CONCORD: Granite VNA is seeking volunteers from New Hampshire-based communities. From providing patient companionship and caregiver respite to supporting community health and bereavement programs, volunteers play a critical role in helping Granite VNA fulfill its mission. The agency currently has a critical need for volunteers to visit patients on hospice in their homes, veteran volunteers to support fellow veterans on hospice and certified pet therapy teams. Prospective volunteers can learn more at www.granitevna.org/join-our-team/volunteer/.
PORTSMOUTH: Federal benefits marketplace operator FedPoint has announced the sponsorship of 52 merit scholarships through the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) Scholarship Program, which supports the educational aspirations of federal employees and their families, helping to make college more accessible and affordable. FedPoint has partnered with FEEA since 2007, investing $65,000 annually in the scholarship fund.
BERLIN: Androscoggin Valley Hospital (AVH), a critical access hospital serving Berlin and the greater North Country region, has launched a partnership with North Country Ophthalmology (NCO) to provide access to advanced eye care treatment, surgery and consultation for residents of northern New Hampshire. Beginning January 9, board-certified ophthalmologists from NCO will deliver in-office care at AVH on a biweekly basis, with services including evaluation and treatment for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and other chronic and urgent eye diseases. In addition, laser procedures for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and retinal tears will be available on-site, with expansion to cataract surgery planned for May 2026.
CONCORD: The New Hampshire Lottery set a new milestone in November 2025, delivering more than $6 million to New Hampshire public education solely through sports betting – which eclipses the all-time, single-month sports betting revenue record by 8.5%. With the NFL and NCAA football leading the way, New Hampshire players placed nearly $96 million in wagers during November 2025.
PLYMOUTH: The New Hampshire Electric Cooperative board of directors has approved two rate changes that will raise the average residential member’s bill by less than 1%: Beginning Jan. 1, the Distribution kWh Charge increased from 4.7 cents per kilowatt-hour to 5.9 cents. This will be largely offset by a $5.66 reduction in the monthly Member Service Charge. On Feb. 1, the Co-op Power Charge will decrease from 11.5 cents per kilowatt-hour to 11.1 cents, while the Regional Access Charge will rise from 3.9 cents per kilowatt-hour to 4.3 cents. Coop board chair Bill Darcy cites increased costs for wires and transformers, along with electric rate increases elsewhere, as the reasoning behind the changed rates for users.
