Category: Quality Of Life

Smarties, part 1

New Hampshire has been ranked as the 8th most educated state in America for 2024, according to a study released by the personal finance website WalletHub. The study evaluated all 50 states based on 18 metrics across educational attainment, school quality, and achievement gaps between genders and races. New Hampshire excelled in several key areas, ranking 4th for the percentage of high school diploma holders, 10th for associate’s degree holders or college-experienced adults, and 8th for bachelor’s degree holders. The state also stood out for having the smallest gender gap in educational attainment, taking first place.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Neighboring Massachusetts, home to prestigious institutions like MIT and Harvard, tops the list as the most educated state in the U.S., boasting the highest percentages of adults with bachelor’s and advanced degrees and leading the nation in high school math and reading scores.

Smarties, part 2

Spark Academy, situated on Manchester Community College’s campus, recently hosted Dean Kamen, Gov. Sununu and other dignitaries to celebrate the creation of 200 Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) robots by the academy’s student-led 3D print farm. According to a press release, this initiative aims to supply low-cost robotics kits to New Hampshire classrooms, fostering skills in problem-solving, teamwork and engineering among students. Spark Academy, which integrates robotics into its curriculum, enabled students to gain hands-on manufacturing experience through this project. The involvement began when fourth-year students participated in a capstone project testing the XRP prototype, leading to the production of kits for global distribution at the FIRST Global Conference in Geneva. The Academy plans to continue producing XRP kits, with future projects potentially originating from student ideas.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Spark Academy is currently open for 2024-25 admissions, with an info night for prospective families scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22. For more details, visit sparkacademynh.org.

The gas station roller coaster

In New Hampshire the average price of gasoline has increased by 1.9 cents per gallon over the past week, reaching $3.08/g, according to GasBuddy’s analysis of 875 stations. This marks a 4.1-cent rise from last month and a 23.0-cent decrease compared to the previous year. Meanwhile the national average for diesel has climbed 6.9 cents, now at $3.99 per gallon. GasBuddy’s survey identified the price range in New Hampshire from the cheapest station at $2.76/g to the most expensive at $3.89/g. Nationally, the average gasoline price has gone up by 5.2 cents, averaging $3.17/g, which is 9.6 cents higher than last month but 20.0 cents lower than last year, based on data from more than 150,000 gas stations.

QOL score: -1

Comment: “We’ve seen the national average price of gasoline inching higher now for three straight weeks, but I’m afraid the worst is yet to come. With several major refinery issues persisting across various regions, the eventual transition to summer gasoline is likely to continue to put upward pressure on prices, with larger weekly increases likely coming in March and April,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, commented in the price update.

QOL score: 55

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 56

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

Child care aid

The New Hampshire Department of Health of Human Services (DHHS) has launched “Child Care Accelerate,” an 8-week business support initiative designed to aid child care providers in the state. According to a press release, the program, created in collaboration with Seed Collective, aims to help these providers improve their business operations and financial management to ensure their long-term viability and to enhance the availability of quality child care. Participants will have the chance to apply for the Opportunities to Succeed (OTS) grant, supported by $5 million from American Rescue Plan Act Discretionary funds, to fund projects like facility improvements. This initiative is a continuation of the state’s efforts to utilize $29.7 million in ARPA-D funds for critical needs within the child care sector, which includes various capacity-building and workforce expansion projects.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Since March 2020, more than $150 million in federal relief funds has been invested in the New Hampshire child care system.

UNH deadline extension

Students and their families will have more time to make decisions about their higher education, as the University of New Hampshire (UNH) has extended the application deadline for the 2024-25 academic year. This change comes in response to recent updates to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), providing applicants with a buffer to understand their financial aid options fully.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Despite the challenges posed by the FAFSA changes, the university has noted an increase in applications.

Sewage in the river

The Merrimack River faced a significant environmental challenge last year, as around 2 billion gallons of raw sewage mixed with stormwater runoff entered the river, surpassing previous sewer overflow records, NHPR reported. This increase is attributed to factors such as climate change impacts, increased rainfall and ongoing riverfront development. Outdated combined sewer systems struggled to handle heavy rain, leading to untreated sewage entering the river. Sewer overflow advisories were in place for 39 days during June and July. Approximately 500,000 to 700,000 people rely on the Merrimack River for drinking water.

QOL score: -2

Comment: Manchester, one of the most affected areas, is working on a project aimed at reducing sewer overflows into the river, estimated to cost over $300 million and extend over two decades.

