Category: Quality Of Life

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 news@hippopress.com.

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 news@hippopress.com.

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 news@hippopress.com.

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 news@hippopress.com.

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 news@hippopress.com.

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 news@hippopress.com.

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 news@hippopress.com.

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 news@hippopress.com.

Plastic habit

According to a study by personal-finance website WalletHub, New Hampshire ranks 4th among the states with the highest credit card debts. The median credit card balance in New Hampshire is $2,793, and the cost of interest until payoff is $355, with the expected timeframe to pay off the median credit card balance at 14 months and 13 days. The study used data from TransUnion, the Federal Reserve, the U.S. Census Bureau, and WalletHub’s proprietary credit card payoff calculator to determine the cost and time required to repay the median credit card balance in each state. The analysis included credit cards with a balance and excluded store cards. The calculation assumed consumers would pay an average 20.92 percent interest rate, based on the APR paid by existing cardholders.

QOL score: -1

Comment:Interesting considering New Hampshire’s per capita income is on the higher end at $41,241, ranking the 8th highest, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Kids catching up

Recent assessment results in New Hampshire indicate positive academic gains among students, marking a slow upward recovery trend for two consecutive years. According to a press release, preliminary performance scores from the spring 2023 assessment show modest improvements in math and reading across various grade levels, except for 11th-grade SAT scores. Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut expressed delight in the signs of academic progress, which defy national trends. “This newest data from New Hampshire contradicts some nationwide data showing that academic recovery has stalled and reflects the hard work of our school leaders, teachers, students and families, that everyone needs to work together to close learning gaps,” he said in the release. While student performance advanced from 2022 to 2023, student growth percentiles also improved in every grade level and subject area, indicating accelerated learning rates compared to 2019.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The iPlatform system will release individual school and district data for both the NHSAS and SAT results in the fall. Parents had previously been given access to their child’s scores.

Go, team!

The University of New Hampshire swimming and diving team has been awarded CSCAA Scholar All-America honors for the Spring 2023 semester. According to a press release, they achieved a program-best 3.68 team GPA, surpassing their previous record of 3.67 from the previous semester. Additionally, senior captain Madison Linstedt won the America East Women’s Swimming and Diving Scholar Athlete of the Year award, making it the 11th time a Wildcat has received this honor. Several other team members also earned academic accolades.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The University of New Hampshire swimming and diving team also achieved their fourth consecutive America East Championship and secured their 11th overall title in the league’s history during the past seasons, marking the first time in the program’s existence that UNH has won four championships in a row.

QOL score: 80

Net change: +1

QOL this week: 81

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

A rain-soaked Sunday

Torrential rain in New Hampshire caused significant damage, including sinkholes, flooded basements and over 120 road closures, NHPR reported. The downpour lasted throughout Sunday, July 16, with flash flood warnings in effect for most of the day. The continuous rain disrupted traffic and made many roads impassable, presenting challenges for authorities. State emergency officials activated support teams to aid communities dealing with flooded and damaged roads while urging residents to stay inside if possible and drivers to seek alternate routes when encountering closures or flooding. WMUR reported that Manchester city officials had opened an emergency operations center, and firefighters conducted a rescue operation in Manchester after a driver became trapped in a flooded car.

QOL score: -2

Comment: One of the biggest disruptions was the postponement of The Crayon 301 NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon until Monday. Race officials made the decision to ensure the safety of attendees, WMUR reported. Fans who weren’t able to attend the rescheduled event can exchange their tickets for tickets of equal or lesser value to another race within the next calendar year.

More libraries, more books

The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) campus libraries, including those at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Durham and Manchester campuses, Keene State College (KSC) and Plymouth State University (PSU), now offer free borrowing services to New Hampshire residents. According to a press release, this allows residents to access over 3 million physical and digital items for research, education, and continued learning. Previously, residents had access to library spaces and resources, but free borrowing provides more flexibility. Library cards can be obtained by New Hampshire residents over 18 years old with valid identification and proof of residency. The libraries also provide access to special collections and archives unique to each institution.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The libraries’ special collections provide a number of unique resources for academic exploration and historical research, such as the internationally famous Betty and Barney Hill papers at the Dimond Library at the UNH Durham campus and the Charles and Judith Hildebrandt Collection at the Mason Library at KSC, which supports the only undergraduate program in the U.S. dedicated to Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Recognition for CMC

Catholic Medical Center (CMC) in Manchester has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) with the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. According to a press release, this award signifies CMC’s commitment to providing high-quality stroke care based on nationally recognized guidelines, and educating patients, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced disability. Get With The Guidelines is an in-hospital program that helps hospitals align patient care with evidence-based guidelines, ultimately enhancing stroke treatment and preventing long-term effects.

QOL score: +1

Comment: CMC also received the Target: Stroke Honor Roll award and the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award from the AHA for their efforts in reducing treatment time for eligible stroke patients and providing specialized care to those with Type 2 diabetes, according to the release.

QOL score: 80

Net change: 0

QOL this week: 80

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