Hampshire Humanities 2005 Annual Celebration for the Humanities on Thursday, Oct. 9, featuring keynote speaker Akhil Reed Amar, an author and constitutional scholar, in conversation to Laura Knoy, according to an email from NH Humanities. “The Remaking of the American Constitution” is the subject of the talk, the email said. The evening begins at 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m., at the Bank of NH Stage, 16 S. Main St. in Concord. Tickets cost $44 general admission, $166 for a VIP ticket; add $40 for a copy of Amar’s 2025 book Born Equal: Remaking America’s Constitution 1840-1920,according to ccanh.com, where you can purchase tickets.

Design contest

The New Hampshire Secretary of State David M. Scanlan announced the launch of a contest to “find an original heirloom marriage certificate design,” according to a press release from the Secretary of State’s office. “The winning design, which should combine the joy of marriage with the beauty of New Hampshire, will be the official heirloom marriage certificate issued by the state. The contest is being executed by State Registrar and Vital Records Director Kristin Martino. Ms. Martino drew inspiration for the contest from an 1886 decorative marriage certificate she found while searching for antiques,” the release said. The contest is open through Sept. 5 to New Hampshire residents 18+ and designs “must be [non-religious] with a focus on New Hampshire and cannot be inappropriate or offensive,” the release said. See sos.nh.gov.

Members of either the McAuliffe Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive in Concord, starhop.com) or the North East Motorsports Museum (922 Route 106N in Loudon; nemsmuseum.com) can enjoy free admission to the other museum during June, according to a press release from North East Motorsports Museum, which is open Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the summer, the Discovery Center is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Pierce Manse, 14 Horseshoe Pond Lane in Concord, piercemanse.org, the onetime home of President Franklin Pierce and his family, will host Ed Brouder to discuss his book Manchester’s Airport: Flying Through Time on Wednesday, June 18, at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The New Hampshire Jewish Film Festival Movie Club will present the 2024 documentary Sabbath Queen on Sunday, June 22, at 3 p.m. at Chunky’s Cinema Pub, 707 Huse Road in Manchester. Tickets cost $10; see jewishnh.org/community-calendar/movie-club-sabbath-queen.

Science Cafe NH will feature a panel discussing “The Impacts of Technology on Child Development” on Tuesday, June 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Soel Sistas, 30 Temple St. in Nashua, according to an email. The event is free. See facebook.com/sciencecafenh.

This Week 25/06/05

Thursday, June 5

Dogma,the 1999 movie from director Kevin Smith that features Jay and Silent Bob, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as angels, Alan Rickman as an angel, religious controversy, excellent George Carlin and Alanis Morrisette cameos and so much more is getting a theatrical rerelease. Catch it today and Sunday, June 8, at the Cinemark Rockingham Park in Salem at 6:50 and 10:20 p.m. and on those days at the Regal Fox Run in Newington. See dogmamovie.com.

Friday, June 6

The theme of downtown Concord’s First Friday for June is “Beach Party,” starting at 4 p.m.. Many downtown businesses will be open until 8 p.m. tonight. There will be food trucks, free yoga, storytelling, live music from The Wandering Souls Band, and DJ Nazzy. Visit firstfridayconcord.com/june.

Friday, June 6

Evergreen, a one-acre woodland garden featuring more than 400 mature rhododendrons, will be open to the public today through Sunday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, according to a press release. The garden’s 220 Catawba rhododendrons are at peak bloom in early June, the release said. Because the plans along paths are easily damaged, no pets or children younger than 12 will be admitted, the release said. See evergreenfoundation.org.

Saturday, June 7

The Goffstown Rotary Club’s Car Show is returning for its 11th year today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Parsons Drive in Goffstown. Check out the classic vehicles along with the food trucks and vendors. See goffstownrotary.org.

Saturday, June 7

The Griffin Free Library (22 Hooksett Road in Auburn; griffinfree.org) will host a World War II Encampment Reenactment today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to commemorate D-Day (June 6, 1944). See historically accurate clothes and equipment, talk to volunteers in period clothing and listen to music of the era. The event is free.

Saturday, June 7

The NH Audubon’s McLane Center (84 Silk Farm Road, Concord) will hold its annual Native Plant Sale & Spring Craft Fair today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. NH Audubon staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions.

Saturday, June 7

This is a big day for treasure hunters. Many local towns are staging town-wide yard sales today, including Allenstown, Candia, Epsom, Goffstown, Lee, New Boston and Weare. Visit individual towns’ websites for details.

Saturday, June 7

Singer Aimee Mann takes the stage at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St., Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com) tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $66.

Sunday, June 8

The New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus wraps up its concert series “Celebrations!” today at Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) at 3 p.m. Tickets are $30.75.

Save the Date: Thursday, June 12
Legendary jazz band Spyro Gyra will perform at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com) Thursday, June 12, at 8 p.m. as part of its 50th Anniversary Tour. Tickets cost $57.

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

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