The US Census Bureau conducts a census every ten years counting every resident in the United States which provides data about the nation’s people and economy. The most recent census was in 2020. The next one will take place in 2030.

We have recently seen mid-decade redistricting shenanigans going on in the country, specifically Texas and California. The states of Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri and New York are all in the “considering” stage. And now it appears New Hampshire has decided to join in the fun! While mid-decade redistricting is not illegal per the US Constitution or federal law, it is a state specific action. Some states ban the practice of mid-decade redistricting, other states permit it under certain conditions.

In NH it is legal to hold mid-decade redistricting, with that authority being held by the legislature. In 2022, the legislature and Gov. Sununu were unable to agree on a new district map. Enter the NH Supreme Court who put one in place and that’s what we have now and should have until the next redistricting in 2030. What’s notable is the current court implemented map has a difference of just one person between the two districts. 

HB 1300 is being proposed by Sen. Dan Innis-Bradford, a member of the extremist group Liberty Alliance, and Rep. Aidan Ankarberg-Rochester. Keeping in mind that the main reason of redistricting is to keep the population in each district as equal as possible, this proposal would raise that difference to 53 people. Additionally, this new proposal would put the state's three largest cities, Concord, Manchester and Nashua into one district, turning two currently competitive districts into one that would be safely blue and the other safely red. Where’s the competition and accountability in that?

If passed, this would allow politicians to choose their voters ahead of important elections, rather than VOTERS choosing their elected officials. Even Gov. Ayotte is not really on board with this idea.

This is where all of you come in. Send an email to your state representatives urging them NOT to pursue this form of gerrymandering. You can also contact the members of the Election Law Committee and tell them the same thing. Clicking on a committee name gives you their contact information.

The next Session begins just after the new year. There will be a lot more “calls to action” as we work together to preserve our democracy!

“Democracy requires constant vigilance to ensure that power does not become concentrated in the hands of a few.” 
James Madison

English immigrants had set sail in 1620 for an area near the Hudson River but arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts instead. There they depended on the goodwill and assistance of Native Americans, the Wampanoags and their Chief, Massasoit. The English immigrants were taught vital skills such as how to prepare for harsh weather conditions and cultivating the land. They learned how to grow corn, beans, squash; how to fish and hunt local wildlife. 

That first winter claimed the lives of almost half the number of original immigrants. In Nov. 1621, having already formed an alliance together, the English immigrants and the Wampanoag tribe held a three day feast in celebration of a successful harvest. 

It wasn’t until Pres. Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday. His declaration was partly an effort to unite the country during a time of deep division (Civil War). He designated the last Thurs. of Nov. a day of Thanksgiving and praise, solidifying this day of thanks with a place in American tradition, promoting a nationwide sense of unity and gratitude.

Which brings us to modern day immigration.

Human Rights Day is annually observed on Dec. 10th., commemorating the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

International Migrants Day is annually observed on Dec. 18th, recognizing and celebrating the diversity of migrant communities worldwide. It highlights the importance of supporting the rights and dignity of all migrants and refugees, no matter their backgrounds or reasons for migration.

From Dec. 10th through Dec. 18th, in the spirit of that 1621 Thanksgiving, people across the country are coming together to demand dignity, safety, and freedom for all. There are organized rallies denouncing immigration raids, detention, and deportation, while affirming everyone’s right to safety, belonging, and justice.

Here in Keene, there will be a peaceful rally on Sat. Dec. 13th from 12-1 on Central Square. On Thurs. Dec. 18th from 12-1 there will be a peaceful rally outside of Cheshire County Courthouse. There has been information recently publicized about the presence of ICE in our community. https://www.keenesentinel.com/news/local/troy-nh-police-making-immigration-arrests-under-agreement-with-feds/article_bb458eef-2c98-4c39-a68e-f39f1da85b14.html

Immigrants make our communities stronger, they should not have to live in a culture of fear. Stronger With Immigrants Week of Action | American Friends Service Committee

Friends of Democracy NH, and members of the New Hampshire Democrat House Caucus are organizing a Mitten, Hat, Glove, Scarf drive. Clean socks and coats will also be accepted. New or gently used items are greatly appreciated. 

