Category: News

This Week 24/01/18

Big Events January 18 and Beyond

Friday, Jan. 19

It’s opening night for Dancing Queens, billed as the Ultimate ABBA and Disco Tribute, which runs through Sunday, Feb. 11, at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, plus Thursday, Feb. 8, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $28 to $49.

Saturday, Jan. 20

Catch Beatlejuice tonight at 8 p.m at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St. in Derry; tupelomusichall.com). Tickets cost $33. Find more concerts this weekend and beyond on page 38.

Saturday, Jan. 20

Come for the art, stay for the Bruce. The winter show (running through March) is up at the Sandy Clearly Community Art Gallery at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St. in Nashua; nashuacenterforthearts.com) featuring photographers Brenda McDougland, Seth Dewey, Craig Michaud and Dan Splaine. Find more about the artists at nashuacommunityarts.org/sandy-cleary-community-art-gallery. Check out the exhibit and then stay for tonight’s 8 p.m. show Bruce in the USA (with Matt Ryan and musicians presenting a celebration of the music of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band); tickets cost $29 to $59.

Saturday, Jan. 20

It’s the third Saturday in January, which means it’s the annual winter Free Fishing Day in New Hampshire. Residents and non-residents can fish in any inland water or saltwater in New Hampshire without a fishing license (though season dates and bag limits are still in effect), according to wildlife.nh.gov, where you can find details about the day.

Saturday, Jan. 20

The 21+ show Life’s a Drag, described as a fiercely hilarious drag show, comes to Chunky’s Cinema Pub in Manchester (707 Huse Road; chunkys.com) on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets to this approximately two-hour show cost $25 (plus fees).

Tuesday, Jan. 23

It’s nomination morning for the 96th annual Academy Awards (the Oscars, which will air on Sunday, March 10); the announcement usually starts during the 8 a.m. Eastern hour (see oscars.org). In this week’s film section (page 31) see reviews of some Oscar hopefuls (Poor Things and Wonka) and listings of where to catch other possible contenders.

Save the Date! Tuesday, Feb. 13
Spend Galentine’s Day with the ladies of the Rockford Peaches when Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St. in Concord; redrivertheatres.org, 224-4600) screens A League of Their Own at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15. And remember, “There’s no crying in baseball!”

Quality of Life 24/01/18

Food Bank funds

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) raised a record $180,000 for the New Hampshire Food Bank at its 10th annual Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits. According to a press release, the event, held on Nov. 2, 2023, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, is the region’s largest spirits tasting expo and featured over 1,000 guests sampling from 600 premium spirits. The New Hampshire Food Bank procured and provided more than 16.3 million pounds of food in 2023 to over 400 nonprofit food agencies. The funds raised at the Distiller’s Showcase will help provide thousands of nutritious meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity. The Distiller’s Showcase is part of the larger Distiller’s Week, featuring events and tastings across the state with celebrities and industry experts.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The NHLC has worked with suppliers and brokers over the past eight years to raise more than $4 million for various nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire and beyond, contributing to causes like Best Buddies New Hampshire, Easterseals New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association.

We beg to differ, WalletHub

In a recent study by WalletHub, New Hampshire was ranked as the 45th best state to start a business, out of all 50 U.S. states. This ranking was based on a comprehensive analysis of 25 key indicators of startup success, considering factors like financing accessibility, labor costs and office-space affordability. Despite being a challenging environment for new businesses, New Hampshire showed specific strengths and weaknesses in the study: It ranked 26th in the average growth of small businesses, but lower in other areas like labor costs (44th) and availability of human capital (48th). The state’s average length of the work week was ranked 32nd, with the cost of living and industry variety coming in at 41st and 34th respectively.

QOL score: -1

Comment: This ranking is part of a larger national trend where about 20 percent of new businesses fail within their first year. The challenges are compounded by factors like inflation and labor shortages.

