Category: News

How to help

Food, housing costs & utilities bills are the big concerns

Karen Moynihan is the Vice President of Philanthropy, Catholic Charities New Hampshire, which provides a variety of services including food distribution through the New Hampshire Food Bank. See cc-nh.org.

What have you noticed about the community’s needs right now and over the last year?

We have more people coming to us looking for assistance than we have in the past — even more so than when the pandemic first hit in 2020 and continued into 2021. So people are struggling, and the primary reason is threefold: the cost of food has increased, utility costs in New Hampshire are some of the highest in the country, and the cost of housing. So people are having a hard time maintaining their monthly budgets when everything around them just keeps going up and up. We have more people coming to us for emergency assistance and really urgent needs. They’re really one paycheck away from disaster.

What items can people give?

There are two programs that can take donated items: We have a veterans program here in Manchester, Liberty House, and they have a pantry that provides food and clothing and gear. A lot of our veteran population in Manchester is homeless. So they need camping gear and warm clothing and things like that. They list on their website what their needs are for the pantry; those could change on any given day. The other program we have is out at the Seacoast, and it’s a transitional housing program for moms and children called New Generation. These moms and children are usually homeless, they don’t have a job, and they’ve experienced trauma of some sort. Many of them have left abusive relationships. They may come in with some addiction challenges. They may come in without a driver’s license or crucial documentation because they had to leave a situation quickly. The program works with these moms for about a year getting them back on their feet. … By the time they leave the program, they have a job, they have child care, and they have an affordable place to stay. Anyway, there is a thrift store on site that takes donations of all kinds, because when those women leave that program, they also need household items. So folks can donate household items or clothing to the thrift store. They need everything from children’s clothing to adult clothing to bedding to kitchen items, things like that. So that’s another wonderful way to donate either gently used or new items.

What can monetary gifts be used for?

Monetary donations allow us the flexibility to quickly deploy resources for the most urgent needs. Oftentimes we can keep people in their homes by helping them get caught up on a utility bill, or helping them with a car repair that they can’t afford because they’re going to be evicted if they don’t pay their rent. There are just so many enormous challenges that people are facing right now, and they are literally on the verge of losing the most important things — housing, food, medications.

Where are volunteers needed most?

We have one program here in Manchester that is in urgent need of volunteers. It’s called Caregivers and this is a program for seniors on low fixed incomes who are just slightly above the poverty level. These seniors no longer drive and they need help to be able to continue to live independently in their homes. There are two things that Caregivers does for this network of seniors: they do deliveries of food to them — every senior gets a delivery of food once a month — and we give them rides to doctor’s appointments or the grocery store, whatever their needs are. These volunteers are sometimes the only connection to the outside world that these seniors have. They often don’t have family or relatives nearby to help them, so this is a critical resource for them.

How can people find the right volunteering opportunity?

Visit the Catholic Charities website click on the “Get involved” button. This section lists various volunteer opportunities. Choose what inspires you the most. You can sign up or learn more about each opportunity directly through the website. If you have any questions or need guidance, you can always call our office and speak with our volunteer coordinator.

How to help

Here are some of New Hampshire homelessness and housing support charities.

  • Cross Roads House 600 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, 436-2218, crossroadshouse.org
  • Families in Transition 122 Market St., Manchester, 641-9441, fitnh.org
  • Family Promise of Greater Concord 79 Clinton St., Concord, 856-8490, familypromisegcnh.org​​.
  • Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire 3 Crown St., Building B, Nashua, 883-7338, familypromisesnh.org​
  • Friends Program 130 Pembroke Road, Suite 200, Concord, 228-1193
  • Liberty House 221 Orange St., Manchester, 669-0761, libertyhousenh.org
  • New Generation 568 Portsmouth Ave., Greenland, 436-4989, newgennh.org
  • New Horizons Shelter 199 Manchester St., Manchester, 668-1877, newhorizonsnh.org
  • Harbor Care 77 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 882-3616, harborcarenh.org​​
  • Marguerite’s Place 87 Palm St., Nashua, 598-1582, margueritesplace.org
  • McKenna House 100 S. Fruit St., Concord, 225-8610
  • My Friend’s Place 368 Washington St., Dover, 749-3017
  • The Way Home 214 Spruce St., Manchester, 627-3491

Featured photo: Liberty House in Manchester, a program of Catholic Charities. Courtesy photo.

