Category: News

This Week 24/01/25

Big Events January 25 and Beyond

Thursday, Jan. 25

Drum Tao, a show with costumes and staging highlighting Japanese Taiko drums, will be at the Capitol Center for the Arts Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com), today at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $44 through $76. See drum-tao.com/en for a look at the performance.

Thursday, Jan. 25

The Concord Garden Club and local artists kick off the annual “Art & Bloom,” the show featuring floral arrangements paired with art, today at Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St. in Concord). The show will be on display today from 2 to 5 p.m., with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show is just one of the events happening during Concord’s Winter Fest; find more in the story on page 23.

Thursday, Jan. 25

Do you know your Midge and Allan? Check out the 21+ Barbie movie trivia night tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Chunky’s Cinema Pub in Manchester (707 Huse Road, chunkys.com). For a closer look at trivia nights, check out the Jan. 11 cover story (go to hippopress.com and look for the e-edition). For more trivia events this week, see page 42.

Friday, Jan. 26

It’s comedy night at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St. in Derry; tupelomusichall.com) featuring Kenny Rogerson, Jody Sloane and David Lamb. The show starts at 8 p.m.; tickets cost $22. Find more comedy this weekend and beyond in the Comedy This Week listings on page 41.

Friday, Jan. 26

Mosaic Art Collective (66 Hanover St., Suite 201, in Manchester; 512-6309, mosaicartcollective.com) will host an artist talk with photographer Gary Samson from 5:45 to 7 p.m. The event is free but reserve a spot via EventBrite (find a link on Mosaic’s Facebook page). See garysamsonphotography.com for more on Samson and his work.

Saturday, Jan. 27

As of earlier this week there were still a few spots left for Date Night in the Pottery Studio at Studio 550 Arts Center (550 Elm St. in Manchester; 232-5597, 550arts.com) tonight at 6 p.m. The class runs about an hour and a half and participants get a basic pottery lesson and then can make their own creations, according to the website, where you can sign up.

Tuesday, Jan. 30

See the professional dance company Step Afrika! today at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com, where you can see videos of the company’s performances). The show is part of the William H. Gile Concert Series, so tickets are free, but go online to reserve seats.

Save the Date! Sunday, March 10
Team Police takes on Team Fire, for a good cause, on Sunday, March 10, at 1 p.m. at the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St. in Manchester; snhuarena.com) at the Battle of the Badges Hockey Championship presented by the Elliot Perry Foundation (elliotperry.org) to raise money for Dartmouth Health’s Children’s. See childrens.dartmouth-health.org/events for more on the event and to purchase tickets which cost $16 (plus fees) for ages 6 and up. On the day, tickets will cost $20.

Quality of Life 24/01/25

We’re #1!

In a comprehensive report by Retirement Living, New Hampshire has been ranked the best state for retirement in 2024. This accolade comes as part of a detailed analysis of various factors critical to retirees, including cost of living, quality of life, and health care. The state’s appeal is bolstered by its tax benefits — no tax on income, estate, or sales — and the availability of year-round activities. Retirees make up 20% of New Hampshire’s population, and they enjoy discounts on tourist attractions. The ranking is based on a Retirement Living Score, derived from a survey of more than 1,075 people age 55 and older, alongside government data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and FBI. The report aims to guide individuals considering relocation for their retirement, highlighting the importance of factors like retirement taxes, access to health care and overall affordability in making such a decision.

QOL score: +1

Comment: This is the second consecutive year that New Hampshire has taken the spot in the study.

Easier college funding

The recent changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) have wide-reaching implications, particularly for students in New Hampshire, NHPR reported. The simplified FAFSA, featuring just 36 questions instead of the previous 108, has altered the aid formula, shifting from the expected family contribution to the student aid index as the metric for calculating a student’s ability to pay for college. This change benefits New Hampshire students, with approximately 12,000 more becoming eligible for Pell Grants and over 24,000 qualifying for the maximum grant amount.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Additionally, a new state law now mandates high school seniors in New Hampshire to complete a FAFSA or opt out through a waiver, a policy expected to increase competition rates for eligible students, aligning with trends seen in other states with similar requirements.

Now I can find my texts!

Last weekend, texts from QOL’s dad and other real people were lost in a sea of desperate pleas that QOL Vote For Whomever! or take someone’s survey. Any real phone calls QOL got were ignored along with the flood of calls from one presumes candidates or something, who knows, because QOL stopped answering. According to a WMUR report from Jan. 22, some people who did answer their phone heard what sounded like (but wasn’t) the voice of President Joe Biden telling them not to vote on Tuesday and the NH attorney general is now investigating those calls. But, hark! With the primary now over (hopefully, as of press time on the morning of Jan. 23), we can all look forward to finding our real texts, answering our phones and getting our precious magazines from the mailbox without wading through election stuff.