It’s winter somewhere

Ice Castles in North Woodstock, New Hampshire, a popular winter attraction in New England, is set to open earlier than anticipated at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan 20. According to a press release, the original opening date was planned for Jan. 26, but favorable colder temperatures have allowed for an earlier launch. The attraction, located in the White Mountains, features a range of interactive experiences, including ice-carved tunnels, fountains, slides, frozen thrones and a Polar Ice Bar. Additionally, visitors can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, snow tubing, a mystic light walk, and cascading towers of ice with color-changing LED lights. Tickets for the grand opening are available on the Ice Castles website at icecastles.com/new-hampshire.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Ice Castles was founded in 2011 by Brent Christensen, who developed the process to create these frozen attractions initially as a winter playground for his children.

QOL score: 48

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 49

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

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

Elvis leaves the building

The Big Story: After 24 years of mostly excellence Bill Belichick is out as head coach of the Patriots, something that until recently seemed unfathomable. Followed by the choice of Jerod Mayo, which we’ll have more on later.

Old-Timers Sports 101: Name the two QB’s involved in the shocking 1964 QB-QB trade between Philadelphia and Washington.

News Item – Coaches: Whether it was a firing, a push out, resignation or mutual agreements, last week was a landmark for coaches in football. This generation’s greatest pro and college coaches, Belichick and Nick Saban, are stunningly out in Foxboro and Alabama respectively. And they were followed out the door by Pete Carroll after 14 years in Seattle, the highly regarded Mike Vrabel in Tennessee and possibly Jim Harbaugh at Michigan if the (annual) rumors going around are to be believed. All will likely show up on TV or a sideline somewhere again. But it’s a sea change to be sure, which few expected when 2023 began.

News Item – Pats’ Jerod Mayo: The succession plan was already in place and Kraft lived up to it by hiring Mayo to replace Belichick; chillingly, if he hired a coach before he hired a new general manager, the new GM will probably come from the same pool of people who’ve been drafting so poorly for years.

News Item – Michigan Football: It was a good week for football in Michigan. First their U demolished Washington to win the national championship in college football. Then the Lions beat the Rams and their one-time star Matthew Stafford 24-23 for their first playoff win since 1992 while keeping their hopes alive to win their first NFL championship (1957) in 66 years!

And if you’re keeping score on the biggest QB-QB swap since the 1960s of Stafford for Jared Goff: No fewer than five key guys in Sunday’s win came to Detroit directly from L.A. or future draft picks from the deal. Including TD’s in the game from RB Jahmyr Gibbs and rookie tight end Matt LaPorta.

The Numbers:

0 – Green Bay Packers voted to the NFL Pro Bowl game, compared to seven for Dallas, whom GB annihilated Sunday 48-34.

4 – times Celtics get a life Coach Joe Mazzulla told the media he watches the Ben Affleck-directed Boston heist film The Town each week.

… Of the Week Awards:

Best Coach B Line – at his Press Conference: “I haven’t seen this many cameras since we signed [Tim] Tebow.”

Fun Media Feud – Steven A. Smith vs. Jason Whitlock: It started with the Blaze provocateur calling into question the truth in Smith’s recent book, to which he responded by calling Whitlock a “fat b—–!” Two best shots were Whitlock calling him “Stephen A Myth” andSmith saying, “This is the dude that will have a funeral that ain’t got no pallbearers.”

Worst Sneakers – Giannis Antetokounmpo: Those chartreuse numbers he wore Thursday against the Celtics. You’ve got to be secure to wear a pair of those.

Thumbs Down – NBA Discipline Czar: For cutting habitual offender Draymond Green’s latest suspension to just 12 games. What are they going to say next time (and there will be one), “This time we really, really mean it, Dray”? Booooo.

Sports 101 Answer: Washington got future Hall of Famer Sonny Jurgensen while Philly got Norm Snead, who was later traded to the G-Men for another HoF quarterback, Fran Tarkenton.

Final Thought – Bob Kraft: Let’s just say I’m not optimistic that the decisions made last week were the right ones.