We are asking that collections be completed by Mon., Dec. 15th. Contact your House Representative to coordinate pick-up or drop-off time(s). These donations will be taken to the State House on Dec. 17th as NH’s legislature will be in Session then for Veto Day. (For those who don’t know what this is about, just click on the link.) 

On that day, donations from around the state will be gathered, sorted and sent back to all 10 counties for use by our NH residents. Perhaps you are attending or hosting a holiday gathering in the next week or two. Ask attendees to bring a donation of their own. Maybe you can get a quick word out for donations to your place of worship or organizations you belong to. Remember to have all items ready for pick-up or drop-off by Dec. 15th.

Thank you in advance for taking a moment to help others around our state. And please share this information with friends and family.

Here we go! Gearing up for the 2026 House Session! Let’s get a jump on things by becoming aware of both the good and bad proposed legislation coming our way and what we can do about it.

The party “parental rights” and “school choice” have decided that THEY will decide for YOU what you can and cannot purchase with your EBT card/SNAP benefits. 

SB 615, proposed by Senator Victoria Sullivan, who scored an “A” on the Liberty Alliance 2025 ratings scorecard, and several other senators would like to be able to do just that. And just like registering to vote, you better have “proof of citizenship” when you apply to receive such benefits. 

While abuse, fraud and administrative errors do happen, most benefits are used legitimately. Also, law enforcement does find and recover considerable funds and catches many administrative problems. To let Sen. Sullivan know how you feel about this you can contact her here. Seriously? If a mom wants to treat either herself or her kid to a candy bar, why does she need government permission to do so?

The “Big, Bad Bill” will be causing roughly 46,000 people in New Hampshire to lose their health care coverage. Narrowing this down a bit, one of their never-ending goals is to “defund” Planned Parenthood by banning them from the Medicaid program. This is another attack on women’s rights and access to healthcare such as affordable birth control, wellness checkups and cancer screenings, in addition to reproductive choice. (There’s that “choice” word again.) What will Gov. Ayotte do to protect access to health care and Planned Parenthood health centers for the people of NH? Does she have a plan? You can contact the governor here with your concerns and questions.

Not content to legislate away all manner of revenue for the state, HB 155 is making a comeback for the next Session. This bill reduces the rate of the business enterprise tax by about $26 million for wealthy corporations in NH. What does the average NH citizen get? An increase in property taxes and rents; takes away more funding from public schools, housing, child and health care. Who is continuing to put the squeeze on NH families? Free Stater and Liberty Alliance members such as, Rep. Joe Sweeney –Salem, Rep. Joe Alexander –Goffstown, Rep. Ross Berry-Weare and Rep. Jason Osborne -Auburn. This is a bill that has been steadily giving, for the last ten years, a tax break for big corporations. The majority party is seeking to increase that giveaway yet again.

The mobilizing group Action Network is hosting a “Grassroots Mobilization Call” on Mon. Dec. 8th at 7:00. To learn more and sign up for this click here.

If it isn’t the House, it’s the Senate putting forth book banning bills. SB 33 proposes to do just that. Sign on to express your opposition to this bill and then contact your representatives and urge them to vote against this latest bad bill. 

Buckle in, folks! We’ve got a lot of activism work ahead of us.

The one thing the government fears is the day we stand together.

With the increase in grocery prices since the beginning of 2025 such as meats, poultry, fish, eggs, cereal, bakery products, dairy, beverages, various fruits and vegetables and the recent government shutdown for over a month that affected people who receive SNAP benefits, some households may still find themselves needing a little extra food assistance this holiday season. 

