Category: Quality Of Life

Peanut butter & cereal

Merrimack County Savings Bank (The Merrimack) has launched a peanut butter and cereal drive to take place throughout October in partnership with #NHBanksGiveBack, organized by the NH Bankers Association. According to a press release, this initiative aims to combat child hunger by collecting essential items for local food pantries, including peanut butter and cereal, which are often requested to provide nutritious meals for children facing food insecurity. Donations collected during the drive will benefit various pantries in the region, supporting the local community in providing essential food items for those in need. The bank encourages individuals to drop off peanut butter and cereal donations at any of its eight locations in Bow, Concord, Contoocook, Hooksett, Windham and Nashua.

QOL score: +1
Comment: In New Hampshire, 1 in 12 children struggles with food insecurity, the release said.

Mac to give back

Mr. Mac’s Macaroni and Cheese in Manchester has kicked off its 7th annual “Mac Gives Back” fundraising event, according to a press release. Throughout October, Mr. Mac’s will donate $1 for each Take & Bake order of their macaroni and cheese dishes. The initiative aims to support the Boys & Girls Club and MPAL in Manchester. Founded by siblings Patrick Cain and Valerie Anderson, Mr. Mac’s places a strong emphasis on family and community, seeking to contribute to their local community through this initiative.

QOL score: +1
Comment: You can place Take and Bake orders at their Manchester location, over the phone, or online for pick-up at their drive-thru window.

Biking for funds

Lombardo Homes conducted a study on decorating for Halloween and found that New Hampshire ranks third in the nation for its decorative enthusiasm. The study also found that the crow is the state’s favorite Halloween adornment. Conducted in August 2023, the study is based on an analysis of 7,330 Halloween-related Google search terms and purchasing behaviors; data sourced from search volumes per capita over the last year; and a survey in the same month that involved 1,209 Americans discussing their Halloween decoration habits.
QOL score: +1
Comment: This year’s event saw a 16 percent increase in riders compared to the previous year.

Arts brings in the dough

Arts Alive has revealed that the nonprofit arts and culture sector in the Monadnock Region generated $25 million in economic activity in 2022, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study conducted by Americans for the Arts. This economic activity included $18.2 million in spending by nonprofit arts organizations and $6.8 million in event-related spending by audiences. It supported 521 jobs, provided $20.6 million in personal income and generated $5.3 million in government revenue.

QOL score: +1
Comment: The study highlights the significant economic and social impacts of the arts and culture industry in the region, with spending by arts and culture audiences benefiting local merchants.

QOL score: 88
Net change: +4
QOL this week: 92

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

Millennials on the move

A recent study by Upgraded Points revealed that wealthy millennials, defined as individuals ages 26 to 45 earning more than $200,000 annually, are increasingly moving to certain U.S. states. Factors such as improved economic conditions, remote work opportunities, and the pursuit of affordable housing and better quality of life have driven this trend. The study found that New Hampshire ranks 7th in the nation in attracting wealthy millennials, with a net gain of 4.4 percent. This influx has resulted in a positive impact on the state’s tax base, with a net increase of more than $229 million attributed to wealthy millennial movers, the press release said.
QOL score: +1
Comment: Florida and Texas were among the top states gaining wealthy millennials, while California and New York experienced losses.

Shot clock

Since the availability of updated Covid-19 boosters last month, many in New Hampshire have faced challenges in getting their shots due to limited slots, last-minute appointment rescheduling or insurance issues, NHPR reported. Previously the federal government procured and distributed Covid-19 vaccines to health care providers. Now hospitals, pharmacies and health centers purchase vaccines directly from manufacturers or wholesalers. This transition has led to shipping delays and availability issues in various pharmacies across the country, including in New Hampshire.
QOL score: -2
Comment: This season’s vaccines have been updated to guard against the latest virus strains, and the CDC recommends a new vaccine for everyone age six months and older this fall.

We’ve got Halloween spirit

Lombardo Homes conducted a study on decorating for Halloween and found that New Hampshire ranks third in the nation for its decorative enthusiasm. The study also found that the crow is the state’s favorite Halloween adornment. Conducted in August 2023, the study is based on an analysis of 7,330 Halloween-related Google search terms and purchasing behaviors; data sourced from search volumes per capita over the last year; and a survey in the same month that involved 1,209 Americans discussing their Halloween decoration habits.
QOL score: +1
Comment: The research also revealed that Americans are allocating more for Halloween decorations this year compared to the previous year, with an average expenditure of $87, a rise from $61 in 2022.

Child care woes

Since 2020 New Hampshire has received more than $142 million in federal funds for child care stabilization, covering costs like scholarships and aiding businesses that faced losses during the pandemic, However, as this funding concludes, local child care providers say that challenges like staffing shortages and limited options for families persist. NHPR reported that the central issue remains competitive wages for child care workers, who are often paid less. New Hampshire has introduced some legislation to aid child care services, but advocates emphasize the need for continued focus and funding at both the state and federal levels.
QOL score: -2
Comment: Additionally, many areas, like Lancaster, face shortages of child care facilities, leading parents to travel considerable distances.

