Carrot concerns
Grimmway Farms issued a recall of select organic whole carrots and baby carrots that may have been contaminated with E. coli, according to a notice on its website, grimmway.com. The recall, initiated Nov. 16, includes carrots that are no longer on store shelves but may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers, the website said. The items from the Bakersfield, California, based company were sold nationwide; whole carrots were for sale Aug. 14 through Oct. 23 and the baby carrots had best-if-used-by dates ranging from Sept. 11 through Nov. 12. Photos of the packaging of the affected items are on the Grimmway website and include Bunny-Luv, 365 Organic, Good & Gather, Nature’s Promise and Trader Joe’s, among others. See the website for product specifics, such as package sizes.
Snow rider
According to a press release, free in-person snowmobile safety education classes are now being scheduled in the Granite State. To operate a snowmobile or off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV) in New Hampshire any person age 12 or older must either have a valid motor vehicle driver’s license or have successfully completed an approved OHRV/Snowmobile Safety Education class.
Classes are taught by instructors and staff trained by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and those interested in attending should register by visiting wildlife.nh.gov/highway-recreational-vehicles-ohrv-and-snowmobiles/ohrv-and-snowmobile-safety-education, according to the press release. OHRV/Snowmobile Safety Education classes can also be taken online, and with recent changes to the state laws all online classes will include a combination of practical OHRV and snowmobile safety and the rules that apply to all trail riders. The cost for the virtual class is $34.95, according to the same release. To register for an online safety class, visit offroad-ed.com/newhampshire.
Even after course completion, all riders under age 14 must be accompanied by a licensed adult over the age of 18 when operating a snowmobile or OHRV, including on property belonging to their parents, grandparents or guardians, according to the release. Operators of all ages are invited to join one of the more than 100 snowmobile and 26 OHRV clubs in New Hampshire, according to the release. For more information visit nhsa.com and for OHRV club information visit nhohva.org. Almost 37,000 wheeled vehicles and snowmobiles have been registered for the 2024-2025 season, according to the release. For information on registering a snowmobile, visit wildlife.nh.gov/highway-recreational-vehicles-ohrv-and-snowmobiles/registering-your-ohrv-or-snowmobile.
Education Freedom Accounts
According to a press release, more than 5,300 students throughout New Hampshire are now enrolled in Education Freedom Accounts during its fourth year of implementation,
The number of Education Freedom Accounts increased from 4,663 during the 2023-2024 academic year to 5,321 at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year, which represents an increase of about 14 percent, or 658 students, according to the same release.
In a statement, Frank Edelblut, education commissioner, said “it is clear that there is a growing demand for more schooling options in the Granite State. The Education Freedom Account program is offering lower-income families assistance to choose whichever school or learning environment best meets the needs of their child. New Hampshire continues to deliver high quality educational pathways to families and the Education Freedom Account program for a fraction of the cost to taxpayers of a traditional education.”
Education Freedom Accounts allow eligible New Hampshire students to direct state-funded per-pupil education grants toward select educational programming of their choice for a variety of learning experiences, and there are currently 5,321 children enrolled in the EFA program that is offering grants totaling nearly $27.7 million this school year, or an average of $5,204 per student, according to the release. Families earning up to 350 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible to participate in the program, and a family of four with an annual income limit of $109,200 may participate, according to the release.
More details are highlighted in the New Hampshire Department of Education’s 2024-2025 EFA Financial and Demographic Fact Sheets and more info can be found on education.nh.gov
Bank drive
According to a press release, the Merrimack County Savings Bank will be holding its annual Mitten Tree Drive until the end of December, collecting cold-weather essentials. New items of clothing, handmade or store-bought, such as mittens, gloves, hats and scarves, can be dropped off at any of the Merrimack’s nine locations, according to the press release.
In a statement, Linda Lorden, President of the Merrimack, said “The Mitten Tree is all about giving back to our neighbors in need. Every donation helps provide warmth and supports local food pantries.” The Merrimack will donate $2 for every item collected and will send donations to the following organizations: Friendly Kitchen (Concord), Twin Rivers Food Pantry (Franklin), Bow Food Pantry, Hopkinton Food Pantry, Hooksett Food Pantry, Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, The Upper Room Food Pantry (Derry), White Birch Center (Henniker). Visit themerrimack.com/locations.
The Loon Center (Lee’s Mills Road, Moultonborough) on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. will host a presentation by Dana and Bob Fox, “Hornbills — A Unique Old-World Family of Birds.” Hornbills first evolved in Africa over 60 million years ago. The presentation will include photos by Tim Layman.
Henniker Handmade & Homegrown will celebrate Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, with a pop-up event at the Henniker Community Center, 57 Main St., from 2 to 5 p.m. In addition to locally crafted items, the event will feature live music from Beechwood and the food truck Taco Beyondo.
The Grace Food Pantry Yuletide Treasures Fair takes place Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mercy Hill Church (750 Pine St., Manchester). Admission is free. There will be live music, crafters, a bake sale, a 50/50 cash raffle and a Fleamarket Bazaar section. Free coffee, hot cocoa or hot cider will be available. Shoppers are asked to please bring a canned or boxed item for the pantry.