Warm up with Cool Tunes

A look at the Winter Music Series heating up the local scene

With sunny gazebo concerts hovering between distant memory and faint promise, live music has moved indoors for the coming months. Fortunately a lot of venues are stepping up, most with original artists in unique settings like wineries, brewpubs, museums and apres-ski shows.

Here’s a look at a few places using music to help shake winter’s chill.

Justin Cohn, Katie Dobbins, Holly Furlone. Courtesy photo.

Flying Goose Brewpub & Grille

The Flying Goose Brewpub & Grille is home to New Hampshire’s longest-running listening room series.

“It started in 1993 or 1994,” Tom Pirozzoli, who founded it and played its first show, said recently. “I approached my old friend Tom Mills with the idea … after having released a new CD.”

In the late ’80s Pirozzoli ran a similar effort in Keene at a place called Chalkboard West, doing booking, sound and occasionally performing. The contacts he made there helped to get the Flying Goose effort off the ground.

Every year from autumn to early spring it hosts the cream of New England’s folk and roots scene.

“We try to mix some new acts in each year and also stay true to our longtime friends like Tom Rush, David Mallett and Aztec Two Step,” Pirozzoli said.

Among the performers in the current series is Lucy Kaplansky, who’s taking a quick break from the successful On a Winter’s Night tour with fellow folk singers John Gorka, Cliff Eberhart and Patty Larkin (who’s also appearing this year). Kaplansky, whose most recent album is 2022’s Last Days of Summer, is a returning favorite of the series.

“I’m always so happy to play there,” Kaplansky said by phone from her home in New York City. “The audience is great and people come no matter what the weather is like — one time, it was literally 20 below. Tom does a great job with the sound, the staff is super nice, the food is great. It’s a wonderful gig.”

Flying Goose Brewpub & Grille (40 Andover Road, New London, flyinggoose.com)

Thursday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. – New England Bluegrass Band

Thursday, Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. – Mark Erelli

Thursday, Feb. 29, 7:30 p.m. – Ari Hest

Thursday, March 7, 7:30 p.m. – Lucy Kaplansky

Thursday, March 21, 7:30 p.m. – Patty Larkin

Thursday, April 4, 7:30 p.m. – David Francey

Thursday, April 11, 7:30 p.m. – Ordinary Elephant

Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m. – Garnet Rogers

Currier Museum of Art

The Currier Museum of Art is a longtime friend of live music, with its Thursday After Work concerts a prime example. While those are on seasonal hiatus and will be back in the spring, there are currently regular Sunday performances in the museum’s Winter Garden restaurant.

Majed Sabri, the Currier’s Digital Operations Manager, said in a recent phone interview that the museum tends to re-book musicians who connect with the brunch crowd, adding that the performers share a common thread.

“They’re local, and we’re always about uplifting local talent,” he said. “They all have a really great vibe; we don’t want to have an overpowering sound, and they’re really good at being beautiful background music. People ask to have them back.”

Currier Museum (150 Ash St., Manchester, currier.org)

Sunday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. – Mac Holmes

Sunday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. – Joey Clark (plays harmonica too), alt country

Sunday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m. – Seth Connolly, original rock and blues, very talented guitarist

Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m. – Mac Holmes

Sunday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m. – Joey Clark (tentative)

Sunday, March 3, 11 a.m. – Joey Clark

Sunday, March 10, 11 a.m. – Seth Connolly

Sunday, March 17, 11 a.m. – Mac Holmes

Sunday, March 24, 11 a.m. – Harry Borch

Hermit Woods Winery

Musician Katie Dobbins launched the Songwriter RoundUp Series at Hermit Woods Winery a year ago. Happening the final Wednesday of the month, each show features Dobbins and two other artists doing original material in a classic “song pull” format. The evening ends with all three joining together for a cover, anything from Sara Bareilles to The Band’s “The Weight.”