QOL score: 90
Net change: -2
QOL this week: 88

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

On-the-job training

During a routine shift on a Sunday morning, Sept. 17, NHTI Paramedic Emergency Medicine student Timothy St. Germain and his paramedic partner, NHTI PEM alumna Brittany Lamontagne, found themselves in an unexpected situation. According to a press release, they were responding to a call in Concord for a woman in labor needing transport to a local hospital and they soon realized that the baby couldn’t wait. St. Germain and Lamontagne’s training kicked in, and they delivered the baby without complications, the release said. What makes this timing remarkable is that the NHTI Paramedic Emergency Medicine program had been studying obstetrics with simulated childbirth scenarios for the past two weeks, making it almost feel like a planned “final exam,” the release said.

QOL score: +1
Comment: Both mom and baby girl are healthy, and St. Germain credits the program’s training for making the situation feel almost like second nature.

Food for families

The New Hampshire Food Bank, a program of Catholic Charities New Hampshire, is partnering with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to launch a joint initiative aimed at increasing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment across the state. According to a press release, this collaborative effort seeks to raise awareness of SNAP, a federal program designed to combat food insecurity by providing funds to lower-income families and households for food purchases. While nearly 40,000 New Hampshire households are already enrolled in SNAP, the New Hampshire Food Bank estimates that around seven percent of the state’s residents still experience food insecurity, highlighting the need for increased participation.

QOL score: +1
Comment: The partnership also aims to dispel common misconceptions about SNAP eligibility, such as the belief that it’s only available to families or individuals who are not employed.

Millions and billions

The New Hampshire Lottery billboard visible as you’re heading south on Interstate 293 through Manchester got an upgrade recently. The new billboard was updated with, among other things, LED lighting, which is brighter and more efficient, and the ability to note whether a current Powerball and Mega Millions jackpot is in millions or in billions (such as with the projected $1.2 billion Powerball jackpot for the Oct. 4 drawing), according to a New Hampshire Lottery spokesperson. The billion-plus jackpots were said to have “busted” the old billboard, with the amount stuck at $999 million even when the jackpot climbed over a billion, the spokesperson reported. Now, we can fantasize with numerical specificity.

QOL score: +1
Comments: Meanwhile, WMUR reported that someone who purchased a Powerball ticket at a Price Chopper in Keene for the Sept. 30 drawing won a $50,000 prize.

QOL score: 87
Net change: +3
QOL this week: 90

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

Summer of Manchester!

The City of Manchester celebrated an exceptionally active summer this year, reporting unprecedented levels of participation in city programs and utilization of city facilities. According to a press release, Summer 2023 saw record reservations for athletic fields and courts, an all-time high in Tennis in the Parks participation and increased attendance in various recreational programs, totaling 2,693 reservations and 52,475 visits to aquatic facilities alone. In addition to the record-breaking numbers, more than 30,981 rounds of golf were played at the Derryfield Golf Course since its season opening on April 7.

QOL score: +1
Comment: “The diversity of recreation offerings in Manchester is truly special,” Chief of Parks & Rec Mark Gomez said in the release. “It’s gratifying to see so many folks at our pools, splash pads, hard courts, baseball diamonds, golf course, disc golf complex and playgrounds. Clearly, the summer rains did not dampen people’s enthusiasm to get outside and have fun.”

No new wheels for us

A recent study by JW Surety Bonds, a leading provider of bonding and insurance solutions, has highlighted some unfavorable standings for New Hampshire in the national car buying landscape. The methodology involved analyzing search volumes for car-related terms over the past 12 months in all 50 states and the 50 most populous U.S. cities, and examining 254 cities for various business types related to the automotive industry, focusing on the number of institutions per capita and their average Yelp ratings. According to the results, Nashua was identified as the second-worst city in the U.S. for car buying, and New Hampshire ranked as the least favorable state, at No. 50, for purchasing a car in the nation.

QOL score: -1
Comment: The study further revealed that New Hampshire was among the 10 states exhibiting the least interest in car buying, at No. 41.

Top marks

Three schools in New Hampshire — Riddle Brook School in Bedford, Mary C. Dondero Elementary School in Portsmouth, and Rye Elementary School in Rye — have been recognized with the prestigious 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools award by the New Hampshire Department of Education for their outstanding teaching and learning. These schools are among 353 schools nationwide to earn this esteemed recognition for their exceptional achievements and their dedication to education. State Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona praised the schools for their commitment to fostering academic excellence and nurturing positive learning environments. They attributed the success to the collective efforts of the community, diligent staff, effective leadership and the collaborative spirit amongst staff, students and the community.

QOL score: +1
Comment: The awards coincide with the 40th anniversary of the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, a longstanding tradition of recognizing educational excellence across the United States.