News & Notes 23/12/07

Treating substance use disorders

The Executive Council has approved an additional $9.8 million for The Doorways program, elevating the state’s total investment to $57.8 million. According to a press release, this initiative, launched in 2019, aims to transform New Hampshire’s approach to treating opioid and other substance use disorders. The program is set to serve around 24,000 individuals in the coming year, focusing on increasing access to support services, reducing overdose fatalities and improving substance use-related health care. Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement, “The Doorways initiative has played a vital role in providing individuals across New Hampshire with critical treatment and recovery services — regardless of whether they live in rural New Hampshire or a more urban area. Today’s renewed investment in the program will ensure New Hampshire continues the important work being done to curb the harm caused by the nationwide drug epidemic.”

Transportation plan

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) has initiated the biennial process to reassess the state’s transportation infrastructure needs and has formulated a Ten-Year Plan for 2025-2034, proposing an investment of nearly $5 billion across all transportation modes, according to a press release. In the process of developing this plan, the NHDOT sought insights from Regional Planning Commissions and engaged with the public through 24 hearings conducted by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation (GACIT). The feedback from these hearings led to adjustments in the plan. After GACIT concluded its deliberations, the plan was forwarded to the governor for review. The next phase will see the governor presenting the plan to the New Hampshire Legislature in January for extensive review and debate, starting with the House’s Public Works & Highways Committee, proceeding to the Senate, and aiming for final adoption by June 2024.

School funds

The Manchester School District has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to enhance its community schools initiative. According to a press release, this initiative integrates additional services such as health and nutrition into the school system. Manchester, being the only recipient in New Hampshire, is part of a nationwide program that allocates $74 million across 30 districts. This funding will be utilized to expand the impact on students, families and the community, with a focus on meeting basic needs to improve learning outcomes. The district worked in collaboration with Manchester Proud and other partners in developing the grant application.

More nurses

Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, a member of Dartmouth Health, has launched a collaborative program with New England College (NEC) in Henniker to address the nursing shortage by providing nursing students with practical experience and college credits. According to a press release, this innovative model, starting in 2024, allows up to 12 students annually to work as licensed nursing assistants (LNAs) at Cheshire Medical Center while completing their three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The program is designed to integrate hands-on clinical training with academic study, offering students salary and credits during their 14-week cooperative clinical experience each year. This partnership is part of Dartmouth Health’s wider strategy to foster a skilled health care workforce, aligning with its commitment to nursing education and addressing the nationwide challenge of nursing staff shortages.

Zoom talks

The United Way of Greater Nashua, in collaboration with volunteers from the Emmaus Institute and Main Street Methodist Church, is coordinating “Let’s Talk,” a series of bi-weekly Zoom conversations aimed at reducing social isolation among older adults. According to a press release, these online talks, supported by Greater Nashua Mental Health, Gateways Community Services, Nashua Senior Activity Center and Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County, offer a platform for homebound older adults and others to connect without a specific theme or agenda. The sessions are scheduled for the first and third Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m., and the second and fourth Thursdays from 9 to 10 a.m.. This initiative invites all interested individuals to participate via the link tinyurl.com/LetsTalkNH. For more information or to engage as a donor or volunteer, contact them at [email protected] or visit unitedwaynashua.org.

Prinoth, an Italian manufacturer of snow-grooming machines, recently relocated to Concord, moving into a 23,000-square-foot facility previously occupied by Concord Sports Center, the Concord Monitor reported. After 18 years in Gilmanton, the company will now have doubled space and a rail system for a 5-ton overhead crane. Prinoth, which serves ski areas across the East, from Ohio to Maine to Tennessee, will host the New Hampshire ski season’s annual industry kickoff. Their high-end groomers, vital for ski resorts and snowmobile clubs, can cost up to a half-million dollars, while smaller models are priced in the low six figures. The Concord site is shared with sister company DemaLenko, a snow-making machinery manufacturer.

Amoskeag Health is set to establish the Mark Stebbins Community Center in Manchester’s West Side to improve access to health care and community services. According to a press release, the center will serve as a hub for Amoskeag Health and the Boys & Girls Club, among others. The location in Kelley Falls is part of a privately funded initiative that will not use taxpayer dollars. The project, still in its early stages, anticipates a 20,000-square-foot facility.

Rivier University in Nashua is launching a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree and a 4+1 program, set to begin in Fall 2024. According to an announcement from the school, this program offers concentrations in Data Science, Cybersecurity, Software Development or Game Programming, and the 4+1 option allows students to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees in just five years.

This Week 23/11/30

Big Events November 30, 2023 and beyond

Friday, Dec. 1

The Bedford Women’s Club’s “Festival of Trees & Holiday Market” runs today from 4 to 7 p.m. and tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bedford Old Town Hall (70 Bedford Center Road). Admission is free and the event will feature a guest appearance by Santa Claus on Saturday, live music, more than 25 decorated artificial trees that will be raffled, and vendors, according to bedfordwomensclub.org.