Sometimes the guests are people she’s worked with in the past, like Brooks Young, who’ll be at the Feb. 28 event. Other times a performer is one that Dobbins knows by reputation and wants to work with.

“I spend a lot of time… trying to cultivate a bill of folks that will complement each other and make a really special evening,” Dobbins said from her home in the Lakes Region. “A lot of times it’s our first time meeting each other, so you never know quite what’s going to happen. But it’s always been really fun.”

With great sound and sightlines, along with a small capacity, the winery provides an intimate, artist-centric space. Working for an audience that’s completely focused on music “matters a lot,” Dobbins said. “Bar gigs are fun too; there’s a place for them in their own way, but there is something really special about getting away from that.”

Hermit Woods Winery (72 Main St., Meredith, hermitwoods.com)

(tickets $10 to $15 at eventbrite.com)

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m. – Katie Dobbins, Dan Fallon & Dylan Patrick Ward

Wednesday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. – Katie Dobbins, Brooks Young & Tim Winchester

Wednesday, March 27, 7 p.m. – Katie Dobbins, Sam Luke Chase & Jay Psaros

Wednesday, April 24, 7 p.m. – Katie Dobbins, Jeanette & Marlena Phillips

Pats Peak Ski Area

Apres-ski action at Henniker’s Pats Peak resort includes Irish-flavored acoustic group The McMurphys stopping in frequently. This year the big news is Monkeys With Hammers: guitarist Chris Lester (Sully Erna, Mama Kicks), drummer Eric Wagley and bass player Rich Knox who’ll play a one-off reunion show on Saturday, March 2.

Pats Peak Ski Area (686 Flanders Road, Henniker, patspeak.com)

Saturday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m. – Kimayo

Saturday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m. – The McMurphys

Saturday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m. – The 603s

Saturday, Feb. 17, 6 p.m. – The McMurphys

Saturday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m. – April Cushman Trio

Saturday, March 2, 6 p.m. – Monkeys With Hammers

Saturday, March 9, 6 p.m. – River Sang Wild

Sunday, March 10, 6 p.m. – Supernothing

Saturday, March 16, 6 p.m. – Tyler Levs

Saturday, March 23, 6 p.m. – Andrea Paquin

Saturday, March 30, 6 p.m. – The McMurphys

Bank of NH Stage

The Capitol Center for the Arts hosts a recurring afternoon series at its Cantin Room, located upstairs in their Bank of NH Stage’s lounge. The event is curated by NH Music Collective.

“We focus on local performers who often don’t get a chance to see their name up in lights on Main Street,” NHMC’s John McArthur said recently. “The audiences and performers love that everyone is there to listen. It’s a beautiful way for performers to closely connect with their fans without distractions.”

Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com)

Sunday, Feb. 4 – Heather Pierson Duo

Sunday, March 3 – Alex Preston

Sunday, April 7 – Senie Hunt

Sunday, May 5 – Run Like Thieves (EP release)

Nippo Lake Golf Club & Restaurant

Acoustic music fans delight in the Nippo Lake Bluegrass Series, which lasts from October through April. The long-running event features some of the region’s finest players and over the years has grown into a Sunday evening tradition.

Nippo Lake Golf Club & Restaurant (88 Stagecoach Road, Barrington – nippobluegrass.com)

Sunday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m. – She Gone

Sunday, Feb. 2, 6 p.m. – New England Bluegrass Band

Sunday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m. – Chicken Shack

Sunday, Feb. 25, 6 p.m. – Lunch at the Dump

Sunday, March 3, 6 p.m. – Cedar Mountain

Sunday, March 10, 6 p.m. – High Range

Sunday, March 24, 6 p.m. – Unsung Heroes

Sunday, April 7, 6 p.m. – Cordwood

Sunday, April 14, 6 p.m. – Wide Open Spaces

Sunday, April 21, 6 p.m. – Old Hat

Joey Clark. Courtesy photo.