QOL score: 55

Net change: 0

QOL this week: 55

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

Democracy and stickers!

Voters in last week’s presidential primaries were able to score some pretty great “I voted” stickers. Three different options were available: an Old Man in the Mountain profile in front of an American flag, a happy-face-having state of New Hampshire fishing and a moose in front of an autumnal landscape. The artists behind these stickers are New Hampshire fourth graders Grace of Milton, Jacob of Auburn and Rilynn of Mont Vernon, respectively. New Hampshire Secretary of State David M. Scanlan and Deputy Secretary of State Erin T. Hennessey announced the winners of a statewide sticker-making contest for fourth graders back in October 2023. The stickers will appear at all state elections in 2024.

Score: +1

Comments: QOL did — after asking permission — take one of each.

Students helping out

The University of New Hampshire has introduced the “Semester for Impact” program, a unique experiential learning initiative designed to benefit students and New Hampshire organizations, according to a press release. This program enables UNH undergraduates to work 30 hours a week for 15 weeks with local businesses, nonprofits and municipalities, focusing on projects with positive environmental and social impacts. Students earn academic credit and engage in complementary workshops and courses. The program, which embeds immersive learning into the academic curriculum, is a collaboration with the nonprofit College for Social Innovation. It builds on the success of the Semester in the City program in Boston and aims to develop key competencies, professional skills and career networks for students. Host organizations are invited to apply to participate in the program.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Previously, 190 UNH students have participated in the Semester in the City program in Boston through this collaboration, focusing on community-based learning experiences.

Tax help

Granite United Way has launched its free tax prep program for New Hampshire residents with annual household incomes of up to $64,000. According to a press release, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, supported by a $50,000 contribution from Citizens, connects qualifying low-to-moderate-income individuals and families in the state with IRS-certified volunteers who can help them access the greatest amount of tax refunds. This initiative helped participants collectively receive more than $5.5 million in federal tax refunds last year, including significant amounts through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). To schedule an appointment near you visit nhtaxhelp.org, or go to MyFreeTaxes.com for self-preparation with guidance.

QOL score: +1

Comment: IRS data revealed that about one in five eligible New Hampshire residents don’t file for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), leaving an estimated $31 million unclaimed, according to the release.

QOL score: 52

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 55

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

We’re #1!

In a comprehensive report by Retirement Living, New Hampshire has been ranked the best state for retirement in 2024. This accolade comes as part of a detailed analysis of various factors critical to retirees, including cost of living, quality of life, and health care. The state’s appeal is bolstered by its tax benefits — no tax on income, estate, or sales — and the availability of year-round activities. Retirees make up 20% of New Hampshire’s population, and they enjoy discounts on tourist attractions. The ranking is based on a Retirement Living Score, derived from a survey of more than 1,075 people age 55 and older, alongside government data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and FBI. The report aims to guide individuals considering relocation for their retirement, highlighting the importance of factors like retirement taxes, access to health care and overall affordability in making such a decision.

QOL score: +1

Comment: This is the second consecutive year that New Hampshire has taken the spot in the study.

Easier college funding

The recent changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) have wide-reaching implications, particularly for students in New Hampshire, NHPR reported. The simplified FAFSA, featuring just 36 questions instead of the previous 108, has altered the aid formula, shifting from the expected family contribution to the student aid index as the metric for calculating a student’s ability to pay for college. This change benefits New Hampshire students, with approximately 12,000 more becoming eligible for Pell Grants and over 24,000 qualifying for the maximum grant amount.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Additionally, a new state law now mandates high school seniors in New Hampshire to complete a FAFSA or opt out through a waiver, a policy expected to increase competition rates for eligible students, aligning with trends seen in other states with similar requirements.

Now I can find my texts!

Last weekend, texts from QOL’s dad and other real people were lost in a sea of desperate pleas that QOL Vote For Whomever! or take someone’s survey. Any real phone calls QOL got were ignored along with the flood of calls from one presumes candidates or something, who knows, because QOL stopped answering. According to a WMUR report from Jan. 22, some people who did answer their phone heard what sounded like (but wasn’t) the voice of President Joe Biden telling them not to vote on Tuesday and the NH attorney general is now investigating those calls. But, hark! With the primary now over (hopefully, as of press time on the morning of Jan. 23), we can all look forward to finding our real texts, answering our phones and getting our precious magazines from the mailbox without wading through election stuff.

