Tag: 231012

This Week 23/10/12

Big Events October 12, 2023 and beyond

Friday, Oct. 13
It’s a Taylor Swift weekend! Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, a concert film of her hugely popular tour, hits area movie theaters starting today. And, over at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St. in Nashua; nashuacenterforthearts.com, 800-657-8774), “The Taylor Party,” an 18+ dance party, takes place tonight starting at 9 p.m.; tickets start at $21.

Thursday, Oct. 12
Candlelight Concerts (see candlelightexperience.com) gets in the Halloween spirit with two shows tonight at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) at 6 and 8:30 p.m. with tickets starting at $43. The Listeso String Quartet will perform works as diverse as Shostakovich’s “String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and the theme from John Carpenter’s Halloween.

Friday, Oct. 13
See the original group of victims, er, campers (including a shockingly young Kevin Bacon) arrive at Crystal Lake in 1980’s Friday the 13th today (Friday the 13th) at 9 p.m. at Red River Theaters (11 S. Main St. in Concord; redrivertheatres.org, 224-4600).

Saturday, Oct. 14
Hillsborough Community Center will hold a Harvest Festival today, rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grimes Field (23 Preston Road in Hillsborough). The event will feature food, vendors, games and other family fun; admission is free, according to hccnh.org/ harvest-festival.

Saturday, Oct. 14
BeadStock, an event celebrating the artistry of beading from around the world, will take place today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum (18 Highlawn Road in Warner; indianmuseum.org, 456-2600). Find beads (including antique beads, glass, gemstone, ceramic, turquoise, silver and more) for sale as well as demonstrations (including a glass bead-making demonstration), interactive exhibits, tours of the museum, a museum field store and food for sale. Admission cost $12 (get 8 a.m. admission for $25); tickets are available online.

Saturday, Oct. 14
Windham Recreation Department will hold its annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, Oct. 14, in Griffin Park with events including a doggie costume parade (at 10 a.m.), a food truck (from noon to 4 p.m.), live music, a balloon artist, pumpkin decorating and scavenger hunts (from 1 to 2:30 pm.) and trick-or-treat from 3 to 4 p.m. See windhamnh.gov.

Saturday, Oct. 14
The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra will perform “Bohemian Rhapsodies” at Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem) today at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m. The program explores Czech and English music, featuring works by Smetana, Kaprálová, Suk, and Elgar, and culminating in Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7. Tickets cost $5 to $30. Visit nhphil.org.

Save the Date! Friday, Nov. 24
Catch the Trans-Siberian Orchestra with “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” on Friday, Nov. 24, with shows at 3 and 7:30 p.m. at the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St. in Manchester; snhuarena.com, 644-5000). Tickets start at $43.

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 23/10/12

Millennials on the move

A recent study by Upgraded Points revealed that wealthy millennials, defined as individuals ages 26 to 45 earning more than $200,000 annually, are increasingly moving to certain U.S. states. Factors such as improved economic conditions, remote work opportunities, and the pursuit of affordable housing and better quality of life have driven this trend. The study found that New Hampshire ranks 7th in the nation in attracting wealthy millennials, with a net gain of 4.4 percent. This influx has resulted in a positive impact on the state’s tax base, with a net increase of more than $229 million attributed to wealthy millennial movers, the press release said.
QOL score: +1
Comment: Florida and Texas were among the top states gaining wealthy millennials, while California and New York experienced losses.

Shot clock

Since the availability of updated Covid-19 boosters last month, many in New Hampshire have faced challenges in getting their shots due to limited slots, last-minute appointment rescheduling or insurance issues, NHPR reported. Previously the federal government procured and distributed Covid-19 vaccines to health care providers. Now hospitals, pharmacies and health centers purchase vaccines directly from manufacturers or wholesalers. This transition has led to shipping delays and availability issues in various pharmacies across the country, including in New Hampshire.
QOL score: -2
Comment: This season’s vaccines have been updated to guard against the latest virus strains, and the CDC recommends a new vaccine for everyone age six months and older this fall.

We’ve got Halloween spirit

Lombardo Homes conducted a study on decorating for Halloween and found that New Hampshire ranks third in the nation for its decorative enthusiasm. The study also found that the crow is the state’s favorite Halloween adornment. Conducted in August 2023, the study is based on an analysis of 7,330 Halloween-related Google search terms and purchasing behaviors; data sourced from search volumes per capita over the last year; and a survey in the same month that involved 1,209 Americans discussing their Halloween decoration habits.
QOL score: +1
Comment: The research also revealed that Americans are allocating more for Halloween decorations this year compared to the previous year, with an average expenditure of $87, a rise from $61 in 2022.

