🌱 MHALT Hosts Informational Session + Homeless Encampment Reemerges

Welcome back, Manchester! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: An afternoon shower in spots. High: 78 Low: 54.
• Friday: Sun and some clouds. High: 81 Low: 58.

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Here are the top three stories today in Manchester:

1. According to a recent study by Printed Pet Memories, New Hampshire pet owners are ranked sixth in the nation for spending money on their pets. Based on a Google search using a variety of pet-related phrases common in all 50 states, the study showed that there were 625.7 average Google searches per 100,000 New Hampshire residents in one month. Overall, this study found that pet owners spent $138.6 billion on their pets in 2022. (manchesterinklink.com)
2. Officials from the newly-launched Manchester Housing Alliance Land Trust will host an educational session on Thursday, May 18 at Bookery Manchester. The event will include leaders who can elaborate further on what a land trust is, how the city plans to operate, and how community members can be a part of finding solutions to the housing crisis in Manchester and many surrounding areas. (manchesterinklink.com)
3. Advocates in Manchester are urging the city to make changes as an encampment that was previously shut down earlier this year reemerged. The reemergence of this homeless encampment comes after a shelter on Beech Street announced it would be closing its doors by the end of next month. Manchester officials say they are doing everything they can to help those who are struggling but are hoping for more support from the state since homelessness has been a statewide problem. (WMUR)

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Today and tomorrow in Manchester:

Thursday, May 11

• Advanced Social Skills Class At A.B.A. Behavioral Consulting (1:00 PM)
• An Evening With The Eric Mintel Quartet At The Rex Theatre (7:00 PM)

Friday, May 12

• Little Women At The Majestic Theatre (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• According to recent data, the state of New Hampshire had the fifth-lowest rate of U.S. teen driver fatalities in 2022. Bumper.com reports that “young drivers are statistically more likely than other age groups to be involved in fatal accidents.” (Bumper.com)
• Earlier this week, eight Manchester police officers were honored for exceeding expectations while serving community members. The ceremony awarded these officers with various recognitions like the Life Saving Award and Meritorious Medal for helping to save a man's life and acting quickly in a medical emergency. (Manchester NH Police)
• Four schools throughout the state were chosen as the 2023 New Hampshire Schools of Excellence, including Merrimack Valley Middle School about 25 miles away in Penacook. Every year, committee members from the state's Excellence in Education Board visit the schools that have been nominated and a select few are chosen as winners. For more information on the recognition, click here. (WMUR)

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Featured businesses:

• Polaris Charter School — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• Peacock Players Presents XANADU THE MUSICAL! (May 12)
• Great New England Craft & Artisan Pop-up Show (May 13)
• Local Meal Service Feast & Fettle, Now Serving Manchester (May 31)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.