QOL score: +1 (-1 for the fake phone calls but +2 for, hopefully, an overall lessening of calls and texts)

Comment: At least until mid October.

QOL score: 49

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 52

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

Food Bank funds

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) raised a record $180,000 for the New Hampshire Food Bank at its 10th annual Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits. According to a press release, the event, held on Nov. 2, 2023, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, is the region’s largest spirits tasting expo and featured over 1,000 guests sampling from 600 premium spirits. The New Hampshire Food Bank procured and provided more than 16.3 million pounds of food in 2023 to over 400 nonprofit food agencies. The funds raised at the Distiller’s Showcase will help provide thousands of nutritious meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity. The Distiller’s Showcase is part of the larger Distiller’s Week, featuring events and tastings across the state with celebrities and industry experts.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The NHLC has worked with suppliers and brokers over the past eight years to raise more than $4 million for various nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire and beyond, contributing to causes like Best Buddies New Hampshire, Easterseals New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association.

We beg to differ, WalletHub

In a recent study by WalletHub, New Hampshire was ranked as the 45th best state to start a business, out of all 50 U.S. states. This ranking was based on a comprehensive analysis of 25 key indicators of startup success, considering factors like financing accessibility, labor costs and office-space affordability. Despite being a challenging environment for new businesses, New Hampshire showed specific strengths and weaknesses in the study: It ranked 26th in the average growth of small businesses, but lower in other areas like labor costs (44th) and availability of human capital (48th). The state’s average length of the work week was ranked 32nd, with the cost of living and industry variety coming in at 41st and 34th respectively.

QOL score: -1

Comment: This ranking is part of a larger national trend where about 20 percent of new businesses fail within their first year. The challenges are compounded by factors like inflation and labor shortages.

It’s winter somewhere

Ice Castles in North Woodstock, New Hampshire, a popular winter attraction in New England, is set to open earlier than anticipated at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan 20. According to a press release, the original opening date was planned for Jan. 26, but favorable colder temperatures have allowed for an earlier launch. The attraction, located in the White Mountains, features a range of interactive experiences, including ice-carved tunnels, fountains, slides, frozen thrones and a Polar Ice Bar. Additionally, visitors can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, snow tubing, a mystic light walk, and cascading towers of ice with color-changing LED lights. Tickets for the grand opening are available on the Ice Castles website at icecastles.com/new-hampshire.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Ice Castles was founded in 2011 by Brent Christensen, who developed the process to create these frozen attractions initially as a winter playground for his children.

QOL score: 48

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 49

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

Toys!

The 12th Annual Tower of Toys initiative in Manchester marked another successful year by collecting approximately 1,100 gifts and raising more than $15,000 for local children and families during the holiday season. According to a press release, the donated toys were assembled into a tower for public viewing at the Beacon Building’s atrium before distribution to beneficiaries through schools, churches and nonprofit organizations. Local businesses, individuals and 10 restaurants actively participated in the campaign, which also received support from various sponsors.

QOL score: +1

Comment: “With heartfelt appreciation, the 12th annual Tower of Toys initiative celebrates the collective generosity that has made the holidays truly magical for New Hampshire children and families,” Larry Thibodeau, Tower of Toys founder and sponsor, said in the release.

Little extra

Following advocacy efforts by the New Hampshire and Vermont Congressional delegations, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced an increase in pay for federal employees in certain counties of New Hampshire and Vermont. According to a press release, this change, impacting workers in Carroll, Cheshire, Grafton and Sullivan counties in New Hampshire, aligns their locality pay with most counties in New Hampshire and the Greater Boston area. Over 1,000 federal employees, including those working at the White River Junction VA Medical Center, White Mountain National Forest and the Army’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, will benefit from more competitive pay rates.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The pay raise aims to improve hiring and retention of federal employees, which is crucial for initiatives like the implementation of the PACT Act, a law passed to secure health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, according to the release.

Money management

A recent analysis by the Pew Charitable Trusts commended New Hampshire for its prudent use of the $995 million received from the American Rescue Plan, NHRP reported. The state allocated the majority (72.5 percent) of these funds to one-time expenses and dedicated over 19 percent to direct pandemic response, such as vaccine distribution and support for long-term care facilities. Only a small portion (8.1 percent) was used for operating expenses, which are typically recurring and could lead to future budget shortfalls.

QOL score: +1

Comment: New Hampshire’s strategic spending on pandemic response and one-time investments, like purchasing Hampstead Hospital and expanding housing, is in line with Pew’s recommendations for minimizing the risk of future fiscal imbalances, the article said.