Child care woes

Since 2020 New Hampshire has received more than $142 million in federal funds for child care stabilization, covering costs like scholarships and aiding businesses that faced losses during the pandemic, However, as this funding concludes, local child care providers say that challenges like staffing shortages and limited options for families persist. NHPR reported that the central issue remains competitive wages for child care workers, who are often paid less. New Hampshire has introduced some legislation to aid child care services, but advocates emphasize the need for continued focus and funding at both the state and federal levels.
QOL score: -2
Comment: Additionally, many areas, like Lancaster, face shortages of child care facilities, leading parents to travel considerable distances.

QOL score: 90
Net change: -2
QOL this week: 88

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

Saints came marching in

The Big Story – Belichick Hot Seat Gets Hotter: A week after being humiliated by the Cowboys, things got even worse for the Patriots as after being crushed again, this time by New Orleans 34-0 in Foxboro on Sunday, the last-place Patriots are effectively four games behind the 4-1 Dolphins in the AFC East already since Miami owns the tiebreaker from their 24-17 Week 2 win.

The second straight inept offensive performance led QB Mac Jones to be yanked again in the second half. And while Coach B says it won’t be next week, it seems inevitable he’s on the verge of losing his job to a guy who was cut in the final week of pre-season camp.

With them next heading to the site of last year’s most humiliating loss in Vegas, followed by games vs. Buffalo and in Miami, it’s likely the seat Bill Belichick sits on could be red hot before November even arrives.

Sports 101: Which franchise has the most wins in NFL history?

News Item – San Francisco Rises: A week after humbling the Patriots 38-3, the Cowboys got the same in a 42-7 loss on national TV to the 49ers. It moved the Niners to 5-0 as QB Brock Purdy continues to follow the script of the young Tom Brady in moving to 10-0 as a regular season starter after being taken dead last at 262 overall in the 2022 NFL draft. It grew SF’s point differential to +99 and strengthened the perception they’re now the team to beat.

News Item – It’s Not How You Start, It’s How You Finish: The Rays were the living breathing example of that old adage as their record-setting 13-0 start to 2023 didn’t mean much in the end. First Baltimore, who were already six games behind by April 14, caught them in mid-July on their way to winning the AL East by two games. Then it ended quickly in the wild card round, losing 0-2 vs. Texas.

The Numbers:

177 – number representing how bad a week it was for the Cowboys’ Dak Prescott, as it’s how many passes Houston rookie CJ Stroud has thrown to begin his career without an interception, breaking the record held by Dak until Sunday.

149.3 – passing rating against the just re-acquired JC Jackson during his tenure with the Chargers after leaving Foxboro as a free agent in 2022.

162.00 – ERA of Dodgers hurler Clayton Kershaw after surrendering five hits, a walk and six earned runs while getting just one Arizona batter out in L.A.’s 11-2 NLDS Game 1 loss.

19,704 – shockingly sparse number of people at Game 1 of the Rays–Texas playoff series in Tampa. It was baseball’s smallest postseason crowd since the 1919 World Series, when, oh by the way, gamblers paid the Black Sox to throw the series.

… Of the Week Awards

Why Can’t We Get Guys Like That Award – Jakobi Meyers: The ex-Patriot had 18 catches for 199 yards after his first three games with the Raiders before being sidelined with a concussion. The best anyone on his old team has mustered in five games is Hunter Henry’s 17 and 176.

Thumbs Up – Wenyen Gabriel: Nice to see one-time Trinity HS Pioneer get a chance to make the Celtics via the training camp contract he just signed.

Random Thoughts:

So much for drama in MLB’s Wild Card Series. Four 2-0 sweeps with only one game within two runs. Snore.

Sorry, Myles Bryant, a celebration dance after a sack with the Pats down 21-0 minutes into the second half is for losers.

Taylor Swift – Travis Kelce. Someone tell me why I should give a flip about that silly story.

A Little History – RIP Dick Butkus: Words can’t convey the ferocity of how the Bears’ all-time great middle linebacker played. Only a trip to YouTube can illustrate just how scary he was.

With all due respect to Lawrence Taylor, Butkus, who passed away last week at 80, was the most intimidating player ever.

While Taylor revolutionized the outside backer position I’d take Butkus over LT by a smidge as the greatest defensive player ever too, because he had a wider influence over the entire field than Taylor, exemplified by his 27 fumble recoveries and 22 interceptions in 112 games to LT’s two and 15 in 58 more games. RIP, big fella, and thanks for the memories.

