New Hampshire
Pond hockey in New Hampshire brightens winter for hundreds. But climate change threatens the sport. – The Boston Globe
Elsewhere, at New York’s Saranac Lake, a palace constructed from thousands of blocks of ice was closed during the winter carnival Saturday due to safety concerns as it melted away. The same day in Maine, an 88-year-old man died when the all-terrain vehicle he was on plunged through the ice after a fishing trip, the latest in a series of such accidents.
In the Midwest, there has been a decrease in both the extent and duration of ice cover on the Great Lakes, while some smaller lakes have lost about 20 total days of annual ice cover over the past century, said Ted Ozersky, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
He said the rapid changes also could affect wildlife and ecosystems. “We really don’t know what this loss of winter means for our lakes,” Ozersky said.
Last year was the warmest ever recorded on Earth, and a natural El Nino weather pattern has made winter even milder in some places.
In Meredith, players traveled from around the country for the tournament that began Feb. 2. The rules were four per side with no goalies, and players ranged in ability from beginners to former professionals.
In all, 275 teams competed across 26 rinks surrounded by small, portable barriers and tended to by skaters carrying snow shovels. There were no referees, and players had to aim the puck at one of two tiny goals. Some hardy spectators watched all day, including one family that wore crampons for traction.
One team arrived decked out in furry coats, another set up a barbecue and most started socializing the moment their games were over.
“It’s the most fun weekend of the year,” said Kelly Kittredge, a former college player whose “Boston Beauties” team ended up finishing second in the women’s open division. “This year, some warm days, but making the best of it.”
As climbing temperatures turned ice to slush on the first day of competition, some players swapped their skates for boots. Cooler temperatures on the following days made for faster action on the ice.
Pond Hockey Classic founder Scott Crowder said there’s nothing better than playing outdoors in a beautiful setting.
“For the older generation, it’s nostalgic. It’s how they grew up playing. They’d go down to the local park and pond, and strap on their skates and play all afternoon,” Crowder said. “I think anybody that’s ever laced up a pair of skates, having the opportunity to skate outside just pulls at the heartstrings.”
Crowder said that, on average, the lake ice was about eight or nine inches thick this year, the minimum they needed to safely host the tournament. He said he can’t predict the future of the event, adding there is plenty of appetite from spectators and players, local businesses, and the township of Meredith.
“But there is one variable we can’t control,” Crowder said, referring to the weather. “And it’s a big one.”
Elizabeth Burakowski, a research assistant professor at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, said data shows New England is a U.S. hotspot when it comes to winter warming.
“I grew up in New Hampshire, and so driving up to the lakes in northern New Hampshire, Lake Winnipesaukee, you typically expect by January that things are fully iced over,” she said. “That there’s snowmobilers out there, there’s ice fishing going on. And in recent years, that’s just not what I’ve experienced.”
Kibble, for one, has made the trip from Milton every year since the tournament began 15 years ago and has no plans to stop now. His team competes in the over-50s age group these days, and he jokes that the moniker on his shirt, “Eggs,” refers as much to his body shape as his team’s eggnog tradition. He says it’s all about the camaraderie.
“Just being outdoors, skating, playing hockey like we used to when we were kids,” he said.
New Hampshire
Stabbing Victim Dies, Man Faces Murder Charge | Riot At The Beach, Dozens Arrested | More: PM Patch NH
Community Corner
Also: Massive brush fire goes to 4 alarms; small businesses raise concerns about labor shortage; Planet Fitness bathroom policy under fire.
CONCORD, NH — Here are some share-worthy stories from the New Hampshire Patch network to discuss this afternoon and evening.
This post features stories and information published during the past 24 hours.
Ayotte Kicks Off New Hampshire’s Summer Travel And Tourism Season With Ice Cream And Apple Crisp: Video: Officials say New Hampshire’s Original Ice Cream Trail offers 69 “must-visit” shops in every part of the Granite State this summer.
Find out what’s happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Manchester Man Accused Of Stabbing Another Man Outside Queen City Gas Station: Antonio Cajigas was charged with one count of second-degree murder for causing the death of Christopher Marcoux by stabbing him on Monday.
Hampton Beach Sees 51 Arrests After Fights Prompt Unlawful Assembly Declaration: Police said 127 calls for service were logged, and charges include riot, assault, driving under the influence, and disorderly conduct.
Find out what’s happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Concord, Other Firefighters Extinguish Massive Brush Fire Near Webster Town Line: Video: With some help from the National Guard, firefighters and forestry units found several fires near power lines off Blackwater Road Wednesday.