The Livery

NH Music Collective’s monthly events at Sunapee’s Livery land on a number of goals, including dinner and fundraising along with music. Upcoming beneficiaries include Full Circle Farm Therapeutic Riding Program and The Newport Recreation Program.

“Through business sponsorships we can bring both local and national touring acts to this intimate 100-seat venue in an historic building,” NHMC’s McArthur said, noting that American Idol favorite Alex Preston is among the performers appearing in coming months.

The Livery in Sunapee Harbor (58 Main St., Sunapee, thelivery.org)

Saturday, Feb. 17 – Slim Volume

Sunday, March 17 – JD and the Stonemasons

Saturday, April 20 – Alex Preston

Sap House Meadery

The NHMC ticketed series at Sap House Meadery offers dinner and music in a bucolic setting. “We curate a very eclectic program that has included international and regional music from Ukraine, Brazil, Cuba, Quebec, India, Ireland, Scotland, Appalachia and West Africa,” NHMC’s McArthur said, calling the varying cuisines “perfect complements to the performances.”

Sap House Meadery (6 Folsom Road, Ossipee, saphousemeadery.com)

Thursday, Feb. 15 – David Hamburger

Thursday, March 14 – Jud Caswell

Thursday, April 18 – Senie Hunt

More winter music series

Front Four Cellars (13 Railroad Ave., Wolfeboro, frontfourcellars.com)

Jan. 26, 5 p.m. – Garrett Smith

Jan. 27, 5 p.m. – Jordan Quinn

Feb. 17, 5 p.m. – Eric Lindberg

Feb. 23, 5 p.m. – Garrett Smith

Feb. 24, 5 p.m. – Chris Lester

March 9, 5 p.m. – Cat Faulkner Duo

March 16, 5 p.m. – Ian Galipeau

March 22, 5 p.m. – Garrett Smith

March 23, 5 p.m. – Mikey G

March 30, 5 p.m. – Tyler Levs

Twin Barns Brewing Co. (194 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, twinbarnsbrewing.com)

Friday, Jan. 26, 5 p.m. – The Lone Wolf Project (Chris Perkins)

Friday, Jan. 27, 5 p.m. – Karen Grenier

Friday, Feb. 2, 5 p.m. – Andrea Paquin

Saturday, Feb. 3, 5 p.m. – Dave Clark

Friday, Feb. 9, 5 p.m. – The Sweetbloods

Saturday, Feb. 10, 5 p.m. – the hArt of Sound

Friday, Feb. 16, 5 p.m. – Dave Zangri

Saturday, Feb. 17, 5 p.m. – Rebecca Turmel

Friday, Feb. 23, 5 p.m. – Tom Boisse

Saturday, Feb. 24, 5 p.m. – Kimayo

Friday, March 1, 5 p.m. – Garrett Smith

Saturday, March 2, 5 p.m. – Slim Volume Duo

Friday, March 8, 5 p.m. – Chris Lester

Saturday, March 9, 5 p.m. – Brooks Young

Friday, March 15, 5 p.m. – Jud Caswell

Saturday, March 16, 5 p.m. – Mikey G

Friday, March 22, 5 p.m. – Henry LaLiberte

Saturday, March 23, 5 p.m. – Eric Lindberg

Friday, March 29, 5 p.m. – Andrea Paquin

Saturday, March 30, 5 p.m. – Ian Galipeau

Gunstock Ski Resort (719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, gunstock.com)

Saturday Series – 3 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 10 – Rhys Chalmers

Saturday, Feb. 17 – Arlene Wow!

Saturday, Feb. 24 – Garrett Smith

Saturday, March 2 – B Man

Saturday, March 9 – Paul Warnick

Saturday, March 16 – Arlene Wow!

