NHBR About Town: Week of May 8, 2026
Business and event happenings around the state of NH
NHBR About Town: Week of May 8, 2026
Business and event happenings around the state of NH
1. April 20 was the second year for SEE Science Center’s Park2Park Clean-up Event, a collaboration between the Science Center, Manchester Connects, and the City of Manchester Parks Recreation and Cemetery Division. To prepare for Earth Day, 227 volunteers spent two hours collecting debris, accumulating 266 trash bags and 20 containers of sharps from 15 parks across four city wards. Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast purchased extra reusable supplies so that more volunteers could help.
2. Mark Rubinstein, chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire, was recently recognized in Concord for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of early childhood education. Rubenstein received the Early Learning Champion Award for his work with securing funding as tuition support for those pursuing an early childhood education degree or certificate at any New Hampshire community college.
3. Bank of New Hampshire is sponsoring the Winnipesaukee Playhouse’s 2026 Community and Education season. The nonprofit playhouse develops and stages professional and community-based productions and provides performing arts opportunities for community members. Bank of New Hampshire is celebrating 195 years of supporting customers around the state.
4. The Seabrook charity casino The Brook has revealed its entertainment lineup for The Secret Garden, an indoor/outdoor venue that will host live music, comedy and other events this year. The season kicked off April 25 with a performance from G. Love & Special Sauce, and concludes Sept. 26 with headliners Big Head Todd and the Monsters. The Secret Garden features pergolas, garden paths, fire pits and a 5,400-square-foot glass conservatory. The venue is open daily for dinner and Sunday brunch.
5. Easterseals NH recently held a graduation ceremony in Manchester to recognize six staff members who earned professional certification through the agency’s partnership with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). From left: Easterseals NH staff members Michelle “MJ” Jenne, Louise LaRocca, Ginely “Gigi” Bartholomew, Jacqueline Jackson and Brianna Pratt. Not pictured: Amande Berwick. Each DSP-I graduate completed 50 hours of accredited training and passed a rigorous competency evaluation. Brianna Pratt became the organization’s first DSP-II graduate, completing 100 hours.
6. During Great Bay Community College’s 80th anniversary celebration on April 22, the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) presented the 2026 Walter R. Peterson Award for Education and Public Service to the Stebbins family, combining a milestone in education in the Seacoast region with one of the state’s most meaningful recognitions of public service. Pictured: Alison Stebbins and her grandchildren receive a custom painting by a GBCC student from CCSNH Chancellor Dr. Mark Rubinstein.
7. New Hampshire Children’s Trust (NHCT) has received $89,962.31 through its charitable gaming partnership with Revo Casino & Social House in Manchester. From left: Ken Darby, Revo Casino and Social House general manager; Kat Challis, senior director of development; Nick Riso, senior director of finance; Nicole Heller, former senior director of programs and impact; Jen Paveglio, development and events specialist; and Linsday Allsop, director of operations and impact. For more information about New Hampshire Children’s Trust, visit www.nhchildrenstrust.org.