Concord Planet Fitness Bathroom Controversy Puts Statehouse Bill Battle In Spotlight: When Judy Walcott raised concerns about a man in the women’s bathroom, PF canceled her membership, charged an extra month, and called cops.
Help Wanted: NH Small Businesses Say Labor Shortage Still Top Concern: The National Federation of Independent Business says finding qualified workers and dealing with the impacts of inflation are big concerns.
Milford Trout Fishing Derby At Ryefield Farm Offers Free Entry, Food, Prizes: Former WWE Superstar Ted Arcidi is hosting a free trout fishing derby in Milford with stocked fishing and tagged trout prizes.
Concord Artist Saad Hindal Chosen To Design 52nd Annual Market Days Festival Poster: The new poster contest invited Concord Arts Market artists to create a design reflecting Market Days and Concord.
Teacher Of The Year Down To 3 | Indictments | Cheapest Gas For Memorial Day Weekend | More: PM Patch NH: Executive councilor makes right-to-know request concerning murder-suicide case; Granite State Challenge finals; neo-Nazi trial delayed.
Cheap Gas, Part 2
Here are some more posts about where to find cheap gas in your community.
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Portsmouth: Wreath-laying ceremony and parade with ‘rare’ route
The city announced its Memorial Day observances for 2026, beginning with the annual wreath‑laying ceremony on Friday, May 22, at 11 a.m. in Prescott Park.
The event, held rain or shine, will feature a performance by the Portsmouth Middle School ensemble and a wreath placed on the Piscataqua River to honor service members lost at sea.
On Monday, May 25, at 1 p.m., the city will host a Memorial Day/250th Commemorative Parade. The parade will step off from Parrott Avenue, turn onto Richards Avenue, pause for a wreath‑laying at the Logan’s Orders monument in South Cemetery, then continue along South Street to Junkins Avenue before returning to Parrott Avenue. Portions of Richards Avenue and South Street will be closed to parking and traffic during the event. In case of rain, a ceremony will be held inside City Hall Council Chambers.
The Recreation Department is encouraging residents along the route to decorate and watch from their porches, noting Portsmouth does not host a Memorial Day parade every year and a parade along Richards Avenue and this stretch of South Street is “especially rare.”
City facilities will be closed on Monday, May 25, and there will be no trash or recycling pickup that day; Monday’s collection will be combined with Tuesday’s. The Portsmouth Public Library and Community Campus will be closed May 23–25.
Also on Memorial Day, the USS Albacore Submarine Memorial Park will hold its annual ceremony at 10 a.m.
Dover: Ceremony at Pine Hill Cemetery
A Memorial Day ceremony will be held on Monday, May 25, 2026, beginning at 11 a.m. at Pine Hill Cemetery and hosted by Dover’s Woodman Museum and American Legion Post 8.
The event will include opening remarks by Woodman Museum Executive Director Jonathan Nichols, a Memorial Day address by Dover Mayor Dennis Shanahan, remarks by American Legion Commander Wayne Gower, a wreath-laying ceremony, presentation of colors by the Dover High School NJROTC, the playing of Taps by Dover High School students Sofia Gonzalez Ramirez and Michael Ranti, and the national anthem, performed by Dover High School student Luna Hubbard.
The ceremony will be held at Veterans Circle, which can be accessed from the East Watson Street entrance to the cemetery.
Durham
Remembrance ceremony will be held Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park on Main Street. Community members are invited to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting the country.
Exeter: Memorial Day parade to honor the fallen
The town’s annual Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 25, beginning at 10 a.m. at Swasey Parkway. A helicopter wreath drop is scheduled to take place at the parkway before the parade steps off.
The procession will travel from Swasey Parkway to the bandstand, continue to the Historical Society, and conclude at Gale Park Cemetery. This year’s featured speaker will be General Don Bolduc.
“We hope everybody comes out to honor the fallen,” said Florence Ruffner, who organizes the parade. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Hampton area: Army veteran Kyle Saltonstall to speak
The Hamptons American Legion Post 35 will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday, May 25, and the public is invited to attend.
The day will begin at 8 a.m. with a ceremony at the Marine Memorial at Hampton Beach, followed by a 9 a.m. ceremony at Weare Common in Hampton Falls. At 10 a.m., North Hampton will hold its Memorial Day parade, which follows a new route this year; units will form at 9:45 a.m. in the library parking lot on Atlantic Avenue, and a ceremony will take place in front of North Hampton School after the parade. The Hampton parade will step off at 11:30 a.m., with units forming at 11:15 a.m. next to the Hampton Fire Department on Winnacunnet Road, and a ceremony will follow at High Street Cemetery.
