The collection of massive stones at this year’s Nashua International Sculpture Symposium (NISS) carry stories that stretch from 19th‑century Maine quarries and Boston building demolition sites to a Nashua schoolyard and a Vermont marble shed. Each of the four artists’ works with distinct material, chosen as much for its history and internal structure as for its visual impact.

Deer Island granite: a “third life” in Nashua

One of the most compelling materials on site is a pair of massive Deer Island granite blocks, salvaged from a Boston building torn down in the 1980s.  Larson explains that the blocks have already lived several lives.

“A sculptor named Joseph Wheelwright, who passed away a few years back, was going by when the building was being torn down, and he managed to snag the two pieces,” Larson said, recalling how the stone left its architectural role and ended up outside Wheelwright’s Boston studio. “And he had them outside of his studio in Boston, which he shared with Nora Valdez for a while.”

Many years later, when that studio needed renovation, the stone moved again. “Nora was like, we can’t even move these stones, Jim. Like, if you can help us out, you can have the stones,” Larson said. After some work in exchange, the granite came to Nashua, where he now thinks of it as entering a rare “third life”: one in nature, one as part of a building, and now as a public artwork.

Larson reads the stone’s age in its tooling. Asked when he thought it was quarried, he said, “Yeah, probably 1880s… Judging by the marks on it, 1880s.”  The blocks likely came from one of only two coastal Maine quarries known for producing exceptionally long, unfractured horizontal architectural pieces. The original element, he noted, “was one lentil… and that’s what that quarry is known for, because it has these really, really long horizontal beds with no fractures running vertically.”

Today, those long beds survive as two monolithic pieces, about 10,000 pounds each. That size and scale, and the marks from earlier craftsmen, give this year’s sculptors a chance to respond to a century of material history already written into the surface.

Jonesboro Red granite: a working quarry’s voice

In contrast to the recycled Deer Island blocks, another artist is working with fresh stone from an active source. “The granite that Sean is carving is a piece of Jonesboro Red, which is from Jonesboro, Maine, an active quarry near MDI (Mount Desert Island, ME),” Larson said.

Sean Williams, a second‑generation granite carver from Barre, Vermont, brings deep history of stone shop culture to the Symposium. Barre, Larson noted, “is very much the Carrara of the granite world,” a place where granite is a way of life. That matters because another sculptor on site, Anna Multone, is from Carrara, Italy itself. “And Anna is from Carrara… so we have two career stone carvers that are both very young, they live in these two hubs of working these materials, and to see them like working side by side is so, so interesting,” he said.

Jonesboro Red is hard, durable, and warm‑toned, encouraging bold, structural forms that emphasize permanence. In a field where according to Larson, one tradition questions why anyone would carve “something so soft and impermanent as marble” and the other wonders why someone would tackle “inelegant” granite, the Jonesboro block is a focal point for comparing materials, technique, and cultural expectations.

A Nashua boulder: local ground, local story

Not all the stone this year arrives on trucks from distant quarries. Larson and the team also sourced a granite boulder from within the city itself.

“On the back of the truck this morning, we just picked up this boulder that came from near Nashua South,” he said.  Because it’s being relocated, not removed from the city’s inventory, officials allowed the Symposium to use it as support for a new sculpture. “The city said, because we’re not taking it from the city, like we’re just using it to put somewhere else in the city, that we can use it to install a sculpture.”

The boulder is “a giant granite boulder with a nice vein running through it,” Larson added.  Its glacially rounded shape and strong vein offer natural features for the artists to emphasize, rooting an international event in a tangible piece of Nashua’s own geology.

Champlain Black limestone: fossils, seams, and a “sandwich”

If the granites speak of mass and durability, the Symposium’s Champlain Black limestone introduces a layered, almost fossil‑like counterpoint. “We have this big block of black limestone… that had this seam running right through the center of it,” Larson said.

As a sedimentary rock, the stone reveals its structure in stacked bedding planes. “Sedimentary stone, so it has bedding, like the sediment stacks up. And along that bedding plane, sometimes it has weaknesses, and that’s where the seam was,” he explained.

Normally, that weakness might disqualify a block for outdoor sculpture. But this year, it became a feature, not a flaw, thanks to sculptor Paulina Bergers’ concept. “Paulina gave me the dimensions that she needed and told me what she was going to be doing with the piece, making this kind of sandwich‑style sculpture,” Larson said. “If not for having told me what she was going to do with it, I wouldn’t have known that that was an acceptable piece of stone with the seam in it.”