Thanksgiving baskets:

Black Lives Matter NH
~Sign-up required.  
~Pickup Nov. 22-24 at locations in Concord, Dover, Manchester and Portsmouth
~Sign up information: https://www.facebook.com/Blmnewhampshire/posts/pfbid037uvBdPnfCE2hq5a7JEEwKxt8qouierK9vq19E3rYcGFqiE42Qh5eTT74GhX2eXyVl

Merrimack 
~First come, first served. 
~Pickup on Nov. 21 at 4:30 p.m.
~16 Baboosic Lake Rd., Merrimack
~Merrimack ID required
~More information:
 https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02cWAZ3ADrqDj6H6Mmbvxdn2D3CHUKcjYYXQg4ifhH4q3NRA2twtpUky5eX6jBtMzgl&id=100091860007182

Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter
~No sign-up needed.
~2 Quincy St., Nashua. 11:00-2:45

Meals served on Thanksgiving Day

Claremont:
~Thurs., Nov. 27, 1:00-3:00
~Trinity Church, 120 Broad St.
~More Information: https://trinityclaremont.org/upcoming-events/

Colebrook:
~Colebrook Area Food Pantry
~Thurs., Nov. 27, 2:00
~Pick-up and Delivery Available
~https://www.facebook.com/events/1142090504279416

Derry:
~Thurs., Nov. 27, 1:00-2:30 
~St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 27 Crystal Ave. 
~https://www.pinkertonacademy.org/uploads/files/st-thomas.pdf?v=1762267410067

Hampton:
~Thurs., Nov. 27 at noon
~Sit-down, take out or delivery available
~ Hampton United Methodist Church, 525 Lafayette Rd. (Rt.1)
~More information: https://hamptonnhumc.org/community-thanksgiving-dinner/

Keene:
~Thurs., Nov. 27, 11:30-3:00
~Assembly of God Church, 121 Park Ave.

~100 Nights Shelter for take-out - 12:00-3:00 Delivery and pickup available.
~122 Water St.

Lebanon:
~Sunday, Nov. 23
~Sacred Heart Parish, 2 Hough St.
~More information: https://www.sacredheartlebanon.org/

Manchester:
~Thurs., Nov. 27, 12:00-2:00 
~RSVP by Nov. 24
~Blessed Sacrament Parish, 14 Elm St. 
~More information: www.blessedsacramentnh.org

~Thurs., Nov. 27, 6:00 
~54 Newbury Rd.
~https://www.facebook.com/BethanyChapelNH/posts/pfbid02hyRN5uj9k5KzxGL7L3HuFZAzkgWDwijiUC5x5NX3fgnz8RquJrLhnKh7P7H2K8WGl

Nashua:
~Tues., Nov. 25,11:30-2:00 
~Harbor Care Health & Wellness Center, 45 High St. 
~More information: https://harborcarenh.org/thanksgivingdinner/

Plaistow:
~Thurs., Nov. 27, 1:00
~Rock Church Plaistow, 90 Newton Rd. 
~https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A48ADAF2DA1F9CE9-60493981-thanksgiving?fbclid=IwY2xjawODEvtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIb0RCcE9LbEFGU05hTjNZc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkE1sv3XljTKsNbzib3xGOfzEkR-IY-KIxzsi_3-ajq8VTxJuV8aAII_aYvb_aem_oT2tITtEbxTS2ExeJpq8Ow&brid=xV5BwVtDb-1x3Cm8G5iyXg

Portsmouth:
~Sit-down meal on Thurs., Nov. 27, 12:00-3:00 
~Deliveries deadline on Tues., Nov. 25
~Jarvis Center, St. Nicholas Greek Church, 40 Andrew Jarvis Dr.
~https://portsmouthrotary.org/events/thanksgiving-dinner-2025/

American Legion/Veterans

~Post 32 in Exeter - Thanksgiving Dinner, Thurs., Nov. 27, 2:00
~Post 2 in Manchester  - Thanksgiving Breakfast, Thurs., Nov. 27, 7:30 am-10:00 am 
~Post 70 in Seabrook - Thanksgiving Meal, Sun., Nov. 23, 1:00-3:00 with deliveries available.