QOL score: +1 (-1 for the fake phone calls but +2 for, hopefully, an overall lessening of calls and texts)

Comment: At least until mid October.

QOL score: 49

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 52

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at adiaz@hippopress.com.

The week that was

The Big Story – NFL Championship Weekend: The Sunday when the NFC and AFC championships are played is the best sports day of the year. And that’s what we’ve got coming Sunday, when defending champion KC led by football’s best QB (Pat Mahomes) takes on Baltimore and the best running QB (and likely MVP) Lamar Jackson) in Game 1, followed by a rematch of the famed 1957 NFL special playoff game (finally) between the 49ers and Lions to determine who’d represent the Western Conference in the ’57 title game vs Cleveland. Which, oh by the way, is the last time the Lions were NFL champs. Can’t wait.

Sports 101: Name the two players who’ve scored the most TD’s in NFL playoff history.

News Item – Mahomes on the Road: Amazingly Sunday in Buffalo was the first time he had ever played on the road in the playoffs during his entire six-year career. Though a heartbreaker for the Bills, it was actually lucky number 50 for him. As it was his 39th overall road win to make his road winning percentage of 78 percent the best career for any QB in NFL history.

News Item – The New Philly Phold: In Philadelphia it’s hard to top the famed Phillie Phold (which turns 60 this year), when their baseball team blew a 6½-game lead in the final week of 1964 after not being out of first place even one day the entire season. But by going from 10-1 to finish 11-6 and getting smoked by mediocre Tampa Bay in the Wild Card round, the Eagle collapse may have done just that.

News Item – Chip Kelly Hot Topic: The rumor mill is cranking overtime this time of year in the NFL. One interesting item has the local lad and current UCLA head coach on the wish lists of several teams with openings to be their offensive coordinator.

News Item – Jaylen Brown: When he is bad he is often beyond belief awful bad, Exhibit A being his impossible to forget elimination Game 7 disaster at home vs. the Miami Heat. This time it was Friday’s battle of 2024 NBA titans with Denver when:

(1) he was 1 for 9 from three-point land,

(2) had two lay-ups blocked from behind because he eased up instead of dunking it like he needed to and usually does,

(3) down 1 with a minute to go, he clanged two free fouls in a game they lost 102-100,

(4) he stepped into the lane 2 seconds early on a missed Aaron Gordon FT with 17 seconds left to take away a crucial rebound from Boston in lieu of a jump ball that resulted, and

(5) he was one of several guys toasted by Jamal Murray on his way to his killer 35-point night.

The Numbers:

10 – most all-time playoff meetings between two teams in NFL history, which came Saturday when SF won a 24-21 thriller over Green Bay.

16 – after getting two more vs. Buffalo, times Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce have hooked up for TD’s in the playoffs to pass the Tom Brady–Rob Gronkowski combo for most in NFL history.

… Of the Week Awards

Funniest Super Bowl-Worthy Commercial – Uber Eats: Seeing iconic British actress Helen Mirren sitting on a sofa watching playoff action eating cheese balls just delivered by Uber Eats as she yells, “a Jets sweep on third and 11 — YOU IDIOTS!” before throwing the cheese balls at the TV. Very funny.

Why Can’t We Get Guys Like That Award – Nelson Agholor: He may have been a disappointment in Foxboro, but after he scored the Ravens’ first TD in their 31-10 win over Houston they loved him in Baltimore.

Thumbs Up – Dan Campbell: He’s gone from over-the-top gung-ho nut who’ll last two years tops as head coach in Detroit to a guy who’s somehow done the impossible, transforming the eternally awful Lions into the Cinderella story of the NFL.

Sports 101 Answer: With 22JerryRicehasscored the most playoff TD’s in history.Emmitt Smith and Thurman Thomasare next with 21.

A Little History – 1957 NFL Championship Game: Hard to believe, but the Lions were Patriots-like in the 1950s NFL, winning 3 times. The last was in 1957 behind backup QB Tobin Rote (also the QB for San Diego as they demolished the Pats 51-10 in the 1963 AFL title game) with swaggering Hall of Famer Bobby Layne lost for the season. First by bringing them back from down 24-3 to a 31-27 win over SF. Then Detroit crushed Cleveland 59-14 as Rote threw four TD passes and ran for another to avenge a similar 56-10 beatdown by the Browns in the 1954 Championship game.

Final Thought – Predictions:

49ers-Lions: SF should win, but being the hopeless romantic I am, I’m pulling for the upset by upstart Detroit 34-31. I know, dumb. But that’s my story.

Chiefs-Ravens: Another titanic QB battle. I’ll take Mahomes over Jackson until he proves me wrong. Final-minute 24-23 KC win.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 24/01/25

Pandemic Response

House Speaker Sherman Packard (R-Londonderry) has announced the formation of the Special Committee on Covid Response Efficacy, a bipartisan group led by Rep. Barbara Comtois of Barnstead, tasked with evaluating New Hampshire’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a press release, the committee will conduct a science-based review, focusing on the administration of federal guidance, use of federal funds, and vaccination efforts under Emergency Use Authorization. This effort aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the state’s pandemic response and its impact on citizens and to inform future public policy for emergency responses, reflecting the House’s balanced partisan composition as mandated by House Rule 29.

