Category: Quality Of Life

Very blustery days

If you watched tiny trick-or-treaters in inflatable costumes fighting the wind last week, according to a report by the Boston Globe, it’s not your imagination — it’s been unusually windy lately. In an Oct. 26 online article, the Globe reported that cities across New England, including Manchester, “have recorded top five blustery starts to meteorological fall (September-November) so far, according to the data.” Apparently, the frequent storm systems that have passed through or near New England over the past month or so “introduce a sharp change in atmospheric pressure and blustery conditions arise. Wind is generated by differing pressure systems attempting to find balance.”

QOL score: -1, because there’s the wild beauty of fall and then there’s “I just ate a leaf”

Comment: “It’s important to note that the data is for wind gusts,” the Globe reported. “Just a quick lesson: ‘Wind speed’ is determined by the average flow during a minimum two-minute stretch, while ‘gusts’ are recorded as sudden, instantaneous increases in wind that can last anywhere from a few seconds to 30 seconds.“

A straight shot through Bedford

According to an Oct. 27 online article from WMUR, work on the Bedford tolls is almost halfway done. “The toll canopy has been removed,” the article read, and “the NHDOT said about 40% of the remaining booths, concrete slabs and island have been demolished as well. The project is replacing old booths, which was the site of several crashes, and replacing them with electronic tolling.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: According to WMUR:“Crews will continue to work through the winter on remaining demolition, drainage installation and roadway preparation. The project is expected to be finished by September 2027.”

A new pair of scams

According to an Oct. 27 online article from WMUR, Hudson residents have been receiving emails from scammers posing as town officials. “Police said the messages request payment for permits and applications, and may include details about a person’s property or project,” the WMUR story read. At the same time, New Hampshire Public Radio reported in an Oct. 30 online story that scammers have been targeting authors by impersonating show hosts and producers. “Fraudsters are impersonating public radio producers and hosts — including staff from NHPR — to set up fake interviews and in-person appearances, with the ultimate goal of stealing money,” NHPR reported.

QOL score: -2

Comment: Both the Hudson Police Department and NHPR recommend verifying any requests for money independently. “Officials urge residents to contact the [Town of Hudson] directly using a phone number from the town website before sending any money,” the WMUR article recommended. “If you’re in doubt about the sender, please call [or email] NHPR to verify,” the NHPR story warned.

QOL score last week: 63

Net change: -2

QOL this week: 61

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

A sudden enthusiasm for hockey?

According to an Oct. 18 online article at CICNews.com, if your family has lived in Manchester for several generations, you might already have dual citizenship in Canada. “In Manchester, New Hampshire,” the article read, “a combined 11.5% of residents report Canadian or French-Canadian ancestry, according to census figures for 2020 to 2024. … [T]hanks to recent changes to the country’s citizenship laws, just one Canadian ancestor in an individual’s direct lineage is enough to make an entire side of the family tree Canadian.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: “The real number is likely higher,” the CICNews article said. But don’t start packing yet. “As of October, IRCC [Canadian Immigration] figures showed about 130,700 citizenship certificate applications waiting for a decision. New applicants faced an estimated wait of 34 months,” the article said. Visit cicnews.com/2026/10.

Do you smell french fries?

As reported by WMUR in an Oct. 23 online article, there has been a rash of thefts of used cooking oil from several Manchester restaurants. “Several restaurants along Manchester’s Hooksett Road say thieves have stolen gallons of used cooking oil,” WMUR reported. “Some business owners said suspected thieves targeted barrels containing used cooking oil three separate times over a couple of days. One worker said he first realized what was going on after he noticed that 30 gallons of used cooking oil seemingly disappeared overnight on Monday. On Wednesday at about 4 or 5 a.m., more people were spotted checking inside the barrels, the worker said.”

QOL score: -1

Comment: “The restaurants sell their used cooking oil for a relatively small amount of money,” the article read. “Officials have said used cooking oil is targeted because it can be used to make biodiesel or for other purposes “

Keep an eye on your pick-a-nic baskets

In an Oct. 26 press release, the Squam Lake Natural Science Center in Holderness announced that it has welcomed a young bear into its care. “The Black Bear cub was found abandoned along a divided highway in Utah when he was just a few months old,” the announcement read. “It is assumed that he got separated from his mother when she jumped over a concrete road divider and he could not. He was brought to a wildlife rehabilitation facility in Utah, where staff cared for him before determining that he could not be released back into the wild.” The bear has been named Wasatch, after the Wasatch Mountain Range in Utah.

QOL score: +1

Comment: “Following a routine quarantine period, Wasatch underwent his first physical examination and received a clean bill of health,” the Science Center’s announcement said. “He has been adjusting well to his new surroundings and will soon move into the Science Center’s off-exhibit Bear Habitat, where he will spend the winter.” The Science Center is already home to another American Black Bear named Randolph. Visit nhnature.org.

