Category: Quality Of Life

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.

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].