Friday, Dec. 1

It’s Midnight Merriment! Tonight from 5 p.m. to midnight, get holiday cheer and shopping opportunities in downtown Concord. The evening will include an appearance by Santa, strolling carolers, a dance party with DJ Nazzy, the Concord Art Market Winter Giftopolis and more. For details, check out the story on page 18 in the Nov. 23 issue of the Hippo; see hippopress.com for the e-edition.

Friday, Dec. 1

Catch a screening of the holiday “indie dark(ish) comedy”Merry Good Enough, a movie directed by Caroline Keene and Dan Kennedy that was a winner at the 2023 New Hampshire Film Festival for Best NH Feature Narrative, tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org). Tickets cost $10. See the trailer at merrygoodenough.com.

Friday, Dec. 1

Or go even darker with Fright Kingdom’s The Fright Before Christmas haunted attraction (described on the website as being “extremely scary,” where you will encounter “rabid reindeer, crazed carolers, cannibalistic elves”) running today from 7 to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $35. Visit frightkingdom.com.

Saturday, Dec. 2

Head to Elm Street today at 3 p.m. to watch oodles of runners in Santa suits run in the 3-mile BASC Santa Claus Shuffle, which features stops with the four Santa food groups — chocolate, cookies and milk, candy, and maple, according to millenniumrunning.com, which will explain how to register if you want to take part yourself. A Stonyfield Organic Lil’ Elf Run (of 100 yards) starts at 2:30 p.m.

Then at 4 p.m. settle in for the annual Manchester Holiday Parade, which will head down Elm Street from Brady Sullivan tower to Victory Park and feature a variety of floats and marchers. For more details on the parade, check out the story on page 19 in the Nov. 23 issue of the Hippo.

Sunday, Dec. 3

The NH Music Collective Sunday Sessions will feature Ryan Williamson & The hArt of Sound today at 6 p.m. at the Cantin Room at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord, ccanh.com). Tickets cost $18.75. Find more ticketed concerts this weekend and beyond in our Concert listings on page 38.

Save the Date! Saturday, Dec. 28
Looking for entertainment options for that final week of December? The Harlem Globetrotters 2024 will come to the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com) on Thursday, Dec. 28, at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $44 through $134, with pre-game VIP options.

Featured photo: The Santa Shuffle. Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 23/11/30

Bird page

Bird enthusiasts can now delve into the world of local avian life through New Hampshire Audubon’s new interactive website dedicated to New Hampshire’s birds. This comprehensive portal, accessible within the New Hampshire Audubon website, provides an in-depth look at the current status of birds in New Hampshire, the challenges they encounter and the actions that can be taken for their conservation. The site allows users to explore information sorted by breeding habitats and species groups, including waterfowl, birds of prey, shorebirds, aerial insectivores and ocean birds. It also offers insights into migration cycles and a resources page filled with bird conservation-related links. Visit stateofthebirds.nhaudubon.org.

QOL score: +1

Comment:“Why pay attention to birds?” the website asks and answers: “New Hampshire’s birds are an integral part of our ecosystem. They can tell us about our environment, and what the birds are telling us may be important, not only to their survival but to ours.”

Jobs!

In a CommercialSearch study, Manchester-Nashua, New Hampshire, was recognized among the top 30 metro areas for career advancement, placing 10th with 56 points. The metrics spotlighting New Hampshire included the second-lowest unemployment rate at 2.3 percent, the fourth-best student-to-teacher ratio with 11 students per faculty, and the fourth-highest job mobility for high-skill workers at 3.9 percent. Additionally, Manchester noted a 7.5 percent growth in the percentage of high qualified jobs, adding 2,120 such positions in one year. The study, aimed at identifying metros with the best career development opportunities, evaluated factors like education and labor market conditions.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Manchester-Nashua was the only metro area from the Northeast that ranked in the top 10 for career development, representing the region amidst a list otherwise dominated by Western metros.

Helping out

The New Hampshire Bankers Association completed its third annual #NHBanksGiveBack month of service in October. According to a press release, the event saw participation from 27 member banks, which engaged in community service activities and financial contributions. This year’s efforts amounted to more than 3,186 volunteer hours across 382 events, with a total of $504,900 in monetary donations. The activities included shred events, food and clothing donations, soup kitchen work, and financial literacy outreach, among others.

QOL score: +1

Comment: “In just three short years, the volunteer efforts of our member banks have contributed more than $1.3 million in financial support to our state and communities, backed by over 5,000 volunteer hours spread out over more than 800 charitable events,” Kristy Merrill, President of New Hampshire Bankers, said in the release.

