Good News in New Hampshire Newsletter #3 - Discovery Flight
Plus: a new space tech hub, farm to school programs, conservation corps, stormwater science, roller rinks, legal aid, duckweed fertilizer, and aviation training!
Hello! Welcome to the Good News in New Hampshire Newsletter, part of Granite Goodness.
We regularly round up and share positive news & media in and about New Hampshire.
My name is Andy DeMeo. I’ve lived in NH all my life. Granite Goodness is my love letter to our extraordinary state.
I created this project because I believe that being aware of positivity and progress leaves people more inspired to create their own. Optimism, kindness, and the will to solve complex problems are infectious qualities.
Also, being an optimist is just more fun.
As a general rule, this newsletter aims to include stories that fit the following criteria:
The story is in or about New Hampshire
The story is about something bigger than singular acts of kindness
The story is about something good— people building, creating, or doing things that improve the world and reduce suffering
Just think- as long as it’s good and New Hampshire sized, it belongs here!
If you have any story tips, let us know at hello@granitegoodness.com.
For more personal stories about New Hampshire people making the world a better place, make sure to check our podcast, Granite Goodness, available anywhere.
Enjoy!
GRANITE GRID-BUILDING
Energy & Renewables
Seacoast communities compete to see who can support the most clean energy
“Starting today, Seacoast communities are competing to see which town or city can get the most residents to support clean energy through their electric bill. Dover, Durham, Newmarket, Portsmouth and Exeter are challenging households enrolled in local community power programs to opt for slightly higher electric rates that represent larger shares of renewable energy. The competition runs through the end of January 2025, when utilities across the state will again change their rates on their biannual cycle.” - NH Public Radio
Green Building Becomes More Affordable and More Common
“There is more to building green than simply saving money. ‘Just from a moral standpoint, I think it’s an obligation for companies to be looking at the best interests of society for the future,’ says Sullivan. ‘It’s more than just a cost analysis. It’s how you want to be perceived as a corporate citizen, how you want to be perceived as a member of your community and society.’” - Business NH Magazine
Committee established to study feasibility and impact of a New Hampshire Clean Energy, Community Resilience and Conservation Corps
HB 1499 tasks the committee to “Define a new civilian national service program or programs, designed to meet local needs by deploying low-cost, reliable, clean energy; implementing energy-efficient solutions to help families save money on their energy bills; rebuilding coastal wetlands to protect coastal communities from storm surges and flooding; managing forests to prevent wildfires; protecting public lands and waters for future generations; enhancing agricultural systems to protect natural resources and conserve water during droughts; and ensuring that all Granite Staters live in healthy, thriving communities.” - Legiscan.com
GRANITE GARDENING
Farming & Agriculture
New law helps NH schools access local food
“Gov. Chris Sununu signed off earlier this month on a two-year, $250,000 pilot program that will incentivize selected New Hampshire schools to buy local. The program, established by House Bill 1678, will reimburse chosen schools for certain foods that “originate in New Hampshire.” Approved items include meats, fruits, vegetables — and, in New Hampshire fashion, cider and maple syrup.” - NH Business Review
New farm-to-table style market opens in Loudon
"‘We are excited to bring these healthy options to Loudon and showcase the incredible diversity and quality of products that our local vendors and farmers have to offer," Noah Dumont, manager of Pasture2Plate, said. "Our goal is to connect consumers with the source of their food, promote sustainability, and celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of our area.’” - Patch.com
UNH Researchers study potential for duckweed to replace chemical fertilizer
“Duckweed, a common aquatic plant in New Hampshire's lakes, ponds and streams could help filter excess nutrients contaminating water, and then be used as a green manure – i.e., living plants that are incorporated or plowed into the soil – in agricultural systems. Research by New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station (NHAES) scientists seeks to understand how effectively growing duckweed in different bodies of water can capture excess nutrients, and then how to safely use the resulting harvested living duckweed as fertilizer on farms.” - UNH Today
GRANITE GOVERNING
Politics & Governance
New law improves access to legal services for those in need