This year’s guest speaker is Army veteran Kyle Saltonstall, who deployed to Afghanistan in 2016 as an Advanced Tactical Paramedic with the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), known as the Night Stalkers. His military honors include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Parachutist Badge.
Post 35 invites all veterans and Scout units from Hampton, North Hampton and Hampton Falls to participate in both the North Hampton and Hampton parades.
Newfields: Memorial Day & USA 250th celebration
The town of Newfields will mark Memorial Day weekend and the nation’s 250th anniversary with a full slate of events May 23–24.
Festivities begin Saturday, May 23, with an 8:30 a.m. naval launch at Chapman’s Landing. A Bill Tebo sign unveiling will follow, leading into the town’s parade and picnic at Hilton Field at 11 a.m. The afternoon features a 2 p.m. U.S. Militia vs. Red Coats skirmish and a 5 p.m. militia encampment.
Events continue Sunday, May 24, starting with a 9 a.m. pancake breakfast. An old‑fashioned fireman’s muster is scheduled for 4 p.m., followed by food trucks, a beer tent, and family activities beginning at 6 p.m. The celebration concludes with fireworks at 9 p.m. A rain date is set for Monday, May 25.
Rochester: Flags of Honor and parade
Vouchers for Veterans and the city of Rochester announced Flags of Honor will again put heroism on display at Rocester Common over Memorial Day weekend, May 23–25.
Flags of Honor is a display of 550 full-sized American flags arranged within and around the ⅓-mile oval park, each flag dedicated to an individual veteran.
“Every year we witness several people wiping away tears as they stroll among the field of flags, reading names on each card,” said Jeanne Grover, Vouchers for Veterans founder and board president. “We are so grateful to the city of Rochester for partnering with us so that this display is available for the community.”
Each evening at 7 p.m., buglers will play echo taps, and a bagpiper will perform while walking among the field of flags. Some of the flags will be dedicated by local businesses in memory of individual New Hampshire and Maine veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. The remaining flags will be dedicated to any American veteran of the community’s choosing. Each flag is identified with a laminated card containing the name, branch, rank, and insignia of the veteran being honored, and is attached to its own flagpole with a yellow silk ribbon.
On Monday, May 25, the Rochester Memorial Day Parade will conclude at the Rochester Common at approximately 11 a.m.., followed by a ceremony.
Information: vouchersforveterans.org
Somersworth
A Memorial Day parade and services will be held Monday May 25.
Services will be held as follows: 9:15 a.m. at Forest Glade Cemetery, 9:30 a.m. at Greek Orthodox Cemetery, 9:45 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 10:15 a.m. at Holy Trinity Cemetery and 10:25 a.m. at Tri-City Covenant Church Cemetery.
The parade will start at 11:30 a.m. at the American Legion. There will be two brief ceremonies at Veterans Memorial on Main Street and at the Berwick Bridge.
Stratham: Memorial Day parade and ceremony
The town of Stratham will hold its Memorial Day parade and ceremony on Monday, May 25.
The parade steps off at 1:30 p.m. from Jack Rabbit Lane and will travel east along Portsmouth Avenue to Stratham Hill Park, featuring fire trucks, police vehicles, the Cooperative Middle School band, Scouts, youth sports teams, antique cars and trucks, and other community groups. Portsmouth Avenue between Jack Rabbit Lane and the park will be closed to traffic during the procession.
A Memorial Day ceremony will follow in the Veterans Memorial Garden at Stratham Hill Park. The guest speaker will be Joe Pace, executive director of the American Independence Center in Exeter and a Stratham native with a long record of public service, including roles in local government, education, and Rotary leadership.
The wreath‑laying will be performed by lifelong resident Josephine “Jody” Wiggin Scamman, daughter of Stratham’s first fire chief and wife of its third. She will be joined by Stratham Fire Chief Jeffrey M. Denton, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel who served more than 26 years in the New Hampshire Air National Guard.
Master of Ceremonies Jeff Gallagher said this year’s observance carries added meaning as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“The parade allows us to celebrate and honor as a community,” he said.
Kittery, Maine
A Memorial Day service will be held at Orchard Grove Cemetery at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 23.