Saturday, March 23 – Garrett Smith

Saturday, March 30 – Rhys Chalmers

Saturday, April 6 – B Man (Après Annual Pond Skim event)

Crotched Mountain Resort (615 Francestown Road, Bennington, crotchedmtn.com)

Friday, Jan. 26, 6 p.m. – The 603s

Saturday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m. – Chris Lester

Saturday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m. – Eyes of Age

Friday, Feb. 23, 6 p.m. – River Sang Wild

Saturday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m. – Tyler Levs

Saturday, March 9, 6 p.m. – Eric Lindberg Band

Saturday, March 16, 6 p.m. – Kimayo

Lucy Kaplansky. Courtesy photo.

Salt Hill Pub Shanty (1407 Route 103, Newbury, salthillpub.com)

Acoustic Lift Ticket Series

Saturday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m. – Ted Mortimer

Saturday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m. – Rob Erwin

Saturday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m. – Dustin Marshall

Saturday, Feb. 17, 6 p.m. – Kim Wilcox

Saturday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m. – The Frogz

Saturday, March 2, 6 p.m. – Don Dawson

Saturday, March 9, 6 p.m. – Rhys Chalmers

Saturday, March 6, 6 p.m. – Ted Mortimer

Saturday, March 23, 6 p.m. – Adam McMahon

Saturday, March 30, 6 p.m. – Kim Wilcox

Goosefeathers Pub at Mt. Sunapee Ski Resort (1398 Route 103, Newbury, mountsunapee.com)

Saturday, Jan. 27, 3 p.m. – Ariel Strasser & Ken Budka

Sunday, Jan. 28, 3 p.m. – Alex Cohen

Saturday, Feb. 3, 3 p.m. – Kimayo

Sunday, Feb. 4, 3 p.m. – Mikey G

Saturday, Feb. 10, 3 p.m. – Dave Clark

Sunday, Feb. 11, 3 p.m. – April Cushman Duo

Saturday, Feb. 17, 3 p.m. – Josh Foster

Sunday, Feb. 18, 3 p.m. – Garrett Smith

Saturday, Feb. 24, 3 p.m. – Colin Herlihy

Sunday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m. – Danny McCarthy

Saturday, March 2, 3 p.m. – Tom Boisse

Sunday, March 3, 3 p.m. – The 603s

Saturday, March 9, 3 p.m. – Tyler Levs

Sunday, March 10, 3 p.m. – Chris Lester

Saturday, March 16, 3 p.m. – Ryan Williamson

Sunday, March 17, 3 p.m. – April Cushman Band

Saturday, March 23, 3 p.m. – Kimayo

Sunday, March 24, 3 p.m. – 93 North

Downtown Concord Winter Farmers Market (Eagle Square, Concord, downtownconcordwinterfarmersmarket.com)

Saturday, Jan. 27, 9 a.m. to noon – Rebecca Turmel

Saturday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m. to noon – Andrew North

Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to noon – Doug Farrell

Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to noon – Eyes of Age

Saturday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to noon – Hank Osborne

Saturday, March 3, 9 a.m. to noon – Ryan Williamson

Lithermans Limited Brewery (126 Hall St., Suite B, Concord, lithermans.beer)

Thursday, Jan. 25, 5:30 p.m. – Mikey G

Thursday, Feb. 1, 5:30 p.m. – Tom Boisse

Thursday, Feb. 8, 5:30 p.m. – Ryan Williamson

Thursday, Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m. – Charlie Chronopoulos

Thursday, Feb. 22, 5:30 p.m. – Alex Cohen

Thursday, Feb. 29, 5:30 p.m. – Dave Clark

Thursday, March 7, 5:30 p.m. – Chris Lester

Thursday, March 14, 5:30 p.m. – Ken Budka

Thursday, March 21, 5:30 p.m. – Josh Foster

Thursday, March 28, 5:30 p.m. – The hArt of Sound

Contoocook Farmers Market (Maple Street Elementary School, 194 Maple St., Hopkinton)

Saturday, Jan. 27, 9 a.m. to noon – Taylor Marie

Saturday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m. to noon – Hank Osborne

Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to noon – Mary Fagan

Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to noon – Ryan Williamson

Saturday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to noon – Ian Galipeau

Saturday, March 2, 9 a.m. to noon – Cat Faulkner Duo

Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m. to noon – Brad Myrick

Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. to noon – Rebecca Turmel

Saturday, March 23, 9 a.m. to noon – Paul Gormley

Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. to noon – Scott King

Saturday, April 6, 9 a.m. to noon – Paul Driscoll

Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. to noon – Joey Clark

This Week 24/01/25

Big Events January 25 and Beyond

Thursday, Jan. 25

Drum Tao, a show with costumes and staging highlighting Japanese Taiko drums, will be at the Capitol Center for the Arts Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com), today at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $44 through $76. See drum-tao.com/en for a look at the performance.

Thursday, Jan. 25

The Concord Garden Club and local artists kick off the annual “Art & Bloom,” the show featuring floral arrangements paired with art, today at Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St. in Concord). The show will be on display today from 2 to 5 p.m., with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show is just one of the events happening during Concord’s Winter Fest; find more in the story on page 23.

Thursday, Jan. 25

Do you know your Midge and Allan? Check out the 21+ Barbie movie trivia night tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Chunky’s Cinema Pub in Manchester (707 Huse Road, chunkys.com). For a closer look at trivia nights, check out the Jan. 11 cover story (go to hippopress.com and look for the e-edition). For more trivia events this week, see page 42.

Friday, Jan. 26

It’s comedy night at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St. in Derry; tupelomusichall.com) featuring Kenny Rogerson, Jody Sloane and David Lamb. The show starts at 8 p.m.; tickets cost $22. Find more comedy this weekend and beyond in the Comedy This Week listings on page 41.

Friday, Jan. 26

Mosaic Art Collective (66 Hanover St., Suite 201, in Manchester; 512-6309, mosaicartcollective.com) will host an artist talk with photographer Gary Samson from 5:45 to 7 p.m. The event is free but reserve a spot via EventBrite (find a link on Mosaic’s Facebook page). See garysamsonphotography.com for more on Samson and his work.

Saturday, Jan. 27

As of earlier this week there were still a few spots left for Date Night in the Pottery Studio at Studio 550 Arts Center (550 Elm St. in Manchester; 232-5597, 550arts.com) tonight at 6 p.m. The class runs about an hour and a half and participants get a basic pottery lesson and then can make their own creations, according to the website, where you can sign up.

Tuesday, Jan. 30

See the professional dance company Step Afrika! today at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com, where you can see videos of the company’s performances). The show is part of the William H. Gile Concert Series, so tickets are free, but go online to reserve seats.

Save the Date! Sunday, March 10
Team Police takes on Team Fire, for a good cause, on Sunday, March 10, at 1 p.m. at the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St. in Manchester; snhuarena.com) at the Battle of the Badges Hockey Championship presented by the Elliot Perry Foundation (elliotperry.org) to raise money for Dartmouth Health’s Children’s. See childrens.dartmouth-health.org/events for more on the event and to purchase tickets which cost $16 (plus fees) for ages 6 and up. On the day, tickets will cost $20.

Future Senator?

‘The key is to get involved,’ says Central High student

Can you describe your roles and activities at Central High School?

At Central High School, I have several roles. As class president, I like to listen to my classmates’ concerns, like the high cost of prom tickets, and work toward solutions. I’ve also brought in presidential election candidates to speak at Central, leveraging our position in New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary to encourage civic engagement among students. Besides this, I play three sports: golf, hockey and track, representing Central in each. I’m involved in the Safe Sports Student Ambassador Program, which teaches about safe sports practices and the importance of community service. I also lead the ‘Faceoff Friends Program’ in association with the Choose Love movement, teaching elementary students at our Boys and Girls Club about kindness, gratitude, and choosing love, with a hockey theme. … Additionally, I serve as the editor-in-chief of the ‘Little Green’ newspaper, the oldest public high school newspaper in New Hampshire.