Larson sourced the limestone from “the family that owns the Champlain Black Quarry in Isle La Motte,” the same quarry that supplied the stone for last year’s sculpture “Cary.” The block on site contains visible fossils and a dramatic split between two layers, making Paulina’s layered “sandwich” a literal expression of geological time.

Vermont white marble: learning to carve light

Balancing the dark limestone and rugged granites is a fourth stone: white marble from Vermont, which Larson says the marble here is not just a different rock; it is almost a different language.

“There are a lot of differences between the materials,” he said. One of the most important is how they interact with light. “One that might not be quite so obvious but starts to be once you really think about it, being a material that holds or doesn’t hold light, marble is very translucent. And it lights up when light hits it.”

That translucency forces marble carvers to exaggerate shadows. “So you need to carve really deep and exaggerated shadows… to be able to tell your story, to have something look as it would,” Larson explained. You are not carving exact anatomy; you are carving how forms look under light. “You’re not carving how its volume actually is, you’re carving how it looks. And it’s a totally different thing to have the shadow of stone look lifelike.”

In the Symposium yard, Anna from Carrara and Sean from Barre work side by side, each steeped in their local stone culture and each encountering the other’s “language” of granite or marble in real time. That proximity, Larson said, is the point.

“The number of organic conversations they have throughout the day, you cannot count,” he said. “Most of the time, they’re asking, why are you doing what you’re doing? And why do you do it that way? It’s the point of a symposium, is to come together to talk.”

In Nashua this year, the stones themselves are the starting point for conversation, reminding visitors that every sculpture begins long before the first hammer hits the first chisel.

However, by Monday morning, I was anxious to get outside, even with the last dregs of rainstorms. I pruned some dead branches from the magnolia tree (for most situations, pruning is best done in the cold months, but if the branches are dead, you can prune any time). I noticed that my tulip bed near the road seems to now be infected with a common tulip disease (check out this blog for some talk on tulip disease and other on goings in Londonderry!).

I dug up the old bulbs and planted about thirty gladiolus bulbs in this bed, and added a bit of organic fertilizer (Bulb-Tone from Espoma Organics is what I use when planting flower bulbs and garlic). If you have this disease, be sure to throw the old bulbs and foliage into a compost pile you will not use, or into the trash. This disease can spread. 

All my tulips have passed by, but I only pull them out once they have browned-back. Give the brown foliage a gentle tug, and it should release without much resistance. Is it difficult to pull out? Give it more time. If you pull the foliage too hard, before it’s ready, you might yank the bulb out with it!

Over the weekend, I was fortunate enough to hear Barb Young’s talk on native plants at Nashua Farmers’ and got lots of new ideas for my own gardens, and lots of new native plants for the yard. After planting the glads, I got all my new native plants in the ground: zizia, maiden feather fern, penstemon, and more amsonia. By this time, the weather had cleared and warmed up.

If you’re planting perennials (or really any seedlings), around mid-morning to mid-day in the sunshine, be sure that they are well watered after planting. The hot sun can make transplant shock all-the-worse, so by giving it a good drink of water, you’re encouraging the roots to grow down into the soil and give them an easier transition (hopefully).

I’m still seeing many common weeds: dandelions, chickweed, and a little oxalis. I don’t fret too much, just slowly weed through the perennial bed and add a little organic weed preventer to make life easier later. However,…major pest alert! I have heard sightings of the dreaded Colorado Potato Beetle. These beetles love to chomp down and decimate anything in the nightshade family: potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants. Keep a look out for them, check the underside of nightshade leaves for eggs, and look for the larvae. They are luckily distinctive and easy to spot. You can squish them or simply knock into a cup of soapy water; you can also use organic solutions such as a spinosid spray or neem (come on by the store if you have questions). 

Enough work talk! What’s blooming in the garden now? The budding iris are finally starting to open and show their stunning colors. Columbines are flowering beautifully, and boy, are the hummingbirds delighted. Delicate bleeding hearts are leaning over with their graceful, eye-catching flowers, and the azaleas are truly popping now!

 Are you looking for something to do this weekend? Check out this plant sale to support Community House Hospice! 2,000 plants will be available, many of which are native. I will surely be stocking up and snagging a Joe Pye Weed or two!