Moving Coach B out puts approval-craving owner Bob Kraft at center stage in the team’s reconstruction. After lucking into Tom Brady way back when and now not having Belichick to shield him from criticism when things go haywire, he’s now the one to look at over what happens going forward. And while it’s not quite the same, hopefully it’ll go better than for similarly credit-conscious Dallas owner Jerry Jones after his battle of egos with Jimmy Johnson led to JJ’s departure from Dallas after winning two Super Bowls. Because it’s 28 years and counting since the Boys have even been back to the NFC title game, let alone the Super Bowl, after the architect of their three SB wins in the 1990s left the building. And while it had to end sooner or later, it makes me wonder if that’s what’s in store for New England as well. Especially when Kraft picked a totally untested defensive guy to lead a 4-13 team crying out for a new age mind to fix the worst offensive team in franchise history.

And there’s an unsettling historical parallel with Butch Hobson, who Red Sox GM Lou Gorman elevated far above his capability to be his manager because Lou was somehow afraid he’d get stolen away by another team. Which sounds a lot like Mayo’s story.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 24/01/18

Fire safety

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is commemorating Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Week from Jan. 15 to Jan. 21, aiming to raise awareness about fire safety and prevention in the community, according to a press release. During this period, residents are reminded of critical fire safety practices, especially given that cooking and heating are leading causes of home fires in New Hampshire. The state has experienced more than 100 civilian injuries due to fires between 2020 and 2023, highlighting the importance of preventive measures. Key safety tips include vigilant cooking, maintaining safe zones around heating equipment and ensuring the proper functioning of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. CRR Week offers resources for both the public and fire service professionals, emphasizing the integrated approach of education, engineering, enforcement, emergency response and economic incentives in fire risk reduction. Visit CRRWeek.org.

Lead testing

The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) has released a bulletin mandating that health insurers cover blood lead testing for 1- and 2-year-old children without cost-sharing, in compliance with the Affordable Care Act. According to a press release, the directive comes after noticing that some insurers were not following ACA guidelines, which prohibit cost-sharing for preventive services, including lead screening. The NHID emphasizes adherence to Health Resources and Services Administration and American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations, ensuring New Hampshire’s children can access necessary lead testing without financial barriers. This move aligns with recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidance, extending no-cost provisions to follow-up testing as well. Insurers are advised to review their practices in light of this bulletin to uphold health care coverage standards and protect the health of young children in the state.

New director

Richard K. Sala has been appointed as the new director of the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR New Hampshire), under the New Hampshire Department of Education. According to a press release, Sala’s experience and qualifications include a Master of Business Administration and Master of Environmental Law and Policy, as well as a membership with the New Hampshire Bar Association since 2013. With a background including service in the U.S. Marines and roles in education and law, Sala will manage VR New Hampshire’s operations, focusing on aiding individuals with disabilities and engaging with business partners. His tasks will involve shaping long-term strategies for meaningful career development and meeting workforce objectives. He succeeds Lisa Hinson-Hatz, who served the department for two decades and has moved on to a similar role in a different location.

Mandatory minimums

Gov. Chris Sununu has officially endorsed Senate Bills 414 and 415, which introduce mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking and distribution offenses resulting in death, specifically targeting large quantities of controlled substances like fentanyl. According to a press release, these bills represent the state’s intensified efforts to address the drug crisis by imposing stringent penalties on drug dealers whose actions contribute to fatalities. Gov. Sununu’s support is documented in a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, urging the advancement of these bills to reflect the severity of the drug-related challenges facing New Hampshire.

Athletes on the run

Special Olympics New Hampshire (SONH) has launched a year-long campaign called “Running For Special Olympics,” focused on running. According to a press release, the campaign includes a fitness program to encourage SONH athletes to run independently or participate in organized races across the state, as well as a series of fundraising events related to running. Millennium Running, based in Bedford, has named SONH as its official charity for 2024, allowing Special Olympics athletes to take part in 14 Millennium Running signature events. SONH staff and volunteers will attend these races to provide information about the organization’s programs. Approximately 40,000 runners are expected to participate in the 14 signature events in 2024.

Catholic Medical Center in Manchester has become the first in New England to successfully implement AVEIR™ DR, the world’s first dual chamber leadless pacemaker system. According to a press release, this new technology by Abbott, FDA-approved in June 2023, provides a minimally invasive treatment for patients with abnormal heart rhythms requiring pacing in both the right atrium and ventricle. The system enhances patient care with a smaller device size, leadless placement and synchronized pacing between two pacemakers using i2i™ technology, which facilitates communication through the body’s blood.