What is the U.S. Senate Youth Program, and how were you selected to be a part of it?

The U.S. Senate Youth Program is a two-part initiative. The first part includes a scholarship, which is fantastic. The more exciting part for me is the opportunity it provides to visit Washington, D.C., and get an in-depth look at how our government functions. It’s a chance to interact with politicians we usually see on TV and really understand the workings of the government. … As for my selection, it began with my principal nominating me from my school. The process involved an initial application round where I submitted several essays along with a recommendation. After advancing from that round, I participated in an interview round with a select group of students from my state. Following our interviews, a council decided that myself and one other student from New Hampshire were the best fits for the program.

What inspired you to become involved in programs like the U.S. Senate Youth Program and other leadership activities?

I’m really passionate about helping others, and this passion started in my freshman year with Safe Sports, where I saw the importance of building up our community. As class president, I realized how much I could help just by listening to my peers and working with school administration to address their concerns and adapt our school to better serve its students. This experience sparked my interest in other programs like the Choose Love program, where I saw a chance to extend my reach and encourage more people. Hearing about the Youth Senate Program, I thought it would be interesting to see how government works, especially in today’s polarized environment. I wanted to understand how politicians interact and are treated, then bring back that knowledge to my community to help reduce polarization and work toward a more unified country.

What are your future goals or career aspirations?

I definitely want to go to college … Where college will take me is something I’ll have to see, but I am interested in going into political science. Maybe in a few years, I’ll find myself in Congress or in some role within politics. For me, politics is the way I feel I can best help people and reach as many as possible.

What advice would you give to other students who are interested in leadership or public service?

The key is to get involved. … The biggest thing is to engage in extracurriculars and clubs that build up our community, which is crucial for anyone wanting to be a leader. You can’t be a leader just by pointing out what needs to change; you need to be actively involved in these groups, making the change happen. So my best advice is to get involved in a variety of clubs, learn from these experiences, and then use what you’ve learned to advocate for positive change within your communities and beyond.

Quality of Life 24/01/25

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.

The week that was

The Big Story – NFL Championship Weekend: The Sunday when the NFC and AFC championships are played is the best sports day of the year. And that’s what we’ve got coming Sunday, when defending champion KC led by football’s best QB (Pat Mahomes) takes on Baltimore and the best running QB (and likely MVP) Lamar Jackson) in Game 1, followed by a rematch of the famed 1957 NFL special playoff game (finally) between the 49ers and Lions to determine who’d represent the Western Conference in the ’57 title game vs Cleveland. Which, oh by the way, is the last time the Lions were NFL champs. Can’t wait.

Sports 101: Name the two players who’ve scored the most TD’s in NFL playoff history.

News Item – Mahomes on the Road: Amazingly Sunday in Buffalo was the first time he had ever played on the road in the playoffs during his entire six-year career. Though a heartbreaker for the Bills, it was actually lucky number 50 for him. As it was his 39th overall road win to make his road winning percentage of 78 percent the best career for any QB in NFL history.

News Item – The New Philly Phold: In Philadelphia it’s hard to top the famed Phillie Phold (which turns 60 this year), when their baseball team blew a 6½-game lead in the final week of 1964 after not being out of first place even one day the entire season. But by going from 10-1 to finish 11-6 and getting smoked by mediocre Tampa Bay in the Wild Card round, the Eagle collapse may have done just that.

News Item – Chip Kelly Hot Topic: The rumor mill is cranking overtime this time of year in the NFL. One interesting item has the local lad and current UCLA head coach on the wish lists of several teams with openings to be their offensive coordinator.