More to come next week, where I’m sure new blooms will open and new pests will lurk! Enjoy nature, but please make sure to check for ticks! They’re getting bad out there!

Kate Ratta is the manager of the local feed store Nashua Farmers' Exchange, Inc. She has more than 10 years of experience working in the business owned by her aunt and uncle, Judy Ratta-Harrington and Gene Harrington, and will be contributing weekly garden reports. The store is located at 38½ Bridge Street in Nashua in the converted Boston & Maine and Concord Railroad station.

This year’s celebration held special significance as the Chamber commemorated 100 years of supporting business growth, community development, and regional collaboration. Community leaders, business professionals, nonprofit organizations, and elected officials gathered to honor the award recipients and celebrate the Chamber’s century-long legacy. Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess attended the event and presented a proclamation recognizing the Chamber’s continued contributions to the region’s economic and community success.

The 2026 Eminence Award recipients included:

• Chamber Champion: Loretta DeMarco, Sales Director, Hampton Inn by Nashua
• Young Professional: Tara Levine, Development Director, Bridges: Domestic & Sexual Violence Support Services, Inc.
• Community Volunteer: Paige Hultman, Realtor, Purple Finch Properties
• Non-profit of the Year: Family Promise
• Small Business of the Year: Purple Finch Properties
• General Business of the Year: Greater Nashua Mental Health
• Business Leader of the Year: Mike LaChance, CEO, YMCA of Greater Nashua

“As we celebrate 100 years of the Chamber, we also look ahead. The business landscape will continue to change, and the Chamber will continue to evolve with it, adapting, advocating, connecting, and leading the way for future generations.”

The Eminence Awards continue to serve as one of the Chamber’s signature events, recognizing the leadership, innovation, and community spirit that strengthen the Greater Nashua region and help make it a vibrant place to live, work, and do business.

For more information about the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce and upcoming events, visit www.nashuachamber.com.

If you're like me and thrive on winding down, grab yourself some oysters on Friday night. The Pearl offers a Buck-a-Shuck starting at 5pm. Then, find some Zen the following morning at Vibe Yoga's Sacred Start, bright and early at 7:30am. You can check out the free Drop-in Painting Class at ArtHub that same evening and now, suddenly, you're recharged and ready for whatever next week brings.

High energy people? Honestly, I'm just jealous but I won't be grumpy about it. In fact, here's a list just for you. If karaoke is your thing, Casey Magee's, The Spot, and Fody's Tavern all offer the opportunity to shine on different evenings. Choose the night that works for you or, heck, go to all of 'em. Rock on. You can also see Demons at the Disco at The Spot on Saturday night (8pm). 

If you're sitting pretty in the middle of the road, take a look at the live music offerings at Union Public House, Nashua Center for the Arts, and The Peddler's Daughter. Get your game on at Pokémon League Night at Grave Troll Games or test your knowledge with a trivia night at Liquid Therapy, Odd Fellows, or Fody's Tavern. Bring your friends or make new ones!

Make it a fun week. Be kind to yourself. I'll see you Downtown.
Elaina Bedio, Downtown Nashua Association