QOL score: 84

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 87

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?
Let us know at [email protected].

A dynasty gone kaput

The Big Story – The Fall of the Patriots Empire: It just keeps getting worse and worse. Every time you think it can’t go lower for the Patriots it does.

It seemed the bottom couldn’t be any lower after humiliating back-to-back losses to the Cowboys and Saints by a combined 69 points. Then came a 21-17 loss to the dysfunctional Raiders a week away from firing their plainly over his coach Josh McDaniels.

But Sunday’s loss to the hapless Giants is the worst so far. For a second straight week they couldn’t outscore a team they held to just 10 points, despite being able to move the ball on the ground with 144 rushing yards, after 167 the week before, in large part because of the indecisive, mistake-prone puddle of doubt and insecurity Mac Jones has devolved into.

After consecutive losses at the hands of three terrible teams, they are in the running for the first overall pick at 2-9.

Sports 101: Who is the NBA leader in most fouls committed?

News Item – Jordan Montgomery, No Way: Given how he pitched after landing in Texas at the trade deadline, the lefty hurler will soon be a hot commodity, and the rumor mill has the Red Sox kicking the tires. But while price is the ultimate deciding factor, there’s no way the Sox should drop big cash on a guy after a two-month hot streak. The record says after seven seasons he’s 38-34 with a decent 3.68 ERA.

News Item – NBA In-Season Tournament: Three reactions to the NBA in-season tournament: (1) Who cares? (2) The courts specifically made for the tournament are unsafe for players, idiotic at best to viewers and blasphemy in Boston Garden. (3) And only a doofus doesn’t know it’s a ploy to juice merchandise sales from goobers who’ll buy anything.

News Item – Alumni News: Not a good week for ex-Celtics sent away in depth-sapping off-season trades. First Lob It To Rob Williams didn’t even make it through Week 1 before going down for the season after knee surgery. Then Malcolm Brogdon goes down for a few weeks with a hamstring issue, followed by news out of Memphis Marcus Smart will miss three to five weeks after spraining his foot.

The Numbers:

7 – number showing reality won over nonsense hype given to the ever obnoxious Deion Sanders, as it’s the number of consecutive losses Colorado had to close at 4-8 after he was all but given Coach of the Year honors after a 3-0 start.

75 –millions of dollars still owed to Jimbo Fisher after his firing as Texas A&M football coach last week. How much freaking money do these football programs have?

… Of the Week Award

Thumbs Up – Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks: Whose players according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale voted an inordinately high number of full World Series money shares (61 and 71 worth $311,000 and $506,000 respectively) to include clubhouse attendants and support staff that helped them get to the Series to make that extra money. Bravo.

Random Thoughts:

Listening to Matt Bonner while sitting in on a recent Celtics broadcast in Toronto I say give that kid a TV gig. He was smart, concise, funny and likable. And I swear his legendary Concord-ite dad Big Dave Bonner didn’t make me say this.

Given her general nastiness to anyone not on her political side, I must say I’m getting a kick out of the flak Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is getting for spending $13,081.36 in public money on an invite-only party to kick off the U of A’s football season. Especially since the “Undefeated” season party badly missed the mark with the Razorbacks going 4-8 after the bash.

Sports 101 Answer: Not surprisingly the NBA leader in fouls committed is 20-year veteran Kareem Abdul Jabbar with 4,657, followed by Karl Malone, Artis Gilmore, Robert Parish and ex-76er Caldwell Jones to round out the top five.

Final Thought – Kristaps Porzingis Injury Watch Begins: Everyone knew the risk bringing him to Boston: a lack of durability that’s held him to just 54 games per since 2020, which was preceded by missing an entire season with a torn ACL.

And now it begins. He missed one at the 11-game mark, then went out early in Game 15 with a strained calf that will see him miss at least four games, including vs. Joel Embiid and the 76ers.

I’m not second-guessing trading for him. But his lack of durability was one reason I opposed giving up Rob Williams in the Jrue Holiday trade, because he was proven depth behind him. But given what’s happened to him, that’s a moot point.

What it all means is that Brad Stevens needs to find someone to reliably fill in for him. Though after the C’s depth and draft resources were wiped out by his two big off-season deals it’s hard to see how he’ll do that. Email Dave Long at [email protected].

Email Dave Long at [email protected].