News Item – Jaylen Brown: When he is bad he is often beyond belief awful bad, Exhibit A being his impossible to forget elimination Game 7 disaster at home vs. the Miami Heat. This time it was Friday’s battle of 2024 NBA titans with Denver when:

(1) he was 1 for 9 from three-point land,

(2) had two lay-ups blocked from behind because he eased up instead of dunking it like he needed to and usually does,

(3) down 1 with a minute to go, he clanged two free fouls in a game they lost 102-100,

(4) he stepped into the lane 2 seconds early on a missed Aaron Gordon FT with 17 seconds left to take away a crucial rebound from Boston in lieu of a jump ball that resulted, and

(5) he was one of several guys toasted by Jamal Murray on his way to his killer 35-point night.

The Numbers:

10 – most all-time playoff meetings between two teams in NFL history, which came Saturday when SF won a 24-21 thriller over Green Bay.

16 – after getting two more vs. Buffalo, times Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce have hooked up for TD’s in the playoffs to pass the Tom Brady–Rob Gronkowski combo for most in NFL history.

… Of the Week Awards

Funniest Super Bowl-Worthy Commercial – Uber Eats: Seeing iconic British actress Helen Mirren sitting on a sofa watching playoff action eating cheese balls just delivered by Uber Eats as she yells, “a Jets sweep on third and 11 — YOU IDIOTS!” before throwing the cheese balls at the TV. Very funny.

Why Can’t We Get Guys Like That Award – Nelson Agholor: He may have been a disappointment in Foxboro, but after he scored the Ravens’ first TD in their 31-10 win over Houston they loved him in Baltimore.

Thumbs Up – Dan Campbell: He’s gone from over-the-top gung-ho nut who’ll last two years tops as head coach in Detroit to a guy who’s somehow done the impossible, transforming the eternally awful Lions into the Cinderella story of the NFL.

Sports 101 Answer: With 22JerryRicehasscored the most playoff TD’s in history.Emmitt Smith and Thurman Thomasare next with 21.

A Little History – 1957 NFL Championship Game: Hard to believe, but the Lions were Patriots-like in the 1950s NFL, winning 3 times. The last was in 1957 behind backup QB Tobin Rote (also the QB for San Diego as they demolished the Pats 51-10 in the 1963 AFL title game) with swaggering Hall of Famer Bobby Layne lost for the season. First by bringing them back from down 24-3 to a 31-27 win over SF. Then Detroit crushed Cleveland 59-14 as Rote threw four TD passes and ran for another to avenge a similar 56-10 beatdown by the Browns in the 1954 Championship game.

Final Thought – Predictions:

49ers-Lions: SF should win, but being the hopeless romantic I am, I’m pulling for the upset by upstart Detroit 34-31. I know, dumb. But that’s my story.

Chiefs-Ravens: Another titanic QB battle. I’ll take Mahomes over Jackson until he proves me wrong. Final-minute 24-23 KC win.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 24/01/25

Pandemic Response

House Speaker Sherman Packard (R-Londonderry) has announced the formation of the Special Committee on Covid Response Efficacy, a bipartisan group led by Rep. Barbara Comtois of Barnstead, tasked with evaluating New Hampshire’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a press release, the committee will conduct a science-based review, focusing on the administration of federal guidance, use of federal funds, and vaccination efforts under Emergency Use Authorization. This effort aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the state’s pandemic response and its impact on citizens and to inform future public policy for emergency responses, reflecting the House’s balanced partisan composition as mandated by House Rule 29.

For the birds!

NH Audubon is calling for public participation in its annual Backyard Winter Bird Survey to be held on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11, aiming to assess winter bird populations in New Hampshire. According to a press release, this call to action follows unusual observations last fall of fewer birds at feeders, a situation NH Audubon attributes to an abundance of natural food and mild weather. Residents can contribute by counting birds in their backyards and reporting their findings online or via a special form. The survey, critical for tracking long-term trends and potential declines in bird species, values reports of both high and low bird activity. Information and participation details are available at nhaudubon.org.

