Report on aging

The New Hampshire State Commission on Aging (NHCOA) has released its 2022-2023 Annual Report, offering key insights into policy and legislative efforts that aim to enhance the quality of life for New Hampshire’s aging population, according to a press release. Formed in 2019, the 26-member Commission, comprising state legislators, agency representatives and gubernatorial appointees, advises on aging-related policy and planning. The report, reflecting New Hampshire’s status as the second-oldest state in the U.S., focuses on systemic thinking and innovation to support an aging population. “People are living longer, healthier lives and our report provides key insights on numerous policy and legislative efforts over the past year, as well as future recommendations that we believe can continue to improve and enhance the quality of life for all who live in the Granite State,” Susan Ruka, NHCOA Chair, said in the release. The public is invited to review the report online at nhcoa.nh.gov or request a printed copy via email to [email protected]. The Commission’s meetings, including the next one, on Nov. 20 at the New Hampshire Hospital Association in Concord, are open to the public, with remote participation options available.

Historic spots

The New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources recently announced the addition of four notable properties to the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places, each reflecting important aspects of community life, according to a press release. The Haynes Library in Alexandria Village, dating back to 1894, stands out with its brick exterior and North Carolina pine woodwork. The North Road Schoolhouse / District No. 4 School, a one-room schoolhouse built in 1853-54 in Danbury, now functions as a museum. The Henniker Community Center, originally built in 1834 by the First Baptist Society and known as “the Brick Church,” showcases Gothic Revival features and has been owned by the town since 2002. Lastly, Old New London Village, established in 1962, is an open-air museum that recreates a rural New Hampshire village from the mid-19th century. These additions highlight New Hampshire’s commitment to preserving its historic structures, each telling a unique story of the state’s past. Nominations for the State Register require thorough historical documentation, but listing does not restrict property owners.

Voting news

On Nov. 3, the Hillsborough South Superior Court in Concord granted a motion by the State to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a new voting law, SB 418. According to a press release, the case, 603 Forward, et al. v. David M. Scanlan, et al., was brought by several individual and organizational plaintiffs. SB 418 mandates that voters registering for the first time in New Hampshire on Election Day without adequate proof of identity must vote by “affidavit ballot.” The plaintiffs claimed this law violated various provisions of the New Hampshire Constitution. However, the court ruled that the individual plaintiffs, already registered voters in New Hampshire, lacked standing as they are not subject to the affidavit ballot requirements of SB 418 and did not have taxpayer standing. Additionally, the court determined that the organizational plaintiffs did not have standing based on the “diversion of resources” theory. This dismissal order is not final and may be reconsidered or appealed to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

Kangaroos?

New Hampshire is considering a bill that would legalize the private ownership and farming of kangaroos, along with other animals like small tailed monkeys, raccoons, foxes, otters and skunks, according to a press release from the Free State Food Network. Proposed by State Rep. Tom Mannion, this initiative, complemented by Representative Michael Granger’s bill for kangaroo farming, aims to offer new opportunities for local food production and sustainable farming practices. Advocates of the bill argue that kangaroo farming requires significantly less water than cattle farming, making it more suitable for small-scale farms and less impactful on the environment. By adding kangaroos to the list of farmable animals, which already includes red deer, bison and elk, New Hampshire could boost its agricultural diversity, create new job opportunities and move closer to food independence, according to the release.

The Flying Yankee

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is currently inviting proposals for the acquisition, relocation and recommended preservation of the historic Flying Yankee train, presently situated in Lincoln. Interested parties have until 3 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2024, to submit their proposals. Detailed information, including location maps, inventory forms and draft historic covenants, can be accessed online at dot.nh.gov/projects-plans-and-programs/programs/cultural-resources, under the heading “The Flying Yankee Information and Documentation.” Additionally, there will be an opportunity to inspect the Flying Yankee on Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon in Lincoln, and its trucks and components from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Twin Mountain on the same day. These inspections will be supervised by NHDOT staff.

Beverly Cotton from Weare was honored with the prestigious Andrus Award for Community Service by AARP New Hampshire at a celebratory luncheon at the Derryfield Country Club in Manchester. According to a press release, this award recognizes individuals over 50 who have made significant contributions to their community, embodying AARP’s vision and mission. Cotton, a dedicated volunteer, has been actively involved with AARP since 2018, contributing in various capacities including advocacy, election support and as a member of the Speakers Bureau.

The Millyard Museum in Manchester is opening an exhibition titled “Posted! A Collection of Posters from Manchester’s Past” on Nov. 16, according to a press release. Showcasing a range of historical posters, the exhibition reveals Manchester’s history through various forms of visual communication, from health notices to movie ads. Inspired by Jeff Cuddy’s rediscovered circus posters, the exhibit is free to the public and runs until March 1, 2024.

Jenna Dinndorf, a 17-year-old from Bedford, has been awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award for her project, Grieving Through Art, in collaboration with the Manchester grief assistance group, Friends of Aine. Addressing the issue of child grief, Dinndorf’s initiative uses art for expression and healing, involving the creation and exhibition of artwork by grieving children and the distribution of Coping Cards with art and grief-coping strategies to schools across New Hampshire.