Category: Quality Of Life

Harvest season

Gov. Chris Sununu and the New Hampshire Executive Council were slated to host a food drive in support of the New Hampshire Food Bank during their Sept. 6 Governor and Executive Council meeting, held at the Food Bank’s Manchester headquarters, according to a press release. Coinciding with the meeting, Gov. Sununu declared September as Hunger Action Month in New Hampshire. Those who attended were encouraged to bring food donations. It is estimated that 7 percent of New Hampshire residents, including 8.5 percent of children, face food insecurity.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The New Hampshire Food Bank, a branch of Catholic Charities New Hampshire, distributed more than 16 million pounds of food in 2022 through various agencies.

PFAS all over

Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, a Paris-based company operating in Merrimack, has announced the closure of its plant following contamination issues involving a chemical group named PFAS, according to the AP. The company identified that it was exceeding state air limits for these “forever chemicals.” The state discovered a significant contamination of water properties from the Merrimack plant, causing Saint-Gobain to supply bottled water and alternative water sources to affected areas. The closure affects 164 workers, with the company pledging support for employee transitions.

QOL score: -3

Comment: PFAS chemicals, dubbed “forever chemicals,” are notoriously challenging to remove from water and have links to various health concerns, including kidney cancer and low birthweight, according to the article.

Bigger bill

Liberty Utilities is in the process of proposing a gas rate hike for its heating customers, which, if approved, would result in an annual increase of approximately $220 to the average customer’s bill, according to NHPR. This move is part of the company’s periodic “rate case” review, which assesses delivery charges distinct from the actual gas supply cost. While this review continues, Liberty also suggests a temporary $100 yearly increase for the average consumer. The company justifies these hikes by noting its $179 million investment in its distribution system since the last major rate adjustments. The New Hampshire Department of Energy is currently examining the proposal, with initial meetings and hearings scheduled for late September.

QOL score: -2

Comment: The state’s consumer advocate, Don Kreis, has expressed skepticism regarding the investment figures provided by Liberty Utilities, emphasizing that the 10.35 percent return on equity requested by the company might be excessive considering the low-risk nature of the utility industry, according to the article.

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.

Kids in flight

The “Young Eagles” program, organized by EAA Chapter 106 from Lawrence, Massachusetts, recently provided 37 youngsters with a unique experience of flying in an airplane. According to a press release, the event was part of the annual PlaneFest! celebration held by the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport on Aug. 19. For many participants, this flight marked their first experience in a small aircraft. The program, which started in 1992, has been dedicated to offering children aged 8 to 17 their first free airplane ride, aiming to inspire them about the world of aviation.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The event coincided with the birth anniversary of aviation pioneer Orville Wright.

Money for animals

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) raised $60,000 for local animal rescue and therapeutic organizations through its inaugural “Allies for Animals” Scotch whisky raffle. According to a press release, the raffle prize included almost 35 rare Scotch whiskies valued at over $10,000. The beneficiaries of the raffle were The Animal Rescue League of NH, Friends of the Manchester Animal Shelter, and Back in The Saddle Equine Therapy Center, each receiving $20,000. NHLC has raised $3.6 million for various nonprofits over the last eight years.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Kathrine Lacey of Meredith won the raffle and received the whisky collection, mileage reimbursement, a two-night luxury hotel stay and a $200 dining gift card.

Help for moms-to-be

AmeriHealth Caritas New Hampshire, a managed care group serving local Medicaid recipients, recently hosted a Community Baby Shower at its Wellness & Opportunity Center in Manchester. According to a press release, the event attracted more than 50 expectant mothers, offering them access to essential tools and community support resources for healthier childbirth experiences. The gathering included activities, raffles and practical demonstrations like baby swaddling.

QOL score: +1

Comment: With an 8.8 percent preterm birth rate in Manchester and New Hampshire’s infant mortality rate at 4.3 per 1,000 live births, AmeriHealth aims to enhance care and health outcomes for mothers and babies, according to the release.

QOL score: 86
Net change: +3
QOL this week: 89

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.

