Although readers will not be seeing this for eight days or so after Thanksgiving, writing a column two days prior to what is my and many peoples’ favorite holiday reminds this writer of the many things to be thankful for, in the face of “wars and rumors of wars,” crime, recriminations and the other noise that pollutes our lives.

At the Families in Transition breakfast on Nov. 21, 500 or so people celebrated the work of the organization that provides homes to those otherwise homeless people in the Queen City, and also runs the homeless shelter and food kitchen that is the lifeline of so many.

Speakers reminded those in attendance that FIT provides housing to as many people as were in the audience, every day. Outgoing Mayor Joyce Craig was joined at her table by Mayor-elect Jay Ruais, in an admirable show of unity and continuity that could be a model for politics these days.

Earlier in the month, the board of the Rudman Center at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law met to hear about the accomplishments of that center, formed to honor the late Sen. Warren B. Rudman. As the center has evolved, it has provided summer internships to many law students working for local and state governments, the courts and nonprofits, providing both the students and entities with legal opportunities, talent and resources that make a real difference.

Many in New Hampshire may not be aware of the innovations created at UNH Law, including the pioneering Daniel Webster Scholars program, which enables students to learn the practical skills of lawyering and to avoid taking the dreaded bar exam, opting instead to demonstrate their ability through alternate evaluations approved by the NH Supreme Court.

Another first pioneered by UNH Law has been a program of hybrid law education, recently approved by the American Bar Association, in which students are able to get their basic law degree in an online–residential experience, which increased enrollment at the school with a new approach to legal education.

Looking at other unique New Hampshire experiences to treasure, residents should think about the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, and especially its tours of the Zimmerman and Kalil Houses in the North End of Manchester. These two examples of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture are featured in a bus tour that leaves from the Currier and returns to it. Dedicated volunteers, many of them doing so in retirement, lead the tours and provide a fascinating look at part of the city not known to most Granite Staters.

As November turns into December, the charms of New Hampshire sparkle, sometimes literally! Snow appears on the mountains, ski areas and Nordic trails attract hardy souls, and the state reminds us why we are here. Also, this year, as every four years, the activity of the New Hampshire primary heats up. Secretary of State David Scanlan, in his first such announcement, set the primary for Jan. 23, which was not a great surprise.

The 2024 primary is unique, as the GOP contenders, in a smaller field than a month ago, are all in, while the Democratic contest is one between a number of unknowns and a write-in effort for President Biden, sponsored by prominent Democrats who are critical of his slighting the primary but still advocating voters so slighted to write his name on the ballot.

This apparent contradiction will add drama to the otherwise lopsided Democratic race, while presenting local election officials with the headache of a potential flood of absentee ballots to count the night of Jan. 23.

However, the inherently democratic process of letting the people speak about who they want to elect is still the strength of the tradition and worthy of celebration.

Another public development was the finding of the Superior Court in November that the New Hampshire system of funding education is unconstitutional — again!

This time, Rockingham County Superior Court Justice David Ruoff found in favor of 18 school districts that had challenged the state calculation of the cost of an “adequate education.” He found that the state’s calculation was about half of what it should be. This decision continues the series of court decisions started in the so-called Claremont law suits, seeking to over-turn the state’s system of school funding.

Why should this be a cause for celebration? On the one hand, it shows the dedication of those dedicated to public education in the state, and their interest in fairness in the treatment of all students, regardless of location. On the other, it pits the Legislature against the courts, since the majority of the state’s legislators have consistently resisted being told what to do, while continuing to provide additional public school funding on the state level.

The reason for celebration is that the debate continues to be in front of the public, which should be concerned about how New Hampshire provides for the next generation of citizens, and the debate is substantive.

Lots to think about … why not make your own list of things to be thankful for?

Brad Cook is a Manchester attorney. The views expressed in this column are his own. He can be reached at bradfordcook01@gmail.com.