Daniel Douidi has been sworn in as the new chief of the Bedford Police Department, succeeding retired Chief John Bryfonski. According to a press release, Chief Douidi, who has served with the Bedford Police for 33 years, began his career as a part-time special police officer in Manchester in 1987 and joined Bedford Police as a full-time officer in 1989. He has steadily risen through the ranks, holding positions including captain and deputy chief. Chief Douidi said he aims to improve department morale and make it an attractive place to work, focusing on hiring, training and retention, and emphasized an open-door policy and prioritizing the needs of Bedford’s citizens.

The United Way of Greater Nashua has launched the Tech Connect United Laptop Donation Program, accepting donations of working laptops, tablets or smartphones. According to a newsletter, these devices will be cleared of data, refurbished and distributed to children, job-seekers, college students and seniors in the community, with the aim of enhancing digital access for telehealth, job searches and educational purposes. Donations can be made at their Nashua office (20 Broad St.) during weekdays or by appointment. This effort is supported by Microsoft’s Tech Spark Fellowship Grant Funding.

Quality of Life 24/01/11

Butterfly in the sky

The New Hampshire Audubon’s 2023 monarch butterfly tagging initiative has yielded promising insights, with a notable 40 percent return rate on detections from the 50 nanotags deployed. According to a press release, this research, building on the previous year’s work, has revealed significant migration distances, including a record detection close to 850 miles away, enhancing our understanding of monarch butterflies’ journey and informing potential conservation efforts. The repeated detection of monarchs along the same routes over consecutive years opens new avenues for targeted conservation strategies, marking a positive step in preserving these vital pollinators.

QOL score: +1

Comment: This is especially significant given the monarch butterfly’s status as a species of concern due to declining populations in recent years, the release said.

Better bills

The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) has announced a 26 percent reduction in its base electric rate to 8.1 cents per kWh starting February 2024, maintaining its position as the provider of the lowest residential energy supply rates in New Hampshire for the third consecutive rate period. According to a press release, this new rate is expected to yield $5.3 million in benefits for member communities. Serving over 120,000 customers in 28 cities and towns, with more joining soon, the Coalition offers cost-effective energy options, including choices for 100 percent, 50 percent and 33 percent renewable power, and provides savings to residential and mid-sized commercial customers.

QOL score: +1

Comment: In March, an additional 12 communities will join the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH), expanding its reach to more than 50 municipalities.

Seeking a stage

Steeplegate Mall in Concord is set for a transformation into a mixed-use development, requiring tenants without long-term leases, including the Hatbox Theatre, to vacate by the end of January, NHPR reported. This redevelopment marks the end of Hatbox Theatre’s tenure at the mall, where it has been a part of the local arts scene since its inception in 2016. While some businesses like JC Penney and Altitude Trampoline Park remain unaffected due to long-term contracts, Hatbox Theatre faces immediate closure, disrupting its planned season, which included 15 scheduled productions, ranging from musicals to local playwrights’ works.

QOL score: -2 for the upheaval, particularly for Hatbox

Comment: Hatbox, which was slated to have its final show at the current location on Jan. 10, is looking for alternative locations. See hatboxnh.com for updates.

QOL score: 48

Net change: 0

QOL this week: 48

The Quality of Life meter resets for the new year. Let us know what’s affecting your Quality of Life at adiaz@hippopress.com.

This Week 24/01/11

Big Events January 11 and Beyond

Saturday, Jan. 13

Enjoy the music of The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The Animals, The Troggs, The Searchers, The Dave Clark Five, Herman’s Hermits and others at “The British Invasion” tonight at 7 p.m. at the Majestic Studio Theatre (880 Page St. in Manchester; majestictheatre.net, 669-7469). Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased by phone, online or at the door. Performers slated to embody the music of the mid-1960s include Dale Byrd, Emerson Carracedo, Glynn Cosker, Robert Dionne, Jonathan Flower, Kate Flower, Angelo Gentile, Kristin Grant, Bo Guyer, Cady Hickman, Karen McGraw, Jim Rogato, The Rockin Daddios, Brynn Susi and Bruce Williams, according to a press release.