News & Notes 23/11/30

School funds

The Manchester School District has been awarded a new GEAR UP grant totaling $4.8 million, to be distributed over seven years. According to a press release, this grant from the U.S. Department of Education will support college and career readiness programs, with an emphasis on serving students from middle school through high school graduation. The funding enables the hiring of full-time staff for programming, training and professional development. The GEAR UP NH project, managed by Campus Compact for NH, focuses on early academic readiness, career exploration, dual enrollment and postsecondary persistence. Interventions include academic tutoring, out-of-school activities, college visits, financial literacy workshops and more, aiming to close the state’s equity gaps and aid students in realizing their aspirations. The district will have access to the funds starting January 2024.

School contracts

In other Manchester school news, the Manchester Board of School Committee recently endorsed tentative contract agreements with five unions representing a broad array of District employees, including educators, principals, support staff and administration. According to a press release, the next step for these agreements is obtaining approval from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Negotiations, which started in the fall, are part of the District’s strategy to bolster recruitment and retention as current contracts are due to expire by June 30, 2024. The agreements will proceed to the aldermen for a vote scheduled for Dec. 5, following approval by union members and the School Committee.

Goodwill

Tripp Harrison has been appointed as the new president and CEO of Goodwill Northern New England, succeeding Richard J. Cantz. Bringing experience from his previous role as President and CEO of Goodwill of South Mississippi, Harrison joins at a pivotal time as the nonprofit expands services and advances sustainability efforts, according to a press release. Goodwill Northern New England, serving Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, operates 29 stores and provides various programs supporting more than 17,000 individuals annually. Harrison’s track record includes growth, complex problem-solving and partnership-building. He said in the release that he aims to enhance the organization’s community impact, employee support and customer service, building on his past successes in retail operations, mission services and community partnerships across different regions. Goodwill NNE, an autonomous nonprofit, focuses on services for adults with disabilities, workforce development, and sustainability, contributing to local community needs.

Committee openings

The New Hampshire Insurance Department has announced the reactivation of the Mental Health and Addiction Services Advisory Committee, which had been inactive since July 2021 due to Covid-19 challenges. According to a press release, the committee will resume advising the Insurance Commissioner on improving access to mental health and substance use disorder services through private insurance and aims to enhance service delivery, advise on regulatory actions and implement new legal requirements. There are still vacant positions, and the Department invites interested individuals to apply. The Insurance Department remains a resource for the public regarding insurance marketplace matters.

Feedback wanted

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in collaboration with the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) and the UNH Center on Aging and Community Living, is seeking public input on the state’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) for older adults and people with disabilities. According to a press release, this initiative, funded by the CMS “Money Follows the Person” Demonstration Expansion award, aims to evaluate and enhance New Hampshire’s system of long-term services and supports. Public forums, both in-person and virtual, are scheduled for December to gather stakeholder input. The findings will contribute to a final report due in June 2024, offering recommendations to improve community integration and independence for service users. DHHS encourages individuals, caregivers and stakeholders to participate in these sessions and provide feedback via email or attend the listening sessions detailed in the announcement. Email [email protected].

Political praise

House Speaker Sherman Packard (R-Londonderry) has been named the 2023 recipient of the Tom Thomson Defender of Liberty Award by the state chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), according to a press release. In his second term as speaker, Packard’s leadership has been pivotal in a closely divided New Hampshire House, through efforts that include the voice vote passage of the state budget, the accelerated repeal of the state’s interest and dividends tax and bipartisan efforts in bail reform and housing, the release said. The award will be presented at the AFP Christmas Party on Dec. 19.

Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for The Residences at Chestnut in Manchester on Nov. 29. According to a press release, the event marked the start of construction on the affordable housing development, addressing Manchester’s housing shortage. Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig and LAC Vice President Scott Shaw were among the speakers. LAC, a subsidiary of Lincoln Avenue Capital, develops affordable housing across 26 states.

Bridge preservation work was set to begin Nov. 29 on the Patten Hill Road bridge over Route 101 in Candia, according to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. The work will require a lane closure, with traffic controlled by alternating stop and yield signs on either side of the bridge. Weather permitting, the project is expected to take about five months. Motorists are encouraged to consider signing up for real-time construction and traffic updates via text or email from newengland511.org.

Mount Pleasant Elementary School in Nashua, a recipient of a 2023-2024 CLiF Year of the Book grant, hosted an event on Nov. 28 with children’s author Matt Forrest Esenwine and Nashua Public Library, marking the occasion of approximately 50 students receiving their first library cards. Funded by the Children’s Literacy Center of Waterbury Center, Vermont, the school was awarded a $25,000 grant for literacy programming, which includes supporting author visits.

Stay in the loop!

Get FREE weekly briefs on local food, music,

arts, and more across southern New Hampshire!