Licensing bills

Sen. Howard Pearl has introduced two bills, SB 318-FN and SB 486-FN, aimed at easing professional licensing burdens in an effort to attract more workers to the state. According to a press release, the proposed legislation would establish licensure compacts for social workers and physician assistants, allowing for reciprocity with other states and facilitating the process for professionals to move and work in New Hampshire. This move is intended to address worker shortages by removing unnecessary obstacles to employment, especially for military families relocating to the state. By streamlining the licensing process, Sen. Pearl aims to retain current workers and draw new ones to support and provide essential services to the residents of New Hampshire.

Transportation plan

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) has presented its latest NH Transportation Improvement Plan, a biennial process aimed at assessing the state’s transportation needs and efficiently allocating available funding for maintenance and improvements, according to a press release. Following 24 public hearings held in collaboration with the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation (GACIT), the draft Ten-Year Plan was formulated, incorporating public feedback. Notable features of the plan include funding for congestion mitigation projects, advancements in engineering for critical infrastructure, proactive management of specific corridors and support for community transportation initiatives, reflecting input from the public. Gov. Sununu has forwarded the plan to the Legislature for review and approval, with the final adoption expected in June 2024.

Ed accounts

Rep. Joe Sweeney, the House Majority Floor Leader, introduced House Bill 1561-FN to the House Education Committee, which focuses on expanding eligibility for the Education Freedom Accounts program in New Hampshire. In his statement, Rep. Sweeney emphasized the importance of providing a safe and successful educational experience for all students. Drawing from his personal journey of overcoming speech challenges with the support of Salem public schools, he highlighted the inclusivity and personalized educational pathways that HB 1561 aims to offer. “By endorsing this bill, we reinforce our commitment to enriching our education system and investing in the diverse and promising futures of all Granite State students and families, making certain that no student is disadvantaged due to their specific circumstances,” he said in the statement.

Environmental ed

Rep. Joe Sweeney, the House Majority Floor Leader, introduced House Bill 1561-FN to the House Education Committee, which focuses on expanding eligibility for the Education Freedom Accounts program in New Hampshire. In his statement, Rep. Sweeney emphasized the importance of providing a safe and successful educational experience for all students. Drawing from his personal journey of overcoming speech challenges with the support of Salem public schools, he highlighted the inclusivity and personalized educational pathways that HB 1561 aims to offer. “By endorsing this bill, we reinforce our commitment to enriching our education system and investing in the diverse and promising futures of all Granite State students and families, making certain that no student is disadvantaged due to their specific circumstances,” he said in the statement.

The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has announced the opening of its annual Young Artist Competition, inviting high school musicians from New Hampshire and the Seacoast region of Maine and Massachusetts to participate. The competition winner will have the honor of performing a solo concerto, accompanied by the PSO, at the orchestra’s final 2024 season mainstage performance on June 12 at The Music Hall in Portsmouth. More information and application details can be found at portsmouthsymphony.org.

The Merrimack Valley Beekeepers Association (MVBA) announces the 2024 Bee School, a comprehensive beekeeping course suitable for all ages and experience levels. Led by experienced beekeepers, this program covers essential beekeeping topics through lectures, presentations, demonstrations and videos, according to a press release. Classes, which begin on Feb. 20, are held on Tuesday evenings, with some online and some in person at St. James United Methodist Church in Merrimack. The cost is a membership fee, which is $40 for individuals and $50 for families. Visit mvbee.org/bee-school.

The United Way of Greater Nashua is orchestrating the 2024 Shoebox Project for Seniors, an initiative designed to assemble and distribute gift kits to low-income isolated seniors in the community. According to a press release, these kits are curated to provide not only practical items such as toothpaste, soap and health products but also comforting items like hot chocolate, tea and puzzle books to spread cheer. With a goal to create 500 kits in collaboration with local senior services, United Way is inviting community members to contribute by purchasing items from a wishlist or making monetary donations by Feb. 1. Donations can be made online or sent to their office at 20 Broad St., Nashua.

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