Category: Quality Of Life

Making progress in the war on drugs

While drug overdose deaths in the United States increased 20.6 percent in one year (from the time period of June 2019 to June 2020 to the time period of June 2020 to June 2021), during the same time period New Hampshire was one of just four states to reduce its number of drug overdose deaths. According to a press release, the Granite State is projected to reduce the number of drug overdose deaths by more than 11 percent from 2018 to 2021, thanks in part to the state’s progress on its three-year action plan, Expanding Our Response, which was created in 2019 by the Governor’s Commission on Alcohol & Other Drugs. The action plan has increased access to substance use disorder peer recovery support and recovery housing, and increased investments in prevention, treatment and recovery. The commission recently updated the plan to set priorities for 2022 to 2024, including the formation of a Stimulants Committee that is tasked with addressing the increased use of stimulants in the state, the release said.

Score: +2

Comment: “Over the last few years we have made substantial progress in our long-term fight against the opioid epidemic by prioritizing a community-based Doorway response to this epidemic that puts individuals ahead of systems,” Gov. Chris Sununu said in the release.

All kinds of tax help

The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration is reaching out to residents to let them know that it is available to offer guidance throughout the taxpaying season and directing taxpayers to its new tax management portal, Granite Tax Connect. According to a press release, Granite Tax Connect allows taxpayers to schedule payments to be automatically withdrawn from their bank account on a specified date. Taxpayers can either create an account or make a payment without a login. With an account, taxpayers can file returns, schedule estimated payments, see a history of returns and payments submitted and see letters received from the Department, the release said. “As a resource to the taxpaying community, we are committed to assisting taxpayers and tax preparers with all their needs this tax filing season,” NHDRA Commissioner Lindsey Stepp said in the release.

Score: +1

Comment: Taxpayer resources are available at revenue.nh.gov, and the Taxpayer Services Division is available to answer all filing questions by phone at 230-5000 (option 2), the release said.

Longtime holiday food program canceled

The Capital Region Food Program’s Holiday Food Basket Project will no longer exist in the same format, after five years of research and analysis have shown that the project in its current form is not sustainable. According to a press release, the 50-year program has seen changes over the last 10 that have caused “fragmented communication and complexities that led to complications in effectively executing the project.”

Score: -2

Comment: The CRFP, which is an all-volunteer organization, will still work to get food to those in need during the holidays and throughout the year through its Year Round Distribution Project, the release said.

New grants for women and girls of color

The New Hampshire Women’s Foundation has launched a new grant program, the Women and Girls of Color Fund, for initiatives led by or serving women and girls of color in the state. According to a press release, the fund “aims to reverse the historic and persistent underinvestment in women and girls of color” and will provide low-barrier, faster turnaround grants to projects by and for this population.

Score: +1

Comment: The fund will accept applications quarterly, with the first grants deadline on July 1; visit NHWomensFoundation.org.

QOL score: 63

Net change: +2

QOL this week: 65

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

Not so sinful

New Hampshire is the sixth least sinful state in the country, according to a report from WalletHub. The personal finance website compared all 50 states in the country based on several of what it calls “key indicators of immoral or illicit behavior,” including anger and hatred, jealousy, excesses and vices, greed, vanity and laziness (measured by looking at data such as thefts and fraud to gauge jealousy or percentage of adults not exercising as part of gauging laziness — to which QOL responds, hey, maybe some of us are busy doing other things). To read the full report, visit wallethub.com/edu/most-sinful-states/46852.

QOL Score: +1

Comment: The study found the Granite State to be the least angry, with Massachusetts ranking as the second least angry. Perhaps the study’s authors have never seen us share a highway headed north on a long weekend.

DEI training for businesses

The New Hampshire Tech Alliance and the Center for Women and Enterprise are partnering up to offer ongoing virtual or in-person Diversity Equity and Inclusion office hours, open to any interested Granite State businesses. According to a press release, participants will work directly with Equity and Racial Justice consultant Kile Adumene, a local community organizer and native of Nigeria who has lived in New Hampshire for more than 20 years. Adumene is the co-founder and facilitator of the Manchester Community Action Coalition, which hosts regular meetings for people of color, immigrants and others to come together on civic and community matters.