Salem: 
~The Homeland Heroes Foundation is sharing baskets on Tues., Nov. 25,10:00-3:00, 10 Delaware Dr. Suite 1
~Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/833392799058546/permalink/833392809058545

Perhaps you would like to donate:

New Hampshire Food Bank Virtual Drive
~The NH Food Bank has a dedicated website to donate funds online

Hannaford supermarkets 
~Hannaford has programs to donate $5 or $10 gift cards to provide meals to local pantries, and a program through the holiday season where they will donate $0.50 for buying certain products.
https://hannaford.com/pages/hannaford-helps-fight-hunger

Veterans Day and Thanksgiving are always in the forefront during the month of November and rightly so! But, we also remember and honor the achievements, contributions and culture of Native Americans. November became Native American Heritage History Month in August, 1990 during the presidency of George H.W. Bush. 

Here in New Hampshire, many towns were built on village sites once inhabited by differing Native tribes; Concord, Dover, Franklin, Hampton, Hooksett, Laconia, Nashua, Manchester, Penacook Somersworth and Suncook as examples. While there are no recognized tribes in the state today, original tribes in NH included the Pennacook and Abenaki tribe. 

The Pennacook tribe survived by farming, hunting, fishing and were also know as “gatherers.” They lived in wigwams made from bark by the Merrimack River. The man’s role was to protect his family and would go to war if necessary to defend his family and their tribe.

Pennacook women were often out farming too, in addition to cooking and caring for the children. Pennacooks didn’t wear long headdresses, instead they wore feathered headbands. Warrior men often had mohawks which showed off their tribal status. 

The Abenaki Tribe is native to the Monadnock region and historically was two different groups. The Eastern Abenaki lived in Maine, and the Western group lived in NH. Most of their settlements were by river valleys, built near waterfalls and major rivers, travelling across the water in their self-made birchbark canoes. They too, were farmers, fishermen and hunters, with each man in the tribe inheriting hunting territories from his father. Like the Pennacook, the Abenaki lived in bark wigwams, lining them in the winter with animal skins, such as bear and deer, for extra warmth.  

During the early 1500s, European immigrants came to NH, some documenting the tribes way of life. By the 1600’s the state’s Native American population was beginning to decline, as more and more European immigrants descended upon the New World. 

Sadly, the Pennacook and Abenaki tribes, including their subgroups, began to see their populations decrease as they had no natural immunity against diseases brought into their settlements. Additionally, European immigrants were eventually beginning to claim the ancestral lands of the Abenaki, increasing tensions between them.

Many of these tribal descendants still live still live in Canada, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Today, it’s believed that roughly 3,200 Abenaki live in Vermont and NH.

Here are some places where you can learn more about NH’s Native American Heritage:
~Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner.
~The Abenaki Heritage Initiative at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth.
~Indigenous Dover, NH. Map of historical markers and war memorials.

It’s up to us to continue to support and preserve Native American heritage.

New Hampshire holds the dubious “honor” of being the most difficult state to cast a ballot in. Even registering to vote now requires proof of citizenship and if you are a married woman you need your birth certificate and marriage certificate to register. Absentee voting requirements got stricter with the recent passage of SB 287. That will affect mostly disabled voters and those who are home bound.

Last Tuesday, Nov. 4th, about 100+ NH voters were unable to vote due to their lack of documentary proof of citizenship or other ID now required by HB 1569. MacKenzie Taylor, the Director of New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights (NHCVR) acknowledged that NH’s elections were already safe, secure and trusted before this unnecessary bill was allowed to become law. 

Fun fact #1: During the Nov. 2024 election, 832,549 NH voters cast a ballot. Twenty-seven used a (now repealed) affidavit ballot, with 3 voters mailing their required documents within the time frame to their city/town clerk. Out of 832,549 voters only 24 ballots were discarded. The system was not only working, it wasn’t even broken. 

Fun fact #2: Of the 832,549 voters, 99,524 of them used absentee ballots. After SB 287 passed, NHCVR began a campaign to urge Gov. Ayotte to veto the bill, which she did not. Click here to read some of the letters from NH voters to the governor. 