Fan gear

Looking for something to wear to one of the remaining New Hampshire Fisher Cats home games this season? (They are slated to have begun a six-day run of games against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies on Aug. 22. The regular season of home games then wraps up with six games against the Somerset Patriots Sept. 12 through Sept. 17.) While searching for some game information, QOL came across the Fisher Cats’ “Manchester Chicken Tenders” gear page, part of an annual one-night team re-brand to celebrate Manchester’s status as the birthplace of that most perfect of foods. (This year’s happened in July, but the merch lives on.)

QOL score: +1, like, just for continuing to exist in the world

Comments: QOL will direct any QOL-gift-givers to fishercats.milbstore.com/collections/manchester-chicken-tenders. For game tickets and info, see milb.com/new-hampshire.

NH’s got the teachers…

The U.S. is facing a significant teacher shortage as the demand for educators continues to surge, but according to the “Teacher Shortage in the U.S. 2023” study by Scholaroo, New Hampshire stands out positively. This report underscores the variations in teacher availability across the nation by comparing the number of teachers in public schools per state against student enrollment figures. New Hampshire ranks as the state with the second smallest teacher shortage, boasting a ratio in public schools of 96.65 teachers per 1,000 students.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Vermont ranks first with a ratio in public schools of 97.6 teachers per 1,000 students.

And relatively few disasters!

In a recent report by WalletHub on “States Most Impacted by Natural Disasters,” New Hampshire ranks relatively low in terms of natural disaster impact. The state is ranked 46th for the number of climate disasters causing more than $1 billion in damage since 1980 and 44th for the loss amount per capita from these disasters. The evaluation considered all 50 states based on two key metrics: the number of climate disasters since 1980 causing over $1 billion in damage and the per capita loss amount from these disasters. These metrics were graded on a 100-point scale, with higher scores indicating greater vulnerability.

QOL score: +1

Comment: This suggests that New Hampshire has a relatively lower impact from these high-cost natural disasters compared to other states.

QOL score: 83
Net change: +3
QOL this week: 86

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

Seek replacement scoops

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued a press release warning against consuming any flavor of “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups produced by Real Kosher Ice Cream of Brooklyn, N.Y., following a national listeriosis outbreak linked to these products. Although no related illnesses have been reported in New Hampshire, other states have identified cases. The US FDA, in partnership with the CDC, is investigating these Listeria monocytogenes infections. Real Kosher Ice Cream has cooperated with the FDA by recalling all 8-ounce cup flavors distributed across multiple states and halting production temporarily. Listeria is particularly harmful to young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. It can cause symptoms ranging from fever and muscle aches to severe neurological effects but is treatable with antibiotics. The DHHS advises consumers to either discard the product or return it for a refund.

QOL score: -1

Comment: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria monocytogenes can survive and even grow in colder temperatures.

Explaining with comics

The Preservation Alliance has unveiled a new comic book centered on the Concord, N.H., Gasholder, drawing extensively from the architectural illustrations present in the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER). According to a press release and the Preservation Alliance website, this dual-purpose publication serves as an informative tool and a coloring book. Within its pages, readers can explore the intricate workings of the Gasholder, delve into its historical roots in Concord, and ponder potential future plans for the expansive two-acre gasworks site. Additionally, the comic provides insights like the reason behind the tilted cupola on the Gasholder’s roof. By disseminating this material, the Preservation Alliance seeks to educate the public on the relevance and story of this architectural gem.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The Gasholder recently received international recognition when experts from Europe congregated at the Industrial Gas Museum in Athens, discussing gasholder preservation and reuse.

More scholar athletes

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) showcased academic excellence in sports during 2022-23, according to a number of press releases. The women’s cross-country team reported that 88 percent of its members made the America East Academic Honor Roll, with three achieving a 4.0 GPA. Similarly, the UNH men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams had members achieving high academic distinctions, with Jon Willeman and Aina Roque Sucarrats each recording a perfect 4.0 GPA. The men’s soccer team saw 23 of its members being recognized, with 79 percent of the team earning academic honors. Furthermore, the women’s lacrosse team had 26 members recognized, of which three recorded a 4.0 GPA. Across all America East-sponsored sports, 77 percent of student-athletes achieved Honor Roll recognition, with 2,694 making the Academic Honor Roll in 2022-23, marking the 18th year the student-athletes averaged a GPA of at least 3.0.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The 2023-24 UNH men’s basketball season is set to begin on Nov. 6 with an away game at Syracuse University.