Saturday, Jan. 13

Today is the Second Saturday at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org), the monthly Saturday when admission is free for New Hampshire residents (the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. head to the Creative Studio to learn how to make recycled paper beads in the style of artist Sanaa Gateja, whose show is currently on view, according to the museum’s website.

Saturday, Jan. 13

Catch some Southern New Hampshire University Penmen basketball when the women’s team takes to the court at 1:30 p.m., followed by the men’s team at 3:30 p.m., both against Southern Connecticut State University. The games take place at Stan Spiro Field House (at the Southern New Hampshire University campus, 2500 River Road in Manchester); regular season games are free to attend. See snhupenmen.com.

Saturday, Jan. 13

Symphony NH and the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps present “Brass to the Max,” a show at the Keefe Center for the Arts (117 Elm St. in Nashua) today at 7:30 p.m. “The program will be visceral and high-energy. Be prepared to feel this one all the way through your bones with great music like Aaron Copland’s ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’ and ‘Celebrate’ by Kool and the Gang,” according to a press release. Tickets cost $10 to $60 and are available at symphonynh.org or by calling 595-9156.

Sunday, Jan. 14

As of earlier this week, WMUR was predicting a 52 degree high and rain for Saturday, Jan. 13, and a 32 degree high today (Jan. 14), when you can hit the streets of Bedford for the 3-mile HPM Insurance Snowflake Shuffle at 9:30 a.m. Registration costs $35 ($30 for under 21). See millenniumrunning.com.

Monday, Jan. 15

Cellist Roric Cunningham will hold a solo recital (with pianist Elizabeth Blood) today at 7 p.m. at the Manchester Community Music School (2291 Elm St. in Manchester; mcmusicschool.org). Tickets cost $15 for adults, free for students under 21, according to the website.

Save the Date! Saturday, Jan. 20
The New Hampshire Audubon Massabesic Center (26 Audubon Way in Auburn; nhaudubon.org, 668-2045) will hold a class on “Winter Sowing of Native Plants” on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. with presenters Donna Miller, UNH Extension Advanced Master Gardener, and Stacey Scaccia, UNH Extension Master Gardener, according to the website. The cost is $15 per person and you will “leave with a pot of native perennial seeds that will grow all year and be ready to plant in your garden next fall,” the website said.

Featured photo: British Invasion

Huge week for HC of NEPs

The Big Story – Bill Belichick’s Future: After the season ended, what happens to Bill Belichick was the raging local question and would be until the answer comes, which may have happened by the time you read this. So stay tuned.

Sports 101: Name the four teams who’ve never played in the Super Bowl.

News Item – NFL Wild Card Weekend: The biggest national story is the opening of the NFL playoffs. The three most intriguing side stories are these:

Miami at KC: Tyreek Hill’s return to Arrowhead Stadium.

Cleveland at Houston: It pits the team involved in bringing DeShaun Watson to Ohio against the one that not only now has the better QB anyway in CJ Stroud but also has all those draft picks Cleveland gave up for Watson.

L.A. at Detroit: Round 2 of who got the better of that Matthew Stafford–Jared Goff deal. Round 1 went to L.A. when they immediately won the SB with Stafford. But the Lions are now thriving with the much younger QB the Rams dumped and have a brighter long-term future thanks to the boatload of picks that came with Goff. A win for Detroit tilts the arrow toward them.

News Item – College Football Championship Game: The game between Big 10 Michigan and (not for long) PAC 12 Washington would have been played on New Year’s in the Rose Bowl a generation ago. And while it’s exciting for many, the two things that strike me are that it’s the swan song for the PAC 12 Conference, and UM’s coach is there despite being suspended twice for cheating this season. Oh, and semifinals-losing Texas had a back-up QB (Arch Manning) who made $3.2 million in NIL money as a freshman. Welcome to college football2024.

The Numbers:

7.8 – eye-popping yards per carry average (on 103) by rookie Miami back De’Von Achane.

15 –secondbest in the NFL rushing TD’s done somehow by quarterbacks Josh Allen of Buffalo and Jalen Hurts of Philly.