The majority party is not done with their cruel plans of voter suppression. This is what is in the works for the 2026 Session:
LSR 2026-2283: authorizing the secretary of state to conduct random audits of the citizenship qualification of registered voters. Sponsor: Bob Lynn (saw to it HB 1569 passed)

LSR 2026-2650: clarifying the definition of citizen of NH. Sponsor: Donald McFarlane (wouldn’t a dictionary help?)

LSR 2026-3230: defining citizenship for the purposes of voting. Sponsor: Robert Wherry (another dictionary here, please)

HB 317: preventing a supervisor of the checklist from verifying a person's identity without identification, even if they personally know that person.

HB 323: requiring the presentation of a government-issued photographic means of identification in order to vote.

Here’s where you come in. Let your representatives know you do not want any more voter suppression legislation to be passed in NH. Click here to do so. Thank you for defending our democracy.

The New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights is a coalition of state and national advocacy organizations, voters, attorneys and watchdog organizations working to ensure and preserve the right to vote for every eligible Granite Stater, and is a project of America Votes.

During the previous House Session, HB 360 was introduced by Free Stater/Liberty Alliance member Rep. Kristin Noble. It was co-sponsored by six fellow group members. It ended up being retained in the Education Policy and Administration Committee but has now resurfaced in an amended form. The original bill would “bar school nurses and doctors from performing surgeries, diagnostic procedures or prescribe pharmaceutical drugs in schools.” As amended the words “diagnostic procedures” have been removed.

Noble has claimed this is a preventative bill, as this happens in school-based clinics all over the country! Finding that hard to believe, the search was on to find what schools allow this. 

Spoiler alert: I couldn’t find any . . .

Let’s be clear, school nurses and physicians DO NOT perform surgeries or prescribe pharmaceutical drugs in schools. Nurses are responsible for health support and dispensing medication. Physicians provide medical care OUTSIDE the schools in a clinical setting. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, some kids have acute and chronic health conditions which require medication to be given during the school day. Therefore, school medication administration protocols were developed to help prevent medication errors. More than 25% of students manage chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy, requiring the presence of a school nurse. ensures these children can thrive in a safe and supportive environment. School nurses play an important role in supporting the health, safety and wellness of students nationwide.

Some examples of school nurse responsibility:

• Assessing the severity of illness or injury in students.
• Giving medications to students provided and approved by parents and healthcare providers.
• Caring for students with chronic conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy/seizures, asthma, allergies/anaphylaxis, and others.
• Making sure all students are up to date on vaccinations/immunizations.
• Directing the provision of health services within the school.
• Screening for vision, hearing and other potential health issues.
• Preventing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases.
• Connecting students and families to relevant health resources.
• Providing mental health support to students in need.
• Collecting health data in school for local, state, and national officials.
• Promotion of overall school community health through education and wellness initiatives.

Nowhere in there is mention of being able to “perform surgeries” or “dispense drugs.” While Rep. Noble acknowledges this is “preventative” legislation, it’s really a “solution” in search of a non-existent problem.

By the way, here’s another one Rep. Noble would like to see happen, repealing the reading recovery training program. This training is for educators in order to better help their students learn. You can find more here on the Literacy Council of North America. 

“Behind every successful student, there’s a school nurse who helped them during tough times.”

The Republican-led federal government shutdown is now into its 33rd day, the second longest in American history. Public assistance programs such as Women, Infants & Children (WIC), Head Start, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program LIHEAP and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are all feeling the brunt of this, especially those who can least afford to.

Focusing on the SNAP program, there are more than 72,000 New Hampshire men, women and children who receive food assistance,  but saw their benefits come to a screeching halt the other day. (It should be noted, on that same day the current “president” held a Great Gatsby Halloween Gala at Mar-A-Lago in Florida.)

But, I digress . . .

Twenty-two states, three governors and the District of Columbia filled a lawsuit against the Trump regime over its decision to stop federal food assistance during the Republican-led shutdown. New Hampshire is shamefully nowhere to be found in that filing. The same state who, while voting on the budget this past April, the majority party voted on an amendment to not expand free and reduced price school lunch funding by aligning Medicaid enrollment with eligibility for school meals, beginning in the 2027-28 school year. They absolutely REFUSE to feed low-income children! 