QOL Score: +1

Comment: “This partnership … will help small businesses from all sectors access the guidance and support they need to navigate their own DEI challenges at no cost,” Center for Women and Enterprise director Chandra Reber said in a statement.

Housing supply

The state’s Department of Business and Economic Affairs recently released its annual report on housing supply from its office of planning and development, according to a press release. As of 2021, the total housing supply in the state is estimated to be 642,800 units, seven-tenths of a percent higher than the number of housing units recorded during the 2020 census. According to the release, New Hampshire added 4,446 units to its housing supply in 2020, slightly less than in 2019, when the housing stock increased by 4,483. Data from the U.S. Census report shows that New Hampshire saw a population growth of 5,500 between July 2019 and July 2020, with the state registering the fourth-highest percentage (61.6 percent) of inbound moves in the country that year.

QOL Score: 0

Comment: “This report is a reminder that New Hampshire’s appeal and pro-growth economy requires that we continue working on solutions to provide housing to meet the demand,” BEA commissioner Taylor Caswell said in a statement.

New EMTs

Sixteen newly trained EMTs have completed American Medical Response (AMR)’s Earn While You Learn program in Manchester, according to a press release. They were recently celebrated at the Manchester Fire Department; eight of them were hired as full-time EMTs and eight are part-time for AMR Manchester. Over the last 12 weeks, many of the Earn While You Learn classes were taught at various fire stations across the city. Participants are hired as employees and compensated while attending the EMT-Basic certification course.

QOL Score: +1

Comment: “It has been a privilege to work alongside these future lifesavers who have demonstrated a strong commitment to our citizens and community,” said Manchester Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Cashin, who was on hand for the celebration.

QOL score: 60

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 63

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

Benny and the Cats?

Benny, Casey, Tucker — those are the options for the name of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats’ new bat dog in-training, and fans are being asked to vote for their favorite. According to a press release, the golden retriever puppy won’t be working as the bat dog this year, but he will be making appearances at Delta Dental Stadium throughout the season, including his official debut at the May 13 game. The to-be-named puppy is a rescue who came from New Hampshire-based volunteer organization Hero Pups, which provides support dogs to veterans and first responders in New England. “We’re proud to continue the legacy of Ollie the Bat Dog, who provided us so many wonderful memories over the years,” Fisher Cats President Mike Ramshaw said in the release.

Score: +1

Comment:The winning name of the Fisher Cats’ new bat dog in training will be announced in the coming weeks. Vote at nhfishercats.com.

Help wanted

New Hampshire employers are having a hard time finding people to work for them: According to WalletHub’s 2022 States Where Employers Are Struggling the Most in Hiring report, the Granite State ranks 4th in the nation. The report said that overall the country’s labor force participation rate is experiencing the slowest recovery of any recession since World War II. In New Hampshire the job openings rate during the latest month was 8.50 percent; in the past 12 months it was 7.28 percent. Alaska topped the list, followed by Vermont and Wyoming, the report said.

Score: -2

Comment: This is tough on businesses, and customers too — understaffing is making for longer lines at the grocery store, longer waits at the drive-thru and more frustrating customer service experiences.

Professional education opportunities

Through its micro-credential program, UNH is now offering more than 250 micro-credential courses and 26 certificate programs, the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs announced last week. Classes and programs focus on providing work-ready skills and are available in areas ranging from computer science and cryptocurrency to business management and law, according to a press release. Classes are taught in person and online; they start as low as $50 and are open to anyone, not just UNH students. Several similar programs are available at other schools in the state’s Community College System, including at NHTI, where all micro-credentials lead to an NHTI certificate or a degree program, the release said.

Score: +1

Comment: “Our state’s micro-credential programs give individuals a cost-efficient option to higher education that allows them to obtain and showcase ‘work ready’ skills,” BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell said in the release. “It’s an interesting turning point in our higher-education system that will shape the future of the state’s workforce as a whole, benefitting thousands of companies.”

QOL score: 60

Net change: 0

QOL this week: 60

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

Top teacher

Tristan Bowen, a fourth-grade teacher at Riddle Brook School in Bedford, has won the 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, representing the country’s top honors for teaching in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science. According to a press release, Bowen has been teaching for 22 years and is one of 102 teachers nationwide to receive the award. She and other award recipients will receive a certificate signed by the president of the United States, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in professional development opportunities.