For the birds!

NH Audubon is calling for public participation in its annual Backyard Winter Bird Survey to be held on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11, aiming to assess winter bird populations in New Hampshire. According to a press release, this call to action follows unusual observations last fall of fewer birds at feeders, a situation NH Audubon attributes to an abundance of natural food and mild weather. Residents can contribute by counting birds in their backyards and reporting their findings online or via a special form. The survey, critical for tracking long-term trends and potential declines in bird species, values reports of both high and low bird activity. Information and participation details are available at nhaudubon.org.

Licensing bills

Sen. Howard Pearl has introduced two bills, SB 318-FN and SB 486-FN, aimed at easing professional licensing burdens in an effort to attract more workers to the state. According to a press release, the proposed legislation would establish licensure compacts for social workers and physician assistants, allowing for reciprocity with other states and facilitating the process for professionals to move and work in New Hampshire. This move is intended to address worker shortages by removing unnecessary obstacles to employment, especially for military families relocating to the state. By streamlining the licensing process, Sen. Pearl aims to retain current workers and draw new ones to support and provide essential services to the residents of New Hampshire.

Transportation plan

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) has presented its latest NH Transportation Improvement Plan, a biennial process aimed at assessing the state’s transportation needs and efficiently allocating available funding for maintenance and improvements, according to a press release. Following 24 public hearings held in collaboration with the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation (GACIT), the draft Ten-Year Plan was formulated, incorporating public feedback. Notable features of the plan include funding for congestion mitigation projects, advancements in engineering for critical infrastructure, proactive management of specific corridors and support for community transportation initiatives, reflecting input from the public. Gov. Sununu has forwarded the plan to the Legislature for review and approval, with the final adoption expected in June 2024.

Ed accounts

Rep. Joe Sweeney, the House Majority Floor Leader, introduced House Bill 1561-FN to the House Education Committee, which focuses on expanding eligibility for the Education Freedom Accounts program in New Hampshire. In his statement, Rep. Sweeney emphasized the importance of providing a safe and successful educational experience for all students. Drawing from his personal journey of overcoming speech challenges with the support of Salem public schools, he highlighted the inclusivity and personalized educational pathways that HB 1561 aims to offer. “By endorsing this bill, we reinforce our commitment to enriching our education system and investing in the diverse and promising futures of all Granite State students and families, making certain that no student is disadvantaged due to their specific circumstances,” he said in the statement.

Environmental ed

Rep. Joe Sweeney, the House Majority Floor Leader, introduced House Bill 1561-FN to the House Education Committee, which focuses on expanding eligibility for the Education Freedom Accounts program in New Hampshire. In his statement, Rep. Sweeney emphasized the importance of providing a safe and successful educational experience for all students. Drawing from his personal journey of overcoming speech challenges with the support of Salem public schools, he highlighted the inclusivity and personalized educational pathways that HB 1561 aims to offer. “By endorsing this bill, we reinforce our commitment to enriching our education system and investing in the diverse and promising futures of all Granite State students and families, making certain that no student is disadvantaged due to their specific circumstances,” he said in the statement.

The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has announced the opening of its annual Young Artist Competition, inviting high school musicians from New Hampshire and the Seacoast region of Maine and Massachusetts to participate. The competition winner will have the honor of performing a solo concerto, accompanied by the PSO, at the orchestra’s final 2024 season mainstage performance on June 12 at The Music Hall in Portsmouth. More information and application details can be found at portsmouthsymphony.org.

The Merrimack Valley Beekeepers Association (MVBA) announces the 2024 Bee School, a comprehensive beekeeping course suitable for all ages and experience levels. Led by experienced beekeepers, this program covers essential beekeeping topics through lectures, presentations, demonstrations and videos, according to a press release. Classes, which begin on Feb. 20, are held on Tuesday evenings, with some online and some in person at St. James United Methodist Church in Merrimack. The cost is a membership fee, which is $40 for individuals and $50 for families. Visit mvbee.org/bee-school.

The United Way of Greater Nashua is orchestrating the 2024 Shoebox Project for Seniors, an initiative designed to assemble and distribute gift kits to low-income isolated seniors in the community. According to a press release, these kits are curated to provide not only practical items such as toothpaste, soap and health products but also comforting items like hot chocolate, tea and puzzle books to spread cheer. With a goal to create 500 kits in collaboration with local senior services, United Way is inviting community members to contribute by purchasing items from a wishlist or making monetary donations by Feb. 1. Donations can be made online or sent to their office at 20 Broad St., Nashua.

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.

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