Sports 101 Answer: Green Bay has the most NFL wins with 735. Pittsburgh, who picked number 700 last Sunday, is second.

Final Thought: I’m on record as saying short of a 2-15 disaster Coach B won’t get the ax after this year no matter what. But now I’m not so sure.

It’s not just the disasters of the last two weeks. Or even the 23-27 record since Tom Brady left the building. Most alarming as the dynasty fades in the rear view mirror is that they’re 3-12 vs. playoff teams post TB-12. Which means they are heading in the wrong direction with no apparent sign better days are on the horizon. And that’s all on Bill.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

Throwback theater

Remembering the Concord Theatre

Paul Brogan, author of The Concord Theatre, and author Margaret Porter present a gala at Bank of NH Stage — formerly the Concord Theatre — on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m., celebrating the 90th anniversary of the theater’s opening. NHPR’s Laura Knoy hosts the free event, which includes a screening of one of the theater’s most successful films, Moonstruck (1987). Brogan talked about his history with the theater and the impact it has had on him and on the Concord community.

What has been your personal journey with the Concord Theatre?
Everyone in Concord would, at some point, come to watch a movie there. This was especially true in the late ‘60s and ‘70s before the prevalence of cable TV. Movies were an affordable entertainment choice. … I started working there in June of 1967. I was a teenager, a student at Bishop Brady High School in Concord. I was looking for an after-school job, and loving movies the way I did, it was the perfect job. I began working there in June of ‘67 and remained associated with the theater until it closed in September of ‘94. I didn’t work there every night, as I had been, but I was there two or three nights a week. I helped Theresa Cantin, who owned and ran the theater, to book films. She’d send me to screenings of upcoming films and would take into account my feedback. As a teenager, having someone much older value your opinion about movies was flattering. That’s partly why I stayed connected until the theater closed. Working there felt almost wrong to get paid because it was such a positive experience.

Tell us more about Theresa.
Theresa was remarkable. She started there at 19 years old in 1933 and stayed until 1994. For 61 years this woman ran a first-run movie theater. Back in those days, while women might sell tickets or work the concession stand, the actual running of the theater and booking films was seen as a man’s job. She took care of everything from creating ads to selling tickets. Watching Theresa was truly inspiring.

How did the idea for an event come about?
I wrote a book that was about the Concord Theatre and sort of a tribute to Theresa. … I was talking with my good friend Margaret Porter about it. We realized the date of the theater’s opening in 1933, Oct. 18, falls on a Wednesday this year, just as it did the year that the theater opened. … Laura Knoy [of NHPR] had also read the book and said she was just mesmerized by it. … So the three of us got together and decided we should do something special and give this gift to the community of a free evening in the theater.

You’ll be showing Moonstruck. Why that film?
Well, the biggest hit at the theater was Valley of the Dolls, so we said, OK, what was the second biggest? [laughs] It was Moonstruck. It drew a little over 14,000 people, and Concord had [a population of] 30,000 at the time, so almost half the city came to see it. It was one of those movies where people walked out smiling and holding each other. It made everyone feel good, and it was one of those movies that Theresa was proud to play, so we thought that would be the perfect movie to celebrate the theater.

Have you heard from others who have memories of the theater?
Yes. There’s a [Facebook page], ‘I’m from Concord, NH & remember when …’ and many people have shared their memories on there of when they went to see movies like The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink, Die Hard, the first Star Trek film. All those were shown at the theater. For a lot of people walking in there now, it’s going to be like a piece of history.

Featured photo: Paul Brogan with Margaret Porter, left, and Laura Knoy, right. Courtesy photo.

News & Notes 23/10/12

Friday eats

In September 2023, the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester (BGCM) announced its “Free Food Friday” initiative, offering club families complimentary groceries every week at its Union Street Clubhouse. According to a press release, this effort, in partnership with Hannaford and the New Hampshire Food Bank, aims to combat food insecurity in New Hampshire by providing essentials like produce, eggs, dairy and meats. With food laid out in the clubhouse lobby every Friday, families can easily collect supplies, ensuring they have ample food for the forthcoming week. During the summer of 2023, 353 families benefited from this program. For more information or to support BGCM’s endeavors, visit mbgcnh.org.