Thursday 5/28

5:00PM: Pokémon League Night at Grave Troll Games

5:00PM: Buck-a-Shuck Oysters at The Pearl

5:30PM: Jodee Frawlee at Union Public House

6:00PM: DIY Sugar Scrubs at Nashua Public Library

6:00PM: Artist Reception: Tarang Singh at Nashua Public Library

6:00PM: Thursday Night Karaoke at The Spot

7:30PM: Open Mic Night at Casey Magee's Irish Pub

7:30PM: Trivia Night at Liquid Therapy

10:00PM: Buzztime Trivia at Odd Fellows Brewing Co

Friday 5/29

7:30AM: Sacred Start at Vibe Yoga

12:30PM: Fryday - fried specials all day at Soel Sistas Café

3:00PM: Free Drop-in Painting Class at ArtHub

7:30PM: Herman's Hermits, Peter Noone at Nashua Center for the Arts

7:30PM: Ethan Cunningham at Union Public House

9:30PM: Karaoke Dance Party at Casey Magee's Irish Pub

Saturday 5/30

7:30PM: Johnny Angel at Union Public House

8:00PM: Blonde Dog at Casey Magee's Irish Pub

8:00PM: Demons at the Disco at The Spot

9:30PM: Best Not  Broken at The Peddler's Daughter

Sunday 5/31

10:00AM: Nashua Farmers Market

10:00AM: Downtown Brunch Club at Union Public House

11:00AM: Book Club: Fury Bound at Bound Together

3:00PM: Floating Sound Bath at Aerial Moon

Monday 6/1

10:00PM: Industry Night & Karaoke at Fody's Tavern

Tuesday 6/2

5:00PM: Tacos & Tequila at Stella Blu

8:00PM: Music Bingo at Fody's Tavern

Wednesday 6/3

5:30PM: John Chouinard at Union Public House

7:00PM: Free Movie Night at The Spot: Speed (1994)

8:00PM: Trivia at Fody's Tavern

General manager Cam Cook said, “Just that the pop from the crowd is different when it's 2,000 to 3,000 kids than when it's adults and our normal fans. It's just a really feel-good day, and it's nice to see the kids happy to be out of the classroom and getting to experience a historic stadium,” adding, “Whether all of them realize it or not, it'll be cool for them to say it.”

Education Days are one of the Silver Knights’ signature community events, giving students the opportunity to experience a professional-style ballpark atmosphere. During the 2025 season, more than 6,000 students went to the Education Day Games

Rivier University partnered with the Knights for a day of baseball and a community celebration. During the opener against the Vermont Lake Monsters, the team wore custom Silver Knights/Rivier University uniforms. After the second Education Day game on Wednesday, June 3, against the New Britain Bees, the custom jerseys will be auctioned, with proceeds benefiting the Rivier University Fund.

Lori Hastings, a teacher at Charlotte Avenue Elementary, and 75 fourth graders walked down to the ballpark to see the game.

“It's a reward. We just finished state testing. They did a great job, and it’s Education Day. So, we said, why not take them out for a fun day?” said Hastings, “It's our first ever walking field trip. So that was exciting itself.”

Pamela Regnery, a sixth-grade language arts teacher at Fairgrounds Middle School, connected the day to the historic place Holman holds in U.S. History. The stadium is an icon of civil rights history, famous for becoming the home to the first racially integrated professional baseball team in the United States in 1946.

In April of that year, two Black stars—future Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanella and future Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Don Newcombe— took the field alongside their Nashua Dodgers white teammates, officially breaking the color barrier in American professional baseball.

“My students are reading about segregation in different books, historical fiction books, right now. This was just another way to get them interested in knowing that right here, where some of them were born and raised, that it was part of integrating everybody. “Regnery said.

“They just love taking field trips. Field trips are super. They're essential. Even local ones like this that are only five minutes from the school we teach in, they get so much out of being here. I'm not talking just about history, but about being together with people they don't know and about seeing other people from other schools and being part of a true community that you live in.”

Silver Knights Fall to Lake Monsters in 2026 Season Opener

The Silver Knights jumped out to an early lead in the first inning when Connor Smith (Gannon) scored on an RBI groundout from Hunter Troiano (Gannon). Nashua added another run in the second inning following a Vermont error to take a 2-0 lead through four innings.

Brown University right-hander Cameron Piwnicki held the Lake Monsters scoreless through four innings before Vermont began to find offensive momentum in the fifth. Piwnicki finished his Silver Knights debut, allowing seven hits across 4.1 innings and 68 pitches before turning things over to the bullpen.

Joshua Florence entered in relief, and Vermont’s offense broke through in the fifth inning. Bennett Hewett delivered a two-run triple to center field that scored Thomas Moss and Elias Huber, helping the Lake Monsters take control of the game.

Offensively, Sam Gettinger (Stonehill) led the way for Nashua, finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. The designated hitter delivered a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning that brought home Peter Keblinsky (Southern Maine) and cut the deficit to one. However, the Knights fell short as the Lake Monsters added two insurance runs late to secure a 6-3 victory over Nashua.

Despite the loss, the Silver Knights showed promise early and will look to bounce back tomorrow morning at Westfield. First pitch is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., with left-hander Dimitri Skourides (Brandeis) expected to start on the mound for Nashua.

Game recap courtesy of the Nashua Silver Knights.

A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Saturday for the newly painted mural that is a feature of the park. Artist J. Graham Carraway painted a collage-style mural that ranges from 5 to 20 feet tall, covering more than 70 feet of length.

