Butterfly in the sky
The New Hampshire Audubon’s 2023 monarch butterfly tagging initiative has yielded promising insights, with a notable 40 percent return rate on detections from the 50 nanotags deployed. According to a press release, this research, building on the previous year’s work, has revealed significant migration distances, including a record detection close to 850 miles away, enhancing our understanding of monarch butterflies’ journey and informing potential conservation efforts. The repeated detection of monarchs along the same routes over consecutive years opens new avenues for targeted conservation strategies, marking a positive step in preserving these vital pollinators.
QOL score: +1
Comment: This is especially significant given the monarch butterfly’s status as a species of concern due to declining populations in recent years, the release said.
Better bills
The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) has announced a 26 percent reduction in its base electric rate to 8.1 cents per kWh starting February 2024, maintaining its position as the provider of the lowest residential energy supply rates in New Hampshire for the third consecutive rate period. According to a press release, this new rate is expected to yield $5.3 million in benefits for member communities. Serving over 120,000 customers in 28 cities and towns, with more joining soon, the Coalition offers cost-effective energy options, including choices for 100 percent, 50 percent and 33 percent renewable power, and provides savings to residential and mid-sized commercial customers.
QOL score: +1
Comment: In March, an additional 12 communities will join the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH), expanding its reach to more than 50 municipalities.
Seeking a stage
Steeplegate Mall in Concord is set for a transformation into a mixed-use development, requiring tenants without long-term leases, including the Hatbox Theatre, to vacate by the end of January, NHPR reported. This redevelopment marks the end of Hatbox Theatre’s tenure at the mall, where it has been a part of the local arts scene since its inception in 2016. While some businesses like JC Penney and Altitude Trampoline Park remain unaffected due to long-term contracts, Hatbox Theatre faces immediate closure, disrupting its planned season, which included 15 scheduled productions, ranging from musicals to local playwrights’ works.
QOL score: -2 for the upheaval, particularly for Hatbox
Comment: Hatbox, which was slated to have its final show at the current location on Jan. 10, is looking for alternative locations. See hatboxnh.com for updates.
QOL score: 48
Net change: 0
QOL this week: 48
The Quality of Life meter resets for the new year. Let us know what’s affecting your Quality of Life at [email protected].