SALEM: Liberty and Unitil announced the launch of their Main Street promotion, offering Salem businesses a no-cost energy-efficiency assessment through the NHSaves program. This initiative aims to help local businesses reduce their electric and natural gas usage, ultimately saving money on energy bills. The no-cost assessment will identify opportunities for energy savings, including the installation of Wi-Fi thermostats, refrigeration and lighting controls, energy-efficient equipment upgrades (HVAC, heating and water heating systems, commercial kitchen appliances, etc.), and additional insulation and air sealing. Businesses participating in the assessment will receive a detailed report on recommended improvements, cost estimates and information on available incentives from Liberty and Unitil NHSaves programs. Qualified projects may also be eligible for zero-interest financing.
CONCORD: On May 17, nonprofit Future In Sight raised over $95,000 during its 22nd annual signature fundraising event, the Walk For Sight. Funds raised will enable the nonprofit to continue providing vital services to children, adults and elderly in NH who are blind and visually impaired. In addition, Future In Sight enlists a group of volunteers to help meet the unique needs of its clients by providing transportation to appointments and essential errands and making friendly calls and visits to ensure that clients remain socially connected. Learn more at futureinsight.org.
NASHUA: Two New Hampshire communities have been awarded funding from the federal Environmental Protection Agency to help clean up contaminated sites known as brownfields. In Concord, a $678,000 grant will go towards cleaning up the former Concord Stables, a half-acre site that was originally used for city work horses and later as storage space. It has been vacant since 1990, and is contaminated with petroleum products and “inorganic contaminants.” Additionally, the Nashua Regional Planning Commission received $1.5 million to help with assessments and cleanup plans for sites like a former machine shop, a former textile processing mill and turbine facility, and a former police training academy. The planning commission will use $1 million of that funding, provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to create a revolving loan fund that will be used to develop cleanup plans. Some of the funding in each city will go towards engaging community members during the projects.
PLYMOUTH: The Museum of the White Mountains (MWM) at Plymouth State University (PSU) will launch an exhibition called “The White Mountains: A Crossroads,” examining the history of communities in the Franconia Notch region. It will be open to the public through Saturday, September 13. The exhibit looks at the past, present and future of the towns of Bethlehem, Franconia, Lincoln, Woodstock and Plymouth. In addition, there will also be four thematic sections that explore the connections among the towns: “Structures That Bind” includes photos and narratives about how small communities in New England formally come together; “The Architecture of Community” looks at how people create community in a built environment; “Subsistence and Beyond” addresses the impact of agriculture on communities; and “Growth through Renewal,” centered on the Bethlehem Historical Society building, shows how each of the communities have reinvented themselves over the years.
BEDFORD: Granite State Cabinetry hosted this year’s Palace Theatre Kitchen Tour, in its 18th consecutive year, offering visitors a look inside seven kitchens that showcased incredible design and craftsmanship. The popular annual event drew over 250 participants who were eager to explore these spaces. By purchasing tour tickets and through generous sponsorships, the community raised over $60,000 for the Palace Theatre’s performance and youth programs. Homeowners allowed tour-goers to marvel at innovative cabinetry, unique layouts and creative design solutions.
