Category: Quality Of Life

We’re No. 1!

New Hampshire has been ranked first in the nation for childhood well-being according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT Data Book. According to a press release from Gov. Chris Sununu’s office, the state has also maintained its position among the top five states across all key indicators for economic well-being, education, health, and family and community factors. “To be ranked the No. 1 state in America for child well-being should be a major point of pride for all Granite Staters,” Sununu said in the release.

QOL Score: +1

Comment: According to Sununu’s release, the recently passed state budget includes further measures to support families and child care providers, including a $15 million workforce fund, enrollment-based payment to child care providers, and expanded eligibility for the Child Care Scholarship program.

We’re No. 3!

According to a study conducted by Wallethub, Nashua has been ranked as the third best-run city in America, while Manchester secured the 13th spot. Wallethub assessed 149 of the largest cities in the United States based on operating efficiency and effectiveness of local leadership. The study considered 36 key performance indicators grouped into six service categories, including financial stability, education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure and pollution. Nashua excelled in all metrics, achieving the top position for safety.

QOL Score: +1

Comments: Manchester also showcased its strength in infrastructure and pollution, ranking 22nd for that category.

Math champions

The Math Team at NHTI – Concord’s Community College achieved great success in the 2022-2023 Student Mathematics League season, organized by the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC), securing first place among New England member schools, first in the Northeast region, and ranking 15th nationwide. According to a press release, the season comprised two rounds of competition, with a maximum team score of 200 points per round and a maximum individual score of 40 points per round. In the first round, the team finished second in the Northeast region, led by top scorer Ryan Coyne with 15 points, alongside competitors Ben Eid, Erin Snook and Farhaan Siddiqui. In the second round, the team achieved an impressive score of 101.5 points, securing first place in the Northeast. High scorers in the second round were Anshul Rastogi and Garima Rastogi, both earning 32.5 points, with Ben Eid, Erin Snook and Ryan Coyne also participating. The outstanding combined performance throughout both rounds earned NHTI’s Math Team the top position on the leaderboard and the esteemed Lois A. Martin trophy. Ryan Coyne additionally received a $100 prize for being the highest-performing NHTI participant in the two competition exams.

QOL Score: +1

Comments: NHTI offers a comprehensive mathematics associate degree program, and for details on the program and the Math Team interested individuals can contact Dan Shagena at [email protected].

QOL score: 77

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 80

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

More local birds on your screen

The Loon Preservation Committee in Moultonborough is currently livestreaming a 24/7 Loon Cam on YouTube, which has shown a pair of loons nesting in the Lakes Region. According to a press release, the pair’s first egg was laid on June 11, with a second egg expected to arrive in the days to follow. The eggs are projected to hatch between July 7 and July 9. Viewers can witness the birds’ entire incubation process and the hatching of their chicks in real time over the next 28 days via the livestream. Additionally, the cam provides an online chat feature for viewers to engage with fellow bird enthusiasts and LPC biologists, allowing them to share observations and socialize. To access the Loon Cam, visit loon.org/looncam.

QOL score: +1

Comment:Bill Gassman, a volunteer at the Loon Preservation Committee and the operator of the Loon Cam, noted that many viewers have expressed feeling a sense of connection with the loons after watching them over the 28-day incubation period. “In the nine years that the cam has been running, we have shown four different pairs of loons … and each pair’s behaviors and routines are unique, and … the loons seem to have their own personalities and quirks,” Gassman said in the release. “Part of the fun of watching the Loon Cam is coming to know these loons and seeing how the pair interact with each other and their chicks.”

Hazy skies from wildfires

Wildfire smoke from Canada has caused hazy skies and potential health risks for New Hampshire residents, according to NHPR. The article, published June 9, reported nearly 430 active wildfires across Canada, fueled by a long drought and atmospheric circulation patterns, with nearly 11 million acres burned so far this year, an area almost double the size of the state of New Hampshire. Analysis by the state’s Department of Environmental Services revealed good particle pollution levels, but experts warn that the situation remains unpredictable. The smoke, carried by wind currents, can trigger respiratory symptoms, exacerbate lung conditions and increase susceptibility to respiratory illnesses such as Covid-19 and influenza, particularly among vulnerable populations, including those with asthma, pregnant individuals, children and older adults.

QOL score: -2

Comment: During air quality alerts, experts advise that it’s best to stay indoors and to keep indoor air clean.