236 – last in the league points scored by the pathetic offense of your New England Patriots.

… Of the Week Awards

Shot of the Week – Nikola Jokic: The big fella delivered a 40-footer off glass as time expired to make Denver 130-127 winners over stunned Golden State. Though I ain’t buying Joker’s claim he called the bank, so if it’s H-O-R-S-E Nuggets lose.

Thumbs Down of the Week – NFL and NBC: For its sign of what lies ahead in putting Saturday’s KC-Miami wild card game only on NBC’s pay TV streaming service, Peacock.

Random Thoughts:

Disgruntled Patriots tackle Trent Brown wants to be elsewhere next year. Fine with me.

Speaking of Hayward: While durability is always his issue, if he’s bought out by Charlotte, he’d fit perfectly as an affordable point forward, 3 and D option off the Celtics bench.

Sports 101 Answer: Three of the Super Bowl-less teams — the Lions, Browns and Texans — can end their streaks this month, while Jacksonville missed again.

Final Thought – Coach B:

Here’s what my thinking on Coach B would be if I owned the Patriots.

Biggest Problems

Picking Talent: The player evaluation and draft strategy has been mostly awful since 2014. And the big free agent spending year of 2021 was a gigantic bust. It’s left them devoid of talent, especially on offense.

Strategic Approach: He just doesn’t seem to get how important a dynamic wide receiving threat is in 2023.

Can It Be Fixed? Yes, but it means a personnel chief must come in from the outside.

Biggest Issues Determining Whether Bill is the Guy to Fix It

(1) Is he willing/able to work with someone else picking the groceries?

(2) Can he adjust offensive strategy?

(3) Can he still coach them up?

(4) What’s more important: winning SB 7 or him breaking Don Shula’s record as a Patriot?

Answers:

(1) Doubtful, and who from the outside would want to do that?

(2) Maybe, since he did the same adding Randy Moss and Wes Welker after being run over by Peyton Manning in the 2006 AFC title game. Or if the unemployed Josh McDaniels (who was in Bob Kraft’s suite Sunday) comes back as OC.

(3) Given all the crazy penalties, unnecessary timeouts and questionable game management moves the last few years I wonder about that.

(4) For me the wins record is the final exclamation mark to the dynasty, so it tops SB7.

Bottom Line: While I think he’s leaving, if he accepts Issue 1 and brings back McDaniels I give him one last year. As for who has the stature to be Bill’s boss, I give Tom Brady a minority share of the team to nix his Raiders deal and put him in charge of football operations. Then we’re on to 2024.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 24/01/11

NH vs. DNC

On Jan. 8, the New Hampshire Attorney General, John M. Formella, issued a cease-and-desist order to the Democratic National Committee’s Rules & Bylaws Committee for instructing the New Hampshire Democratic Party to inform the public that the Jan. 23 New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary election is “meaningless.” According to a press release, this statement has been declared false and misleading by the Attorney General, constituting a violation of RSA 659:40, III, against voter suppression. The Attorney General has ordered the cessation of any conduct that undermines the state election law, emphasizing the primary election’s legal significance and its role in the democratic process, despite the DNC’s stance on delegate allocation. The situation is under continued review by the Attorney General’s Office.

Paid leave

The New Hampshire Insurance Department, along with the Department of Employment Security and the Department of Administrative Services, is mobilizing community advocates to increase awareness of and participation in the state’s Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) program. According to a press release, despite a strong enrollment in its first year, there is a recognized need to further inform the public, particularly those who could benefit but remain uninformed or uncertain about how to enroll. The state agencies are urging advocacy organizations to help disseminate information and facilitate enrollment by appointing liaisons to work with the PFML team. The initiative focuses on the urgency of promoting the 2024 PFML open enrollment, which concludes on Jan. 29.

Mocktails

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC), in collaboration with Brown-Forman, has initiated the fourth annual New Hampshire Mocktail Month, with nearly 70 local restaurants participating. According to a press release, the event is part of the ongoing “Live Free & Host Responsibly” campaign, started in 2016, to encourage responsible alcohol service and consumption. This year’s mocktail month, which highlights several Brown-Forman brands, is designed to provide alcohol-free beverage options, enhancing a safe drinking environment for patrons. An online guide with mocktail recipes is available for those who prefer to create these drinks at home. The NHLC aims to leverage this initiative to foster responsible drinking habits and is encouraging social media engagement with the campaign. Visit liquorandwineoutlets.com/responsibility.