Nashua candidates

The Nashua Public Library (2 Court St. in Nashua; nashualibrary.org) and League of Women Voters NH — Greater Nashua will hold candidate forums at the library for the city’s alderman-at-large, ward aldermen and board of education positions. Meet alderman-at-large candidates on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 6:30 p.m.; ward 1, 2 and 6 alderman candidates on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m. followed by wards 7, 8 and 9 at 7:45 p.m., and board of education candidates on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 6:30 p.m., according to a press release. At the forums, candidates will read opening statements and then take audience questions, via the moderator, the release said. Forums will also air on Nashua Public Television Channel 6, the release said.

New hire

Rebecca Fredrickson, a nonprofit veteran with over 15 years of experience, has joined Catholic Charities NH as a Major Gifts Officer, according to a press release. In her new role, Fredrickson will work on connecting supporters with their charitable passions, focusing on critical issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental health, and the aging population in New Hampshire. She will also contribute to the development of the organization’s major gifts strategy as Catholic Charities NH expands its presence in the state.

Sustainability studies

Plymouth State University (PSU) has initiated a series of courses and lectures as a part of its sustainability studies program, introduced in fall 2022, funded by a $56,867 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). According to a press release, a foundational course, Conversations in Sustainability, offers a multidisciplinary approach to sustainability, currently led by Associate Professor Laura Tilghman, Ph.D. This course, among others, is interwoven with the NEH Spotlight on the Humanities in Sustainability Lecture Series, which includes multiple events through December 2024. Additionally, the program will introduce an experiential class in fall 2024 and another centered on sustainability’s link to public health and humanities in spring 2025. The initiative aligns with Plymouth State’s interdisciplinary Cluster Learning Model and its focus on environmental education.

Pet paintings

The Salem Animal Rescue League, in collaboration with the Arts Academy of New Hampshire, is bringing back its unique fundraiser for its third year: custom pet portraits crafted by students of the Academy. From realistic renditions to imaginative interpretations, each portrait captures the essence of your pet in a distinct style, according to a press release. A donation of $25 gets you a digital portrait, while $50 provides both a digital and the original piece (with options for pick-up or mail delivery for an added cost). Orders are open until Oct. 17. Visit sarlnh.org.

Funds for breast cancer

Merrimack County Savings Bank sponsors the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event on Sunday, Oct. 15, at Memorial Field in Concord. For the 8th consecutive year, The Merrimack will act as the Survivorship Sponsor of Survivor Place, having donated over $80,000 during this period, according to a press release. Survivor Place is a dedicated zone at the event where cancer survivors and thrivers can connect and share experiences. This year also sees the introduction of the Tribute Garden, which will display pink pinwheels purchased in homage to those who have battled breast cancer. The event, which annually raises about $500,000 for the American Cancer Society, is an avenue to fund research and provide cancer patients with necessary care and support.

Conservation awards

During its annual meeting on Sept. 16, NH Audubon announced its 2023 conservation award recipients. According to a press release, Karen Bennett of Antrim received the Tudor Richards Award for her impactful conservation efforts and work with Good Forestry in the Granite State. George W. Gavutis Jr. of Kensington secured the Goodhue-Elkins Award for his extensive contributions to bird knowledge and conservation in New Hampshire. The John Thalheimer Volunteer Award was given to Sandra Bowles of Bow for her dedicated gardening contributions at the McLane Center, especially her work on the pollinator gardens since 2018.

The Pembroke Town Library, in collaboration with the Pembroke Historical Society, is hosting a virtual Zoom presentation titled “Family Stories: How and Why to Remember and Tell Them” on Thursday, Oct.19, at 7 p.m. Jo Radner, a storyteller and oral historian, will lead the interactive session and guide participants on effective techniques to recall, develop and narrate personal stories. The event, sponsored by the NH Humanities Council, is free to the public. Register at pembroke-library.org.

Flag Hill Distillery & Winery in Lee is hosting a 10 Year Bourbon Release Party on Saturday, Nov. 4, to mark the launch of its 10-year-aged bourbon. According to a press release, the Prohibition era-themed event will start at 4 p.m., with a cocktail hour followed by a bourbon-inspired dinner, with opportunities to taste the bourbon, interact with the distillers and enjoy live music, campfire stories and line dancing. An after-party by candlelight will follow. Tickets cost $85. Visit flaghill.com.

SEE Science Center will host a Fall Fusion Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14, from noon to 3 p.m. at Arms Park in Manchester. The event focuses on art, science and inclusion and will feature the 2nd annual Disability Justice Parade, according to a newsletter. Attendees can view a partial solar eclipse at the designated SEE Science Center viewing area and witness the unveiling of Manchester’s newest murals. The Ooch Experience will provide music, and food trucks will be onsite. The festival is free and open to the public. Visit see-sciencecenter.org.

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