So, it is up to the people of NH stepping up in many ways to provide emergency food. There are mobile food pantries throughout the state during the months of Nov. and Dec. Your local food pantry  doesn’t require SNAP participation to receive food assistance.

Alstead: Fall Mt. Food Shelf at 122 Route 12A
Bedford: Bedford Community Food Pantry at 4 Church Rd.
Berlin: Feeding Hope Food Pantry at 219 Willow St.
Canaan: Friends Feeding Friends at 9 On the Common (behind              Canaan Hardware)
Charlestown: Charlestown Food Shelf at 29 Summer St.
Chesterfield: Joan's Food Pantry at 532 Route 63
Claremont: Claremont Soup Kitchen at 53 Central St.
Colebrook: Colebrook Food Pantry at 16 Hill Ave.
Concord: St. Paul's Church Food Pantry at 21 Centre St.
Enfield: Friends Feeding Friends at 19 Main St.
Franconia: Community Church of Christ at 92 Church St.
Franklin: Twin Rivers Food Pantry at 2 Central Sq.
Goffstown: Goffstown Food Pantry at 7 N. Mast St. 
Henniker: Henniker Food Pantry at 21 Western Ave.
Hillsborough: Hillsboro Food Pantry at 7 Church St. 
Keene: The Community Kitchen at 37 Mechanic St.
          St. Vincent DePaul Society, 173 Main St. (St. Bernard Church)
          Salvation Army at 15 Roxbury Place
Laconia: Christ Life Center Food Pantry at 175 Mechanic St.
Langdon: Fall Mt. Food shelf at 122 Route 12A
Lebanon: Listen Comm. Services at 60 Hanover St.
Littleton: Littleton Food Pantry at 70 Redington St.
Lincoln/Woodstock: Food Pantry at 194 Pollard Rd.
Loudon: Loudon Food Pantry at 30 Chichester, Rd. Unit D
Manchester: NH Food Bank at 700 E. Industrial Park Dr.
                   Shiloh Food Ministry at 461 Straw Rd.
                   Families in Transition at 176 Lake Ave.  
Marlborough: Federated Church at 16 Pleasant St.
Meredith: Food Pantry at 147 Main St.
Moultonborough: Lakes Region Food Pantry, 977 Whittier Hwy.
Portsmouth: Gather at 124 Heritage Ave. Unit 3
Richmond: Town Hall at 105 Old Homestead Hwy.
Rindge: Rindge Food Pantry at 1102 Route 119
Troy: The Helping Hand Center at 1 Depot St.
Wakefield: Wakefield Food Pantry at 1500 Wakefield Rd.
Weare: Weare Food Pantry at 33 N. Stark Hwy.
West Swanzey: W. Swanzey Community Church, 7 Homestead Ave.
Whitefield: Friends-N-Neighbors Food Pantry, 4 Main St.
Winchester: United Church of Winchester at 99 Main St.
Wolfeboro: LIFE Ministries Food Pantry at 264 S. Main St.
Woodsville: Good Shepard Food Pantry at 65 S. Court St.

I’m sure I’ve missed many more in the state, but this is a good start of where to go as many of these places serve more than one town. Perhaps you know someone or a family who could use some assistance, share this list. If not, food and monetary donations would be gratefully accepted. You might even want to donate the gift of your time!

“We are humanity ambassadors.”
                       Seth Andrews

 

At noon on Saturday, November 1 in Central Square, the Keene Rally Coalition will be hosting a rally to call for the restoration of SNAP benefits. Please join us, bring signs and costumes, and bring your people.

Read more about the suspension of SNAP benefits here.

As part of this event, we be collecting food and financial donations for Keene Mutual Aid. Since the pandemic in 2020, Keene Mutual Aid has been distributing food and hygiene supplies to unhoused and low-income people through the Free Store they operate on Saturdays in Railroad Square. 

The Free Store is already facing a steep increase in demand due to deteriorating economic conditions, and, with SNAP benefits expiring on Saturday, is sure to see even greater need. If you are able to contribute financially to their efforts, here is the donation page.