Cultural grants

The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts is offering Cultural Facilities grants to arts and cultural organizations for facility improvements to enhance their venues for cultural programming, according to a press release. With a focus on projects that promote accessibility and long-term venue enhancements, organizations can apply for grants ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 for use between April 1, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2025. Eligible applicants must be ADA-compliant, have a history of public arts programming, and hold a 501(c)(3) status, with the application deadline set for Feb. 9. Further details and application guidelines are available at nh.gov/nharts.

Keep the money here

A new economic study released by the New Hampshire Bankers Association has underscored the potential economic benefits of retaining taxpayer funds within the state, according to a press release. Conducted by Polecon Research, the study indicates that by investing public funds locally through the New Hampshire Public Deposit Investment Pool (NH PDIP), the state could experience a surge in economic growth, with an estimated increase of nearly $200 million in state GDP. Key findings suggest substantial boosts in available credit for small businesses, increased tax revenues, job growth and a significant rise in personal income for residents. Sen. Cindy Rosenwald has introduced the GLOW Act to capitalize on these findings, aiming to keep public funds invested within New Hampshire to maximize the economic impact. The study advocates for local investment as a strategic move to bolster the state’s economy and support community needs like affordable housing. The full report detailing these benefits is available on the NH Bankers website, nhbankers.com/PDIP, as they work with legislators to pass this initiative in the upcoming legislative session.

Dixville Notch is set to host the state’s only midnight vote for the 2024 first-in-the-nation presidential primary. Continuing a tradition that began in 1960, Dixville voters will cast their ballots at midnight as Jan. 22 turns into Jan. 23. This year, due to renovations at the Balsams’ Dix House, the vote will occur in the Living Room at the Tillotson House. The event will be overseen by Dixville Town Moderator Tom Tillotson, son of Neil Tillotson, who initiated this unique voting tradition. The Balsams’ principal owner, Les Otten, and the community’s voters will be present, along with a special appearance by Cory “C Pez” Pesaturo, a renowned accordion champion.

Ken Perkins, a retired United Airlines pilot, will present “Lindbergh’s Last Flight” at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire in Londonderry on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. The event will feature Perkins’ firsthand account of the 1974 flight that transported a seriously ill Charles Lindbergh to Hawaii shortly before the legendary aviator’s death. Part of the museum’s speaker series, the presentation will offer unique insights into this historic flight and Perkins’ experiences during the Golden Age of Aviation. Admission is $10, with free entry for museum members. Visit aviationmuseumofnh.org.

The Be BRAVE Gala, presented by Safe Haven Ballet, is set to take place at the Nashua Center for the Arts on Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. This event, known for diverse artistic performances including ballet, contemporary dance, martial arts and music, aims to support survivors of sexual violence and trauma. Tickets are priced at $35 for adults and $30 for children and seniors. The Gala, which has been successful in raising funds for crisis centers in the past, will contribute a portion of its proceeds to HAVEN NH for building a larger shelter. Tickets can be purchased at NashuaCenterfortheArts.com or by calling 1-800-657-8774.

Quality of Life 24/01/04

Scam alert

Eversource is issuing a cautionary notice to its customers about a surge in scam activities. Scammers are using tactics like the shut-off scare tactic, where they impersonate utility employees and threaten service disconnection unless immediate payment is made using prepaid debit cards. Other prevalent scams include the overpayment scam, demanding personal banking information to refund an alleged overpayment; the phony fee for equipment or repair scam, asking for separate payments for non-existent device replacement; the phishing or smishing swindle, involving text messages that solicit personal information under the guise of a reputable company; and the power restoration scam, where scammers promise quick restoration of power after outages in exchange for immediate payment. Eversource assures that its representatives will never demand immediate payment or specify payment methods such as prepaid debit cards. Customers are advised to hang up on suspected scammers, report such incidents to local authorities and contact Eversource for confirmation and assistance.