Art for charity

Dr. Marc Bard, an artist recently retired from a career in medicine, has partnered with Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB) to revive the “Paintings for a Purpose” art show to support local charitable organizations. After water damage occurred at the show’s original venue, the Meredith Frame Shop, MVSB offered to host the show in its lobby space at its main office in Meredith. A special preview night will be held on Thursday, June 29, from 4 to 7 p.m., with the artwork, created by Dr. Bard, on display June 30 through Aug. 1. All proceeds from the art sales will benefit the Meredith Food Pantry, and MSVB has committed to matching up to $5,000 in support of the fundraiser.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Dr. Bard’s artwork includes watercolor paintings inspired by his passion for the Lakes Region, with a focus on the Squam Lake and Winnipesaukee communities. Visit benjylevine07.wixsite.com/paintingforapurpose to see samples of his paintings.

QOL score: 77

Net change: 0

QOL this week: 77

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

Featured photo: Students at Spark Academy of Advanced Technologies. Courtesy photo.

Working ahead

Nine New Hampshire high school students this month received both their high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time. According to a press release, the students are the inaugural graduating class of Spark Academy of Advanced Technologies, a chartered public high school on the campus of Manchester Community College that opened in 2019. The school offers dual-credit programs with a focus on mechatronics, allowing high school students to receive an associate degree in advanced manufacturing from Manchester Community College the same year they graduate from high school. The graduates have already secured internships at prominent companies, according to the release.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Spark Academy plans to expand its offerings to include a degree program in bio fabrication, and openings for the upcoming academic year are still available.

Sustainable fun

Intown Concord, in partnership with New Hampshire Federal Credit Union, has set out to make Market Days, the largest annual festival in downtown Concord, a sustainable event. According to a press release, the festival, planned for June 22 through June 24, will feature initiatives to promote recycling, waste reduction and eco-conscious practices. Staffed recycling stations, reusable cups in the beer tent and vendor composting are among the key sustainability initiatives. Visit marketdaysfestival.com to learn more.

QOL score: +1

Comment: “By making Market Days a sustainable event, we hope to inspire other festivals, organizations, and individuals to adopt similar practices, creating a greener and more sustainable future for our community,” Intown Concord stated in the release.

We’re spendy

A recent study by Forbes Advisor that examined budgeting, debt management and financial planning across the 50 states revealed that New Hampshire ranked as the sixth least financially disciplined state. According to the study, only 56 percent of residents follow a budget that guides their spending; 22 percent regularly save a portion of their monthly income; 32 percent contribute to a retirement account; 26 percent usually achieve their financial goals, such as paying off student loans; and only 18 percent claim to possess high levels of financial discipline.

QOL score: -1

Comment: The study notes low unemployment as a possible factor in securing Alabama’s status as the most financially disciplined state, though interestingly, New Hampshire surpasses Alabama in that area, ranking third for unemployment, while Alabama ranks sixth.

QOL score: 76

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 77

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

Featured photo: Students at Spark Academy of Advanced Technologies. Courtesy photo.

Cookies donated

More than 33,000 packages of Girl Scout Cookies have been donated to numerous organizations across New Hampshire and Vermont. According to a press release, the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, the council serving Girl Scouts in both states, orchestrated the donations through their Gift of Caring program, with the Girl Scouts themselves personally delivering the cookies. The gesture was made possible by the collective efforts of troops, with thousands of packages contributed through both online and in-person sales. Some troops collaborated to donate cookies collectively across the council, while others individually donated hundreds of packages to support causes close to their hearts.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The New Hampshire Food Bank in Manchester was one of the largest recipients, receiving hundreds of cases of cookies.

Fruit and veggie crop losses

A historic freeze last month dealt a devastating blow to Upper Valley fruit and vegetable growers, resulting in significant crop losses for some, NHPR reported. After experiencing a dry April that ranked as one of the hottest on record in New Hampshire, the region encountered cooler temperatures in May. A low temperature of 23 degrees the night of May 17 broke not only the record for that specific date but also for any day in May within the past 50 years. The full extent of the damage is yet to be determined but is expected to have long-lasting effects.

QOL score: -2

Comment: The affected farms remain uncertain about the extent of financial assistance they may receive to cope with the losses, according to the article.

Socks donated

Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) organized a sock collection drive across its 23 branch locations and three back offices that garnered 1,600 pairs of socks donated by community members and employees, matched by nonprofit partner Operation Service with an additional 1,000 pairs of socks. The 2,600 pairs of socks were distributed to 20 nonprofits through New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Socks are an often overlooked but highly requested item at homeless shelters and play a crucial role in promoting the health, well-being and dignity of those in need, according to the release.

SNAP at farmers markets

The New Hampshire Food Bank is enhancing access to fresh and local fruits and vegetables at farmers markets across the state this summer. According to a press release, the Granite State Market Match program, aimed at helping SNAP households in New Hampshire, allows participants to stretch their benefits and increase buying power at participating farmers markets. With $1 in fruit and vegetable vouchers provided for every $1 charged to their EBT card, SNAP households can double their benefits. More than 25 markets currently participate in Granite State Market Match, with new sites being added regularly. Additionally, select independent retailers offer 50 percent off fresh produce for SNAP households through the Double Up Food Bucks NH initiative.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Last year 3,752 New Hampshire residents used the program and Granite State Market Match infused $175,901 into the state’s economy.