Kennebunks, Maine
Kennebunkport and Kennebunk will each hold Memorial Day parades on Monday, May 25, with ceremonies planned to honor those who died in military service.
The day begins with a sequence of salutes at local memorials and cemeteries starting at 7:30 a.m. at the American Legion Monument, followed by stops in Cape Porpoise, Arundel Cemetery, and North Street Cemetery, according to the event schedule.
A breakfast for parade marchers will be held at the Masonic Hall at 7:30 a.m., and Temple Street will close to general traffic at 8:45 a.m. Participants must be in place by 9 a.m., with the Kennebunkport parade stepping off at 9:30 a.m. The procession will return to Dock Square for a ceremony at 10 a.m., and the parade will conclude by 10:30 a.m.
A Legion Social for veterans, members, and parade participants will follow at noon.
Kennebunk’s parade begins at 2 p.m., preceded by a 1:30 p.m. band concert on the steps of Town Hall. The parade route starts at Town Hall on Summer Street, proceeds through Main and High streets, and ends at the fire station on Summer Street.
Any military veteran wishing to march — regardless of American Legion membership — is invited to meet at the Masonic Hall for breakfast and information and be on Temple Street by 9 a.m. to join the parade.
Participants include American Legion Post 159, American Legion Riders, the Dunlap Highland Band, Kennebunk Middle and High School bands, Boy Scout Troop 304, and the Kennebunkport police and fire departments.
Wells, Maine
The town of Wells is inviting residents and visitors to gather in remembrance for the 2026 Memorial Day Parade, scheduled for Monday, May 25, at 9 a.m.
The annual event honors the men and women who died in service to the nation, as well as all veterans and active‑duty members of the Armed Forces.
The parade will step off from Wells High School on Sanford Road and proceed east along Route 109 before turning south on Post Road (Route 1). It will conclude at Ocean View Cemetery, where a memorial ceremony will take place.
This year’s participants include the Committee for Veterans Affairs, the Atlantic Harmonies Youth Choir, Rev. David Hughes of Wells Congregational Church, the Wells‑Ogunquit Community School District music departments, Wells EMS, Wells Police, Wells Fire Department, the Civil Air Patrol Maine Wing, local veterans and town officials.
All veterans and current service members who wish to march are encouraged to join and should gather at the Wells Town Hall parking lot at 8:30 a.m. RSVPs are appreciated but not required.
York, Maine
The York Committee for Veteran’s Affairs will hold the town’s annual Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 25, beginning at 10 a.m.
The parade will step off from St. Christopher’s Church and proceed through town to First Parish Cemetery, with stops at the Soldiers Monument, the Korea, World War II, Revolutionary War and Old Cemetery memorials, the Civil War cannon, the World War I memorial, and the Vietnam Memorial.
A ceremony will follow at First Parish Church. The event is sponsored by the York Committee for Veteran’s Affairs and the town of York Parks and Recreation Department.
Sanford, Maine
The Sanford Veterans Memorial Committee is inviting the community to its Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 25, honoring past and present service members.
Wreath‑laying ceremonies will begin at 7:45 a.m. at Central Park, followed by stops at St. Ignatius Cemetery (8 a.m.), Oakdale Cemetery (8:15 a.m.), Sailors Park (8:30 a.m.), Riverside Cemetery (8:45 a.m.), Notre Dame Cemetery (9 a.m.), and Number One Pond (9:15 a.m.).
The Memorial Day parade will step off at 10 a.m., traveling from Number One Pond to Main Street and continuing to the gazebo at Walgreens in Springvale, where the town’s Memorial Ceremony will take place.
If you have more events for this listing, send email to news@seacoastonline.com or news@fosters.com.
New Hampshire
Beginner’s Guide To Sushi: Start With California Rolls And Spicy Crab Rolls At These Local Spots
If you’ve ever looked at a sushi menu and thought, “I have absolutely no idea what any of this means…” you are definitely not alone. I was there once. I was thrown into the fire rather quickly.
For a lot of people, sushi can feel intimidating at first. Raw fish? Seaweed? Tiny little sauces? Words you can’t pronounce?
But once you figure out the basics… it becomes one of those foods you suddenly crave all the time.
I’m deep into the Sushi and I would get the giant boat and probably try to eat it all.
And after asking the station App and Facebook listeners where the BEST sushi spots are in New Hampshire… let’s just say New Hampshire has opinions. Favorites, to there is no good place for sushi, lol)
First Things First… What Exactly Is Sushi?