QOL score: 82

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 83

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

Ewww

New Hampshire waters are experiencing a record number of cyanobacteria blooms this summer due to recent weather conditions, WMUR reported. Environmental officials indicate that the heavy rainfall has enriched the waters with nutrients, promoting the growth of the bacteria. Following the rains, the sunny, warm weather allows the bacteria to thrive. Cyanobacteria manifest as clouds of material, surface scums, or ribbons or flecks floating on the water surface. They can pose health threats to humans and pets, including symptoms like gastrointestinal distress and eye, nose and mouth irritation. More intense reactions might include numbness, seizures and, in extreme cases, organ failure and death.

QOL score: -2

Comment: New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services offers a safe swimming map to alert residents about the water quality in various locations throughout the region; visit des.nh.gov/water/healthy-swimming/healthy-swimming-mapper.

Baby-friendly

WalletHub recently released a report on the best and worst states to have a baby in 2023. When evaluating the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on 31 key measures, such as costs, health care accessibility, and overall baby-friendliness, it found New Hampshire to be the sixth best state to have a baby in 2023. Specifically, New Hampshire excelled in several categories: it ranked 1st in Hospital Conventional-Delivery Charges, 2nd in Hospital Cesarean-Delivery Charges, 7th in the Rate of Low Birth-Weight, and 9th in Infant Mortality Rate. Additionally, the state was 13th in Pediatricians & Family Medicine Physicians per Capita and 15th in both Midwives and OB-GYNs per Capita and Child-Care Centers per Capita.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The average conventional birth costs over $2,600 for mothers with insurance and nearly $15,000 for mothers without insurance, according to the report.

Athletes and scholars

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) women’s soccer team showcased its academic prowess in the 2022-23 year by placing 25 student-athletes on the America East Academic Honor Roll, according to a press release. Of these students, 20 were awarded the Commissioner’s Honor Roll, which requires a GPA of 3.50 or above in fall 2022, while the remaining five made the Honor Roll for GPAs between 3.0 and 3.49. The team’s academic achievements rose this year, with 86 percent of the members receiving an honor, marking a 1 percent improvement from the prior year. Notably, seven Wildcats, Ande Allison, Emily Bini, Ashley Buchheit, Cassie Jones, Abbi Maier, Sally Rainey and Whitney Wiley, secured a 4.0 GPA. On the field, the team triumphed by winning the 2022 America East Championship. They also maintained team GPAs of 3.6 in the Fall and 3.64 in the Spring, with Cassie Jones earning the Elite 18 Award for the highest GPA during the championship game.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Across all sports sponsored by America East in 2022-23, a commendable 77 percent of student-athletes achieved the Honor Roll standard, according to the release, with a total of 2,694 student-athletes being honored for their academic commitment and success throughout the conference.

QOL score: 82

Net change: 0

QOL this week: 82

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

Weird weather

The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down in Dublin, New Hampshire, on July 27 during a Tornado Warning. In a press release, the Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management emphasized the importance of preparedness as severe weather events are becoming more prevalent. HSEM provides preparedness resources for residents and visitors, available online at readynh.gov.

QOL score: -1

Comment: This is the first tornado confirmed in the state for 2023, whereas two tornadoes occurred in 2022.

Help for families

United Ways across New Hampshire received a donation of $175,000 from Eversource Energy. The funding will support United Way’s efforts to address pressing issues faced by local families and individuals, particularly in areas related to health, education and financial stability, and will directly benefit thousands of individuals who rely on United Way’s services.

QOL score: +1

Comment: According to a press release, the contribution was part of a larger $2.6 million donation made by Eversource employees and the Eversource Foundation to United Way organizations in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Getting gold, helping kids

Acadia Gelineau, an 18-year-old Girl Scout from Nashua, has achieved the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award for her program called “Mighty Minds,” according to a press release. With a focus on helping children cope with stress and anxiety, Gelineau created a patch program that teaches students from kindergarten through 12th grade about anxiety and its effects. The program includes age-appropriate steps to develop positive coping strategies, such as breathing exercises and creating coping tool boxes filled with sensory tools like fidget toys. Gelineau’s program, along with the children’s book she wrote, will soon be available online for Girl Scouts across the country.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Gelineau said her own journey through Girl Scouts has been personally transformative, helping her overcome shyness and develop leadership and communication skills.

QOL score: 81

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 82

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