QOL score: 75

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 76

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

Community improvement

The City of Manchester recently completed a community improvement project near 359 Commercial St. that included the construction of an accessible ramp and stair structure, relocation of the Mill Girl Statue, lighting and new brick pavers and concrete flatwork. “The project promotes inclusiveness in our diverse city and provides a renewed place where the community can gather and enjoy improved access between Manchester’s active downtown and the vibrant Millyard,” the City of Manchester, NH Economic Development Facebook page posted.

QOL score: +1

Comment: A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the plaza on Wednesday, June 7, at 1:30 p.m.

Military retirement

A recent WalletHub study ranked New Hampshire the sixth best U.S. state for military retirees. The study looked at various factors, such as state tax on military pension, job opportunities for veterans, rates of homelessness and suicide among veterans, state authorization for veterans’ preference in private hiring, the quality of VA hospitals, the number of VA benefits-administration facilities per number of veterans and more. New Hampshire ranked especially high for veterans per capita (10th) and the share of veteran-own businesses (5th).

QOL score: +1

Comment: Connecticut is the only New England state to join New Hampshire in the top 10, coming in at No. 5. Florida was No. 1.

Butterfly sanctuary

On the 50th anniversary of Endangered Species Day, observed on May 19, the New Hampshire Army National Guard, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services celebrated the success of their collaborative efforts to protect the endangered Karner blue butterfly, NHPR reported. The groups have worked for more than two decades to transform a 28-acre field near Concord Municipal Airport into a sanctuary for the butterflies. In addition to restoring the land, they’ve taken measures to cultivate lupine flowers — which the butterflies rely on for sustenance and egg-laying sites — including controlled fires to clear debris and create a dry climate preferred by the lupines. Their efforts have resulted in a flourishing population of more than 35,000 Karner blue butterflies, according to the article.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The sanctuary has also seen the growth of another butterfly species, the Frosted Elfins, which also rely on lupine flowers.

QOL score: 72

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 75

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

Our smart kids

Six New Hampshire high school seniors were named semifinalists in the prestigious 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, and two of them were named Scholars. According to a press release from the New Hampshire Department of Education, the recognition is considered one of the highest honors for graduating seniors nationwide. The semifinalists are Sydney Buffett from Bedford High School, William Longtin from Hollis/Brookline High School, Sam McLaughlin from Spaulding High School and Kelly Zhang from Oyster River High School, with Aaron R. Joy from Phillips Exeter Academy and Sora Shirai from Hanover High School chosen as Scholars. There were 628 semifinalists from across the nation, chosen out of 5,000 candidates. Up to 161 students can be named Scholars each year, according to the program’s website.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Established in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program originally focused on academic excellence but was expanded in 1979 to include students in the arts and in 2015 to recognize achievements in career and technical education, according to the website.

A hot tourism summer

The Division of Travel and Tourism of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs in New Hampshire predicts a 4.8 percent increase in tourists visiting the state this summer and a 6.5 percent increase in those visitors’ spending. According to a press release, approximately 4.3 million tourists are expected to visit and are projected to spend around $2.35 billion. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, New Hampshire has witnessed record spending in the past two summers. “While inflation and the potential for a recession continue to pose threats, data shows there continues to be a pent-up demand for travel,” BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell said in the release.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The state’s summer marketing campaign, themed “Discover Your New,” will focus on road trips and continue targeting core markets such as New England and New York, as well as road trip markets including Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Montreal and Quebec City in Canada.

Sarah Silverman, Seth Meyers suggest otherwise

Somehow, a report by Shiny Smile Veneers names Boston as America’s funniest city and Massachusetts as our funniest state and yet ranks New Hampshire as the No. 5 least funny state, according to a press release and the study at shinysmileveneers.com. The study uses not-entirely-New-Hampshire-friendly factors like per capita comedy specials filmed, comedy festivals, comedy clubs and “search volume per city/state” to score funny cities and states. Of course, some of the people yukking it up in Boston (as well as the comedians working those clubs) are likely Granite Staters — QOL demands a recount!

QOL score: -2

Comments: New Hampshire has plenty of comedy; take our state politics — please! Cough, sorry. But just this year New Hampshire’s own (we don’t care where he was born or where he lives now, he’s ours) Adam Sandler was awarded the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. And you can find laughs on the regular at area comedy clubs and comedy concerts — listed for your convenience in our Comedy This Week (see page 30).

QOL score: 72

Net change: 0

QOL this week: 72

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