QOL score: 62

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 63

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

It’s already flu season

According to an Oct. 16 online article by New Hampshire Public Radio, “Flu season has started early this year, with reports of flu cases, particularly Influenza A, beginning in September rather than the usual onset in October or November.” Dr. Gabriela Andujar Vasquez, of Dartmouth Health was quoted as said that the rate of infection is “still low but trending in the direction in which we start thinking that the season will be starting and picking up quickly and soon.”

QOL score: -1

Comment: “For people who can get the flu vaccine,” the NHPR report read, “health experts recommend getting the vaccine now as it takes two weeks to develop optimal protection.” It also noted, “Good handwashing practices, wearing masks and staying home when sick are also recommended to reduce spread of the flu.” Visit the Centers for Disease and Prevention’s flu page at cdc.gov/flu.

More hate graffiti

According to an Oct. 17 press release by Manchester Police Department, “Manchester Police are investigating a series of criminal mischief incidents involving hateful messages found in several areas of the city. So far, police have identified 15 incidents in three areas. The incidents occurred overnight and involved antisemitic, racist, and homophobic content. At this point in the investigation, the acts appear to be random, with no indication that specific individuals or properties were intentionally targeted.”

QOL score: -2

Comment: In the same statement, Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr wrote,”Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, and we take incidents like these seriously. We are actively investigating this matter and will work to hold those responsible accountable.” Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or has surveillance footage from these areas to contact the Manchester Police Department at 603-­668-­8711.

Paw-ranormal activity at the Howl-O-Ween 5K

On Saturday, Oct. 17, more than 500 human and canine runners and walkers raised more than $50,000 for the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire at the 9th Annual Howl-O-Ween 5K. “This year’s event was the biggest in the race’s history,” Jacob Harper of the ARLNH wrote in an Oct. 19 press release.“ Dog and human runners and walkers completed the 5K race in costumes that included humans dressed as pumpkins, bananas, and cows, and dogs in costumes that ranged from tacos, to hot dogs, to pink western gear.

QOL score: +1, because life is better with dogs dressed as tacos.

Comment:“The need for animal welfare services across New Hampshire continues to grow, and as we receive no state or federal funding, our team needs to raise $1.8 million this year to sustain our programs. Many of these programs provide critical support to low-income families,” wrote Marianne Jones, CEO of ARLNH, in the press release. The 10th Annual Howl-O-Week 5K is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 16, 2027.

QOL score: 64

Net change: -2

QOL this week: 62

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

I know marrows, and that is a big marrow!

According to an Oct. 6 press release issued by the Deerfield Fair, several new records were set for giant vegetables at this year’s Fair, which took place Oct. 1 through Oct. 4. “Taking center stage at this year’s weigh-off,” the press release announced, “was a monumental achievement in the giant marrow (zucchini) category. Sarah Whitty of Veazie, Maine, stunned judges and spectators alike by setting both a new United States record and a new North American record. Her prized marrow, affectionately named ‘Secretariat,’ officially tipped the scales at an incredible 170 pounds. Whitty’s victory is a massive leap forward for competitive growers across the continent, completely dominant compared to past standards.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: The press release reported, “The standing World Record for a giant marrow was set in 2021 at 256.62 lbs.” Other record-breaking vegetables from this year’s Fair included a field pumpkin state record of 178 lbs., grown by Bruce Whitter of Henniker, N.H., and a giant tomato state record of 6.38 lbs, grown by Hiram Watson of Farmington, N.H.

Your grandkids will not believe this

An Oct. 9 online article by New Hampshire Public Radio reported that the New Hampshire Time Capsule Project sought “photographs, letters, artwork and other items that capture what it’s like to grow up in New Hampshire in 2026. The time capsule will be buried … and, if everything goes as planned, will be dug up on July 4, 2075.” The Project took input from current students, including “letters to [their] future selves and predictions about technology and life 50 years into the future.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: The burial ceremony will take place Friday, Oct. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. at 212 Fisherville Road. in Concord. The plan is to reopen the time capsule on July 4, 2075, to celebrate Concord’s 300th anniversary.

Housing and poverty in New Hampshire

According to an Oct. 7 online article by New Hampshire Public Radio, “A new analysis from the Pew Charitable Trusts finds that high housing costs in New Hampshire are driving some residents into poverty. The state ranked 10th in a list of states with the highest share of poverty caused by housing costs.” The NHPR story continued: “According to New Hampshire Housing, renters would need to earn $80,440 a year to afford the statewide median rent of $2,011 per month. In addition to the shortage of rental units, the high costs of purchasing a home also affect rental prices.“

QOL score: -1

Comment: According to data in the Pew report, New Hampshire’s overall poverty rate is 16 percent, and our childhood poverty rate is 22 percent. To find the report, search for “Pew, housing, poverty.” Visit nhhousing.org.