QOL score: -2

Comment: To aid customers in recognizing and responding to these deceptive schemes, Eversource provides extensive information and resources, which can be accessed in the Safety section of their website, eversource.com, under ‘My Account’ or by directly calling Eversource at 800-662-7764.

Holiday cheers

Ryan Kalantzis and Chad Stanton at 100 Becker St. won, for the second year in a row, Manchester’s Holiday Lights Contest. According to a press release, their winning display included bright lights and Mariah Carey’s music, standing out among 20 entries citywide. The contest concluded with voting by residents and a Facebook Live event to announce the winners. Mayor Joyce Craig praised the team’s dedication, which begins in the fall, and thanked them and their English Bulldog, Rocky, for bringing holiday cheer to Manchester. Prizes for the winners, including those at 575 Brent St. and 90 Waverly St. who secured second and third places respectively, were provided by the Manchester Radio Group.

QOL score: +1

Comment: A map of the festive displays can be found at manchesternh.gov/Government/Mayor-and-Aldermen/Mayors-Office/Manchester-Holiday-Lights-Contest.

Wanna drive a snowplow?

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation is facing challenges in recruiting snowplow drivers due to an increase in retirements and high demand for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders in the private sector, NHPR reported. To address this issue, the state is offering hiring and retention bonuses, targeting military service members transitioning to civilian life, using social media platforms, and encouraging retirees to return during storms. The difficulty in staffing is also attributed to a decreased interest in trades and career shifts during the Covid-19 pandemic. NH DOT has increased hourly rates for contractors by 15 percent to make the positions more appealing.

QOL score: -1

Comment: Despite these efforts, Richard Arcand, NH DOT’s public information officer, indicated in the article that while they will meet their plowing obligations, the clearing of roads might take longer after significant snowfalls.

QOL score: 50

Net change: -2

QOL this week: 48

The Quality of Life meter resets for the new year. Let us know what’s affecting your Quality of Life at adiaz@hippopress.com.

This Week 24/01/04

Big Events January 4 and Beyond

Thursday, Jan. 4

It’s the final weekend for the LaBelle Lights outdoor walkthrough path of holiday light displays, which continues operations through Sunday, Jan. 7, and is open daily 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. The theme for the final week is “’80s Ski Week,” according to labellewinery.com/lights, where you can see a map of the attraction and purchase tickets (which cost $18 for adults and ages 14+, $12 for ages 65+, $8 for ages 4 to 13 and free for ages 3 and under, plus fees).

Friday, Jan. 5

See Andrea Paquin play tonight at the Backyard Brewery and Kitchen (1211 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester) from 6 to 9 p.m. Find more live music at area restaurants and breweries in the Music This Week listing on page.

Friday, Jan. 5

This month’s Super Stellar Friday at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive in Concord; starhop.com, 271-7827) will look at the “History of Early Astronomers” featuring Carlie Fowler, education specialist at the Discovery Center. The program will tonight at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission costs $12 for adults, $9 for ages 3 to 12 and $11 for 62+ and 13 to college.

Friday, Jan. 5

Rubikon will perform tonight at 8 p.m. with bands Mission to Sleep and Wired for Sound at Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com). Tickets cost $18.75. Find more concerts this weekend and beyond in the Concert listings on page 34.

Friday, Jan. 5

Catch the “high-energy all-request interactive show!” Dueling Pianos live tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org). Tickets cost $29.

Saturday, Jan. 6

The Downtown Concord Winter Farmers Market offers a place to browse local produce, baked goods and other items as well as a spot for live music — this week from Ryan Williamson — on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon at 7 Eagle Square in Concord. See downtownconcordwinterfarmersmarket.com for a list of vendors.

Save the Date! Saturday, March 23
Hear Symphony New Hampshire play the music from the video games of Mario, Zelda and more at Game Over(ture), a concert scheduled for Saturday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com), where tickets cost $20.75 to $53.75, and Sunday, March 24, at 3 p.m. at the Keefe Center for the Arts (117 Elm St. in Nashua), where tickets cost $10 to $63. See symphonynh.org.

Featured photo: Andrea Paquin

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