“In 2022, the Legislature approved one of the nation’s first pilot projects allowing paralegals to represent clients in domestic violence, family law, and housing cases at court locations in Manchester, Berlin, and Franklin. The existing pilot would have sunset at the end of 2024. SB 361 extends the pilot project by five years and expands it to all District Division and Family Division court locations, statewide.” - In Depth NH
NH removes barriers to training more LNA’s
“A new law will make it easier for people who speak English as a second language to become licensed nursing assistants in New Hampshire. This comes as a shortage of LNAs is taxing the state’s health care system. In April, one in five LNA positions at hospitals were vacant, according to a survey by the New Hampshire Hospital Association.” - NH Public Radio
NH Receives Federal Approval to Expand Medicaid Coverage for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services
“Program Includes New Focus to Support Incarcerated Individuals Transitioning to Community Settings... This federal authority will strengthen the ability of Granite Staters to access key and affordable mental health and substance use treatment services when, where, and how they most need them.” - NH Dept. of Health & Human Services
GRANITE GROWTH
Infrastructure & Economy
USDA rural development program awards $475,000 to Franconia, NH to build recreational facility
“Grant funds will support the construction of a year-round recreation facility for key activities like an outdoor refrigerated ice rink and pickleball and basketball courts. The project will diversify outdoor activity options, attract tourists year-round to the town center, and provide a recreational resource for the local community.” - Northern Border Regional Development Commission
New Transfer Guarantee Smooths Path from Community College to Four-Year Degree
“Plymouth State University is among five colleges and universities that have simplified transfer for students who earn associate degrees from the Community College System of New Hampshire and want to pursue their bachelor’s degree at a four-year New Hampshire institution.” - Plymouth State University
New workforce apprenticeship program launched
“The Sanel NAPA sales apprenticeship reflects the growing popularity of registered apprenticeships outside of the construction trades. While construction and manufacturing remain the leading industries for apprenticeships, ApprenticeshipNH, in partnership with the Office of Apprenticeship, is increasingly developing programs in health care, behavioral health, education, hospitality, information technology and business.” - NH Business Review
Keene begins construction on new skate park
“The new, approximately 8,000-square-foot skate park in East Keene comes after the city invested more than $1 million in improvements associated with nearby Patricia Russell Park, formerly known as Carpenter Field, including two playgrounds, an updated athletic field and community green space.” - NH Business Review
Homebuyers in New Hampshire Can Now Receive Up to $15,000 in Downpayment Assistance
“New Hampshire Housing announces a significant update to its Cash Assistance Program, effective August 1st. The updated program simplifies and increases downpayment assistance by replacing the previous percentage-based structure with fixed amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. This change raises the previous assistance cap from $10,000 to $15,000, providing greater support for homebuyers.” - New Hampshire Housing
GRANITE GADGETS
Science & Innovation
University of New Hampshire Launches Space Technology Hub
“In opening its doors to engage more closely with businesses, the Space Technology Hub will help fulfill critical needs in the rapidly growing commercial space sector. The World Economic Forum estimates that the space economy will reach $1.8 trillion by the year 2035 as satellite and rocket-enabled technologies become increasingly prevalent.” - UNH Today
EPA Picks UNH to Lead New Stormwater Center of Excellence
“The University of New Hampshire has been selected to lead the Cold Climate Center of Excellence for Stormwater Infrastructure Technology (CCCESIT)… The center, which will be led along with a team at the University of Minnesota, received $1.5 million to be used for research, technical assistance and workforce development aimed at improving stormwater infrastructure and safeguarding water quality.” - UNH Today
New Hampshire Life Sciences supports established, and emerging, industry
“New Hampshire Life Sciences, a Bedford-based industry trade group that became an official nonprofit a year ago, is working to make sure that industry stakeholders, and the public at large, understand and benefit from the state’s strong life sciences industry.”
“Taylor Caswell, BEA commissioner, told Ink Link that the life science industry is growing in New Hampshire because of the state’s favorable business environment, proximity to Cambridge, Massachusetts, which has a robust life sciences industry, and the Advance Regenerative Manufacturing Institute project in Manchester’s Millyard.”