A lot of people think sushi just means raw fish.
Not exactly.
Sushi is actually the seasoned rice. (I didn’t know this) The fish, veggies, crab, shrimp, avocado, cucumber and all the other ingredients are what get paired with it.
Here are the beginner basics:
Sushi Roll
Credit: Getty Images
Rice and ingredients rolled in seaweed and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Usually the most approachable for beginners.
Nigiri
Credit: Getty Images
Slices of fish served over rice.
Simple. Fresh. More “traditional.”
Sashimi
Credit: Getty Images
Just the fish by itself.
No rice.
This is usually for people who are already deep into their sushi era.
Best Beginner Sushi Rolls to Try
If you’re new to sushi, don’t immediately jump into something super adventurous.
Start here:
- California Roll
- Spicy Crab Roll
- Shrimp Tempura Roll
- Philly Roll
- Sweet Potato Roll
- Crunchy Rolls
A lot of these are cooked, crunchy, creamy, or have familiar flavors that make sushi WAY less intimidating.
And yes… it is completely acceptable to drench it in soy sauce your first few times. You will usually get soy sauce, ginger and wasabi. Be very careful with the wasabi. Too much and your eyes will water and your mouth and nose will feel it.
READ MORE: Experience Breathtaking Ocean Views At Cliff House, Maine
So Where Should You Actually Go in New Hampshire?
After asking you on Facebook at the app, these places came up over and over again.
Orient Pearl
Chris Kozlowski said:
“Orient Pearl in Epping has the biggest rolls for the best prices by far!”
Big portions and beginner-friendly pricing is honestly a great combo if you’re trying sushi for the first time.
Domo Japanese Cuisine (Portsmouth)
Jackie Orosz recommended Domo in Portsmouth and mentioned they’re currently closed for renovations but expected to reopen sometime in August.
If you know Portsmouth food people… Domo gets mentioned A LOT.
Kume Bistro (Newmarket)
This might’ve been the most-mentioned spot overall.
Jenna George simply said:
Kume (Seabrook)
Mike Scott also shouted them out, and Cecile Rhines made it VERY clear:
“Kume in Seabrook. NOT the Epping location. The SEABROOK location.”
When listeners start specifying locations that passionately… you know they mean business.
Sushi Time (Plaistow)
Shelly Dawn called it her favorite, while Billy Bartlett added:
“Sushi Time in Plaistow is pretty freaking amazing.”
Multiple votes usually means it’s worth the drive.
Delaney’s Hole In The Wall (North Conway)
Diane Blake recommended this North Conway favorite.
A lot of people know Delaney’s for comfort food and pub vibes… but apparently the sushi deserves attention too.
Koung Sushi Mart (Laconia)
Michelle Renée Renzi shouted out Koung Sushi Mart in both Meredith and Laconia.
Locals LOVE hidden gems like this.
Kumo Sushi (Windham)
Rachelle Rachelle said:
“Kumo Sushi is delicious. The owners are super kind and the food is oh so fresh.”
Honestly… fresh fish and kind owners is basically the perfect sushi combo.
Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse (Salem)
Kathy Keefe Botterman recommended Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse.
Great option if your group has sushi lovers AND people who just want hibachi.
Lemongrass Restaurant and Sake Bar (Moltenborough)
Another recommendation from Michelle Renée Renzi.
Lemongrass has one of those “date night but also casual enough for a random Tuesday” vibes.
Final Beginner Sushi Advice
If you’re brand new to sushi:
- Start with cooked rolls
- Don’t overthink it
- Try multiple things
- Go with friends who know sushiDon’t be afraid to ask questions
And most importantly…
Ignore Sean Patten, who commented:
“No such thing as a good sushi spot.”
Because based on the WOKQ listeners… New Hampshire might secretly be loaded with them.
37 New Hampshire Restaurants Locals Always Recommend To Friends
Gallery Credit: Sarah Sullivan
Iconic Diners in New Hampshire
There’s just something about a diner… the coffee that never stops coming, the same booth people have probably been sitting in for 30 years, and a breakfast that somehow hits every single time.
As I’ve been getting to know New Hampshire, one thing became very clear — this state LOVES its diners. And not just any diners… we’re talking iconic, been-here-forever, locals-swear-by-it kind of places.
So I went down the rabbit hole (and got very hungry in the process) and pulled together some of the most iconic diners across the Granite State.
Did we get your favorite? Or are you already mad we missed one? 😅
Gallery Credit: Garret Doll
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