Score: +1

Comment: “What sets Tristan apart is her forward-thinking and student engagement abilities, especially in the area of STEM education. She encourages creativity, critical thinking and problem solving through interest-based learning for her students,” Principal Molly McCarthy of Riddle Brook School said in the release.

Red Cross needs help

The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers for its Disaster Action Team and for blood donor ambassadors due to an increase in the number of house fires this winter and the ongoing critical need for blood. According to a press release, local Red Cross Disaster Action Team members have responded to at least 83 home fires in New Hampshire, helping 421 people, since July. Now, more volunteers are needed to help families with immediate needs after a fire, as well as to provide emotional support. Most locally, disaster team volunteers are needed in Laconia and Plymouth and on the Seacoast. The Red Cross is also looking for 26 blood donor ambassadors in Hillsborough and Rockingham counties, according to the release. Blood donor ambassadors greet and register donors and offer support throughout the donation process.

Score: -2 for the high number of house fires and the critical blood shortage

Comment:Vaccinations are required for in-person volunteer roles, the release said.

Local Hall of Famers

Sixteen Central High School graduates have been named as inductees into the Manchester High School Central Hall of Fame. According to a press release, the new inductees are usually announced every five years but were postponed last year because of Covid. Some of the biggest names among the inductees are Col. Jason Fettig, director of the President’s Own Marine Band; Rep. Chris Pappas, who represents New Hampshire’s 1st District in Congress; Max Clayton, whose Broadway credits include featured roles in The Music Man and Moulin Rouge; and Kayleigh Cronin, who is currently appearing on the Great White Way in a production of Mrs. Doubtfire, the release said.

Score: +1

Comment: Previous inductees of the school’s Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1996, include Olympic gold medalist Bob Beattie; John Sullivan, former secretary of the Navy; Chip Kelly, former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles and current UCLA head coach; and comedian Adam Sandler.

Free small business support

The NH Tech Alliance and NH Small Business Development Center have launched a free Cybersecurity Review program for small- and medium-sized businesses. According to a press release, businesses in New Hampshire with up to 500 employees can participate and receive an online education, a one-on-one consultation with a cybersecurity consultant, and a report with action items based on the consultation.

Score: +1

Comment: The release said 61 percent of all small- and medium-sized businesses have reported at least one cyber attack during the previous year according to the 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report.

QOL score: 59

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 60

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

Olympians represent

New Hampshire ranks 12th for the number of athletes who have participated in a Winter Olympics game on behalf of Team USA, according to a recent report from BeenVerified, a public information website. Four New Hampshire-born athletes are in Beijing right now, which did not change the ranking; prior to this year, 47 state-born athletes have participated in the Winter Olympics. Those athletes have earned 19 medals, making them 9th in the country for total medals, and 8th for gold with six medals, the report said. Top cities by birthplace are Easton (six medals); Hanover, Derry and Salem (three medals); and Concord (two medals).

Score: +1

Comment: The top Olympic sport in New Hampshire, according to the report? Alpine skiing.

Students speaking up, sparking change

Central High School has a new dress code, thanks to senior and Manchester School Board student rep Kellan Barbee, who rewrote the outdated code that had been in effect since the ’80s. According to a report from NHPR, the new code — the first policy in the district authored by a student — allows items that were formally prohibited, like spaghetti straps, tube tops, ripped jeans, do-rags, bonnets and hats, while wearing the hood of a hoodie, see-through clothing and attire displaying messages with profanity and hate speech are still prohibited. The update has been a long time coming, with students asking for it for years; Barbee wrote the new code with other students’ input. For example, he told NHPR, the district wanted to keep the hat ban, but after hearing about homeless peers who didn’t have access to hair products and showers, Barbee made it a priority to get rid of it.

Score: +1

Comment: “My goal is not to impose my own views on dress — on students, on staff, on the district. It is to bring student voices to the table,” Barbee told NHPR.