A report from NH Life Sciences stated that the industry:
“Represented 11,290 jobs with average salaries of $130,848 a year”
“…grew 15% in New Hampshire from 2012-2021”
Is “expected to add 727 jobs by 2026” - Manchester Ink Link
GRANITE GREENERY
Environment & Nature
SELT Conserves 558 Acres in Milton, Protecting Critical Habitat and Drinking Water Supply
“On July 12, SELT successfully completed the conservation of the 558-acre Jones Brook property in Milton. The property represents a significant resource for drinking water as it lies entirely within the Somersworth Water Works Source Water Protection Area. In addition, the Jones Brook parcel is rich with diverse habitat for plants and wildlife, and encompasses two miles of Jones Brook and Hart Brook, which are known to contain native brook trout and other aquatic species of concern.” - Southeast Land Trust of NH
Hopkinton family donates 455 acres for land conservation
“The 455 acres in Hopkinton and Henniker donated to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests for permanent conservation are a blend of open fields, forests, wetlands and a beaver pond.” - Concord Monitor
SELT Annual Report highlights 2023 successes
In 2023 the Southeast Landtrust of NH conserved 873 acres with a total value of $5.5 million. This includes “65.7 million gallons worth of floodwater mitigated from SELT-conserved wetlands…” and “…over 50 acres of habitat created for “woodcock, ruffed grouse, whip-poor-will- raptors...and many other small mammals.” - Southeast Land Trust of NH
GRANITE GIVING
Nonprofits & Philanthropy
Bean Foundation announces $178k in grants to local non-profits
“The Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation has awarded grants made at its June 2024 funding meeting totaling over $178,000 across six organizations. These grants will support non-profit organizations in the communities of Manchester and Amherst that provide services in the areas of human services, education, public benefit, and the environment.” - Manchester Ink Link
Swim With a Mission raises over $2.7 million in support of veterans
“Swim With A Mission (SWAM) celebrated its 8th year with an impressive show of support for Veterans… drawing over 300 swimmers from around the world for an exhilarating open water race. Participants competed in various categories, including 1K, 5K, 10K individual races, and a 10K team-relay, alongside Navy SEALs in support and honor of Veterans.” - Manchester Ink Link
GRANITE GOSSIP
Positive content about NH
UNH Cooperative Extension: Shared Soil— The podcast is dedicated to creating community, honoring challenges, and encouraging personal and professional growth for all people in agriculture.
Episode 7: Diversification on the Farm: Kendall Kunelius, Rebecca Dube, and AOR Farmers John and Erin discuss the benefits of diversifying farm enterprises for risk management, financial sustainability, and personal enjoyment. They emphasize the importance of choosing enterprises that fit the farm's operations and vision, rather than solely focusing on profits.
NHPR: Give Back NH— Give Back New Hampshire is a bi-weekly segment that spotlights nonprofit organizations across the Granite State.
Freedom Reins Therapeutic Riding Center: “On this week’s episode of Give Back New Hampshire, we focus on Freedom Reins Therapeutic Riding Center.
Founded in 2021, Freedom Reins is dedicated to using the power of horses, teams, and communities to improve the lives of all ages, means, and challenges through the experience of therapeutic riding and activities.”
City of Dover, NH: Dover Download - Dover Download is a weekly look at what's happening in the City of Dover, New Hampshire, hosted by Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker.
Balancing Growth and Conservation: Dover's Master Plan in Action: “In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Erin Bassegio, Outreach Coordinator for the Planning Department and Office of Business Development, and Jackson Kaspari, the city's Resilience Manager, about the ongoing update to the Conservation and Open Space chapter of Dover's Master Plan.”
GRANITE GREATNESS
Human Interest & Our Favorite Stories
Grant helps North Country students rebuild and fly an airplane
“Students at a high school aviation program in North Conway are getting the chance to rebuild a defunct plane — and put it back in the air… The Mount Washington Valley Career and Technical Center in North Conway, New Hampshire and the Eastern Slope Aviation Academy in Fryeburg, Maine have received a $500,000 federal grant to fund the project.”
“One of the most fun things is seeing a student come down from what we call a ‘discovery flight’ — that's their very first flight,” Schrader said. “They come down and they're just all smiles or crazy ecstatic.” - NH Public Radio
That’s it for this edition of the Good News in New Hampshire Newsletter. This newsletter is free and shareable to anyone anywhere. We also post on Instagram and Linkedin.
If you are hungry for good news beyond the borders of the Granite State, I encourage you to check out our friends at Fix the News or the Progress Network.
Thanks for reading!
-Andy