QOL score: 86
Net change: +1
QOL this week: 87

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

Animals needing shelter

In just a few weeks the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire (ARLNH) has faced an overwhelming surge of animals, including 15 animals from a home in Bedford, 24 cats from a home in Merrimack and 15 cats from a home in Colebrook, with an additional 26 animals coming to the shelter individually. According to a press release, ARLNH is now grappling with resource strains due to this influx. As the number of animals in its care continues to fluctuate, ARLNH notes the overall growing demand for shelter services and longer stays for animals.

QOL score: -2
Comment: Donations can be made at rescueleague.org.

More Wi-Fi

Delta Dental Stadium, home to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, now has free Wi-Fi for spectators. According to a press release, this upgrade was facilitated through a collaboration with Consolidated Communications, equipping the stadium with Fidium Fiber Internet service and high-performance equipment.

QOL score: +1
Comment: The Wi-Fi addition joins a series of upgrades at the stadium, including infrastructural enhancements and facility renovations, according to the release.

Help for kids

CMF Kids, an initiative by Crotched Mountain Foundation dedicated to supporting communities and children with disabilities from underprivileged backgrounds, has announced a $1,000,000 investment spread over three years. According to a press release, this investment will benefit four new school partners: Nashua, Manchester, Warren and Newport. The schools will use the funds in various ways, from professional development programs and adaptive playground equipment to infrastructure expansion and consulting services for special education. Alongside school support, CMF Kids is also collaborating with community programs, offering services like music therapy, adaptive aquatics and more to help children with disabilities partake in vital extracurricular activities. Visit cmfkids.org.

QOL score: +1
Comment: The Nashua district plans to use its investment for special education professional development programs, aiming at trauma-informed care. According to the release, this initiative will be specifically used by elementary school teachers and paraprofessionals to effectively reduce challenging student behaviors.

Wellness programs

Mount Pleasant Elementary School in Nashua was granted $2,300 by the American Heart Association’s youth programs, the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge to acquire physical education equipment. The grants aid in bolstering school wellness programs. Laura Short, a physical education teacher at the school, was commended for her commitment to teaching heart-healthy habits. The Association’s initiatives, beyond funding, emphasize whole-body wellness in schools, blending physical activities with key life-saving skills.

QOL score: +1
Comment: According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines, only 20 percent of kids in the U.S. achieve the recommended levels of physical activity.

QOL score: 85
Net change: +1
QOL this week: 86

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

Flu shot season

In a WalletHub report studying vaccination rates among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, New Hampshire was ranked as the 9th most vaccinated state. The report analyzed the states based on 16 key metrics, including the percentage of children who have been vaccinated, the portion of the population without health insurance and the adult flu vaccination rate. New Hampshire boasts the 9th highest influenza vaccination rate for children ages 6 months to 17 years; is 5th in HPV vaccination coverage for ages 13 to 17; and is 3rd in both flu vaccination among adults and tetanus vaccination coverage in adults. For the elderly population age 60 and over, it ranks 11th in zoster vaccination. Additionally, it’s 11th in the share of impoverished children aged 19 to 35 months receiving the combined seven-vaccine series and 15th in the percentage of its population without health insurance coverage.

QOL score: +1
Comment: Neighboring Massachusetts took the No. 1 spot, and Vermont No. 4.

Inspiring girls

Dozens of Girl Scouts from New Hampshire and Vermont, including troops based in Salem, Portsmouth, Whitefield and Rochester, participated in the 56th triennial National Girl Scout Convention at Walt Disney World Resort from July 20 to July 22, according to a press release. Organized by the Girl Scouts of the USA, the event offered attendees a variety of activities, the chance to network, and sessions with influential speakers from the STEM and entertainment sectors, including an interaction with a VP from Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

QOL score: +1
Comment: Among the notable attendees at the convention, actor and Nickelodeon star That Girl Lay Lay performed and held a surprise meet-and-greet, while Erika J. Kendrick, a mental fitness expert, and Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist, delivered inspiring speeches.

Ew

The public beach at Crystal Lake has been temporarily closed to wading or swimming due to elevated levels of cyanobacteria identified in water samples taken on Sept. 7, according to a press release from the Manchester Health Department. The State’s Department of Environmental Services will conduct a re-sampling of the water on Thursday, Sept. 14, and the results from this re-sampling are anticipated to be available on the same day. An announcement will be made, and the beach will be reopened once the cyanobacteria levels are deemed safe. The public will be notified once the new results come in.

QOL score: -2
Comment: New Hampshire waters experienced a record number of cyanobacteria blooms this summer due to weather conditions, WMUR reported in August. Environmental officials indicated that a series of heavy rainfalls had enriched the waters with nutrients, promoting the growth of the bacteria, and that, following the rains, the sunny, warm weather allowed the bacteria to thrive.

QOL score: 89
Net change: -4
QOL this week: 85

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

Featured photo: “Young Eagles” program gives kids airplane rides. Courtesy photo.