Because you can’t do this in Florida

Special Olympics New Hampshire is gearing up for its two biggest fundraisers, the Penguin Plunge and the Winni Dip, and for the second year, participants are being asked to take a DIY approach in light of Covid. According to a press release, the theme of this year’s events is “Survivor,” and participants will have “Survivor Packs” delivered to their home, school or office, with items packed into a pail that can be used for do-it-yourself plunging. Penguin Plunge Weekend is Feb. 12 and Feb. 13 and includes the Penguin Plunge, the High School Plunge, Prep School Plunge and the new Middle School Plunge. Winni Dip Weekend is March 12 and March 13 and includes the Law Enforcement Dip, The Winni Dip, High School Dip, Middle School Dip and the MEGA Dip. Participants can register online at sonh.org; all fundraising can be done online, and most participants can meet the fundraising minimums in less than 72 hours, according to the release.

Score: +1

Comment: SONH President and CEO Mary Conroy said that they were pleasantly surprised last year by the turnout and participants’ creativity. “We had everything last year from schools utilizing their local fire departments to help students plunge, to individuals plunging on their own in lots of fun and creative ways,” she said in the release.

Late for love

A Google Trends analysis that looked at searches for “last minute Valentine’s Day gift ideas” shows that New Hampshire ranks 10th in the U.S. for gift-buying procrastination. According to a report from wholesale trade printer 4over, waiting until the last minute seems to be a trend on the East Coast, with New Jersey coming in first and Maryland, Rhode Island, New York and Virginia round out the Top 5, while Connecticut and Massachusetts joined New Hampshire in the Top 10.

Score: -1

Comment: Valentine’s Day is Monday, Feb. 14 — just sayin’.

QOL score: 57

Net change: +2

QOL this week: 59

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

Winter weather cancels Winter Festival

Intown Concord sent out a notice last Saturday to inform people that almost all of the events at that day’s Winter Festival were canceled because of the snowstorm. “This is really disappointing for everyone involved [but] safety is our number one priority. Intown Concord will be working to reschedule as many elements from today’s festival as we can for the springtime,” Intown wrote in the notice.

Score: -2

Comment: The exceptions were the ice carvers and the ice bar – “the ice carvers are a hardy crew,” the notice read. The carvings were done on the Statehouse lawn, with the plan that they would remain on display for about a week.

Keeping college costs down

For the fourth year in a row, the University System of New Hampshire is freezing in-state tuition for the upcoming academic year. According to a press release, university system schools currently provide more aid to more students than at any other time in their history, and students are paying less on average to attend these public institutions than in-state students paid five years ago. The University of New Hampshire campuses in Durham and Manchester, Plymouth State University and Keene State College continue to offer the Granite Guarantee program, which makes college affordable for more than 1,800 New Hampshire residents by covering the full cost of in-state tuition for all who qualify.

Score: +1

Comment: Ninety-five percent of first-year students attending University System of New Hampshire schools currently receive some form of financial aid, the release said.

Supporting our health care heroes

For the second year, the NH Healthcare Heroes effort is recognizing outstanding professionals in the health care community, naming one hero for each of the state’s seven regions. According to a press release, the winners were nominated by colleagues, family, friends and patients and were chosen by a volunteer committee made up of health care professionals across the state. Locally, winners are Laura “Beth” Nagy, director of rehabilitation services at New Hampshire Hospital in Concord; Matt Bouchie, homeless outreach coordinator at the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester; and Stacy Dionne, clinical nurse manager at Lamprey Health Care in Raymond.

Score: +1

Comment: Winners are being honored during pinning ceremonies with their employers, and runners-up stories will be shared on social media at facebook.com/healthcareheroesnh, according to the release.

Giving girls a Sporting Chance

Girls Inc. of New Hampshire is collaborating with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care in support of healthy living and access to sports through its Sporting Chance Program, which provides opportunities to young girls to participate in physical activities and develop good habits that will benefit their physical and mental health. According to a press release, both the Nashua and Manchester Girls Inc. centers offer the program, with activities like basketball, yoga, soccer and racquet sports.

Score: +1

Comment: “Sporting Chance provides girls a safe and supportive environment to participate in competitive and recreational activities and sporting events and empowers girls to succeed,” Sharron McCarthy, CEO of Girls Inc. New Hampshire, said in the release.

QOL score: 56

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 57

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