QOL score: 90

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 93

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

Featured photo: 12th Annual Tower of Toys. Courtesy photo.

Ski NH

New Hampshire has been ranked as the sixth-best state for skiing vacations in the U.S., with a score of 6.54 out of 10 according to Viator’s points-based index system. This system evaluates the number of ski resorts, ski resorts per capita, average ski resort ratings and average snowfall during the winter months. With 28 ski resorts, New Hampshire boasts the third-highest number in the top 10 states and enjoys the third-highest average snowfall in that group, with 61.3 inches. This figure places it fourth in the nation for ski resorts per 100,000 people.

QOL score: +1

Comment: New Hampshire’s largest ski resort, Bretton Woods in the White Mountains, offers 464 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding, with 63 trails and 35 glades, accessible via 10 lifts.

Super super

The New Hampshire School Administrators Association (NHSAA) has announced that Dr. Kimberly Rizzo Saunders, Superintendent of the Contoocook Valley School District, is a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year. According to a press release, Rizzo Saunders is among four nominees for this national recognition by AASA, the School Superintendents Association. The award, now in its 37th year, evaluates nominees based on criteria that include leadership, communication, professionalism and community involvement. The winner, to be announced during AASA’s National Conference on Education in February 2024, will also have a $10,000 college scholarship awarded in their name to a student from their high school or the current school serving that area.

QOL score: +1

Comment: “I am deeply honored to be recognized by AASA,” Rizzo Saunders said in the release. “The work our District does every day could not be successful without a supportive School Board, a caring and compassionate community, and staff, colleagues, and peers who have dedicated themselves to excellence every day. Our children are afforded every chance to succeed in school and life because of these supports.”

Lower bills

The Public Utilities Commission has approved an electric supply rate decrease for Liberty Utilities customers to 9.76 cents per kWh, effective Feb. 1, 2024. According to a press release, this represents a 56 percent year-to-year reduction in electric supply rates for their customers. The Department of Energy projects that this rate change will save the average residential customer using 650 kWh per month approximately $79 per month in energy supply costs, compared to the rates from February 2023.

QOL score: +1

Comment: In conjunction with this rate decrease, the New Hampshire Department of Energy has also opened the New Hampshire Fuel Assistance Program to aid families with their heating expenses.

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 news@hippopress.com.

Welcome, winter enthusiasts!

New Hampshire has been recognized as the fourth-best state for a winter trip in the U.S., achieving a score of 9.31 out of 10 in a study by travel expert Viator. This commendation highlights the state’s robust offerings for winter enthusiasts, including a high count of ski resorts at 28, the most among the top four states. In addition to providing numerous winter sports opportunities with approximately 61 inches of average snowfall, New Hampshire also caters to ice skating fans with 37 rinks available across the state.

QOL score: +1

Comment: Another reason to get excited about snow.

Bird woes

New Hampshire residents have been noticing a decrease in bird populations, NHPR reported. Sean O’Brien, from the University of New Hampshire’s cooperative extension, has been addressing this concern, identifying a mast year, where oak trees produce abundant acorns, as a key factor. This abundance of forest food reduces birds’ presence in open areas. Furthermore, climate change is impacting bird species, with the National Audubon Society noting significant declines across the U.S. Migratory birds are particularly affected, experiencing habitat changes and increasing temperatures. In contrast, local winter birds like owls and woodpeckers are faring better.

QOL score: -2

Comment: In the report, O’Brien highlighted the importance of native plants in supporting bird populations, recommending that gardens should comprise at least 70 percent native perennials to help birds thrive, along with minimizing pesticide use and keeping cats indoors.

Reading help

New Hampshire is offering free training on the science of reading to parents and educators, NHPR reported, aiming to improve literacy among the state’s elementary students. The Department of Education notes more than 3,300 individuals are already enrolled in the Lexia LETRS courses, with more cohorts opening for 2024. The training covers various aspects of reading education, including phonics and phonology, and is unique in its inclusivity, being open to all adults involved in children’s education, such as parents and homeschool instructors. Funded by federal Covid relief funds, the program sees participation from more than 80 school districts.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The report said this initiative responds to concerns about declining reading scores and the use of outdated teaching methods in the state. New Hampshire’s reading and math scores have been falling since peaking in 2013, with current data showing about half of the state’s fourth-graders not proficient in reading, according to the article.

QOL score: 87

Net change: 0

QOL this week: 87

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