QOL score: 63

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 64

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

Canobie Lake is running low

According to a September briefing from 20 Windham lake-front abutters, presented to the Windham Board of Selectmen on Sept. 27, Canobie Lake’s water level is historically low. According to graphs presented to the Board which you can see at windhamnh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/21010/Canobie_Lake_BOS_Presentation, the lake has historically been considered full when water levels reach 220 feet. This year, the presenters said, “The lake peaked at 218.76 ft on May 1 — the lowest spring peak in the 2022–2026 record — then fell 1.40 ft over eleven weeks to 217.36 ft.” The group pointed out that water consumption from the lake has outstripped the area’s population growth. “Population has grown roughly 10% since 2000. Water demand grew more than four times as fast — 42% — in just the last eight years alone.”

QOL score: -1

Comment: Some concerns stemming from the lake’s lower water levels include “higher algae risk, reduced spawning habitat, reduced waterfront [property] value, lower marketability, docks losing water access, and lower long-term tax revenue.”

Cooking and heating and apparently fire season

Oct. 4 through Oct. 10 is Fire Prevention Week, according to an Oct. 5 press release from the Red Cross of Northern New England. So far in 2026, its volunteer disaster teams have responded to 129 home fires “assisting more than 530 Granite Staters,” the release said. “Cooking and home heating are two of the leading causes of home fires,” the release said. Get a free smoke alarm from the Red Cross by going to RedCross.org, and scrolling down to the “Fire Prevention” icon, which takes you to a page with fire prevention tips and a link via “Smoke Alarms” to a page to sign up for a smoke alarm installation.

QOL score: +1 for the help

Comment: The fire prevention page also features a fun video with cooking fire related tips featuring the advice “keep an eye on what you fry.”

A water bragging rights upset

According to a Sept. 30 Concord Monitor online article, “Concord was disqualified from a state drinking water taste test.” For the past eight years, according to the Monitor article, Concord “brought home the title of best-tasting tap water in New Hampshire in six of the annual state competitions.” In the blind taste-test of drinking water from towns across the state conducted by the New Hampshire Drinking Water Coalition at its annual festival, the rules state that all water samples must be fresh tap water, served at room-temperature, the article said.. This year, Concord’s sample was noticeably cooler than samples from other towns. Though Concord’s water was tasted, ultimately, “contest officials ended up disqualifying it for being too cold.”

QOL score: -1

Comment: Plymouth was victorious after Concord’s disqualification, the article said.Oh well, there’s always next year.

QOL score last week: 63

Net change: -1

QOL this week: 62

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

Maybe just burn a pile of money, instead

As reported in a Sept. 20 online article by WMUR, the current record prices for heating oil in New Hampshire are expected to climb even more aggressively than usual. “The average house will pay 31 percent more for home heating oil,” the article read, “running the average household nearly $2,300 this winter. The rising prices are closely tied to the Iran war, and New England will feel the greatest impact, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.”

QOL score: -1

Comment: WMUR reported in the same article that the state recently passed new laws requiring heating oil companies to be more transparent about their fees.

“Oh, that was due this month?”

New Hampshire Public Radio reported in a Sept. 28 online article that “credit card delinquency in New Hampshire is reaching levels not seen since the Great Recession.” NHPR wrote, “The state’s Department of Employment Security recently analyzed consumer debt data for the first quarter of 2025, the most recent state-level information available. Their analysis shows nearly 12 percent of New Hampshire borrowers have severely delinquent debt, and they’re particularly behind on paying off credit card and auto loan debt. Nearly 10 percent of Granite State borrowers are severely delinquent on credit card payments, similar to the rate between 2006 and 2010 leading up to and during the Great Recession. Severely delinquent auto loans have also increased to 4.6 percent, although they haven’t reached the recession-era peak of six percent.”

QOL score: -1

Comment: NHPR said, “A borrower is considered delinquent when they haven’t paid their scheduled debt payment, and they are ‘severely delinquent’ if their bill is at least 90 days past due.”

The bird-watching equivalent of spotting a yeti

In a Sept. 16 Joy of Birding blog post the New Hampshire Audubon Society (nhaudubon.org) confirmed that a Chilean Skua, a species normally found at the very southern tip of South America, had been reliably identified near the Isles of Shoals on Sept. 8. “The two trip leaders were split,” the post read. “Steve Mirick believed we had seen a South Polar Skua, a rare sighting for New Hampshire but not totally unexpected bird (this would be the 4th record for the state), and Ben Griffith thought it was a Great Skua, a bird never seen in New Hampshire waters but that occasionally had been found in the Gulf of Maine.” Ultimately, it turned out to be a much more unlikely sighting.

QOL score: +1

Comment: An editor’s note at the end of the Audubon post put the sighting in perspective. “To understand how truly rare a Chilean Skua would be in New Hampshire and North America, visit eBird and look at past reports of Chilean Skua globally. … As far as we can tell, there are no previous records of Chilean Skua in North America, let alone New Hampshire.” Visit joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org.

QOL score last week: 62

Net change: -1

QOL this week: 63

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