Laurie Spera-Sabet, a member of the Nashua Arts Commission, said, “We're here today in the heart of historic Nashua, surrounded by the mills where people worked as far back as the early 1800s, to dedicate a distinctly modern work of art that honors the city's past. The imagery in the mural reflects Nashua's rich history, notably immigrants of French-Canadian descent, as well as the flora and fauna native to this area.” 

Mayor Jim Donchess spoke at the dedication and said, “We've been working to build this park for 10 years, and you can see that it's nearly finished. There's some more work to be done on the north side, but I think it's come out well, and the mural really finishes it off.”

Eric Drouart, president of the Club Richelieu of Nashua and part of the muralist selection committee said, “It gives us great pleasure to see how this beautiful park is now kind of the jewel box for this statue” referring to the bronze statue ‘La Dame de Notre Renaissance Francaise’ “This mural that really represents the history of Nashua and ends with this textile worker working on a weaving machine and ties it with the statue of this mill worker going home after her shift at the former Nashua Manufacturing Company, now the Clock Tower.”

This weekend also marked the beginning of the 2026 Downtown Nashua Association Nashua Farmers Market.  The market will run every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will run through October 18^th.  Previously the market was held in the Nashua Public Library parking lot.

Alyssa O’Mara, executive director of Downtown Nashua Association praised the new location in Renaissance Park.

“I think it's a more desirable location. Its cooler being near the water. The grass makes a huge difference. It's not the same.” O’Mara said, adding, “We love the library parking lot, and we love the library for letting us be there for so long. But to have it in an actual park is just, I think it's going to be a game changer for us.”

Liz Hannum, the city’s director of economic development, oversaw the park and helped organize the weekend’s celebration.

“I was just very excited to see people using this new space.  We tried to do some fun stuff that we don't normally do. The drone show, that was exciting.” Hannum said, “I really love just seeing people use the river and use the parks and the boardwalks.”

 Tuesday, May 26

• Pennichuck Water Special Committee: 7:00 PM at Aldermanic Chamber (229 Main Street).
• Board of Aldermen: 7:30 PM at Aldermanic Chamber (229 Main Street).

Wednesday, May 27

• Cultural Connections Committee: 12:00 PM at 229 Main Street.
• Ad Hoc Joint Committee on Capital Expenditures and Debt Service Planning: 6:00 PM at Aldermanic Chamber (229 Main Street).
• Committee on Infrastructure: 7:00 PM at Aldermanic Chamber (229 Main Street).

Thursday, May 28

• Board of Public Works: 4:00 PM at the DPW Administration Building (848 West Hollis Street).
• Joint Meeting - Committee on Infrastructure and Board of Public Works: 5:00 PM (or immediately after the BPW meeting) at 848 West Hollis Street.
• Joint Special School Building Committee: 7:00 PM at Nashua High School North.

 To view full agendas, access location details, or check for any last-minute schedule changes, you can visit the City of Nashua Main Calendar or the City of Nashua CivicClerk Portal.

Official Live Streams (Web Browsers)

You can watch gavel-to-gavel live streams of city operations directly through the CTV Live Streams Portal on the City of Nashua Website:

• Board of Aldermen & Infrastructure Committees: Watch on the Government TV 16 Live Stream.
• School Board & Education Committees: Watch on the Nashua ETV Live Stream.

YouTube Channels (Live & Archived Recordings)

If you miss a live broadcast, the city categorizes and uploads meeting archives onto dedicated YouTube channels:

• Board of Aldermen & City Subcommittees: Available on the Nashua BOA Meetings YouTube Channel.
• Board of Education & School Committees: Available on the Nashua BOE Meetings YouTube Channel.
• General Educational & Community Programming: Available on the Nashua ETV YouTube Channel and Nashua Public Television Channel 6.

Public events and performances continue through Memorial Day weekend. Highlights include the Duck Regatta, a drone show Saturday night, the opening of the Downtown Nashua Association Farmers Market on Sunday — which will feature a petting zoo — and the traditional Memorial Day Parade on Monday morning.

Renovation of the Renaissance Park began in early 2025 and was completed this spring. The "La Dame" statue remained in place, wrapped and protected throughout construction. The project includes boardwalks along and over the river, a performance pavilion and ADA accessibility improvements.

The park renovation is one component of the Downtown Riverfront Development Project, an initiative of the Imagine Nashua Master Plan. The broader project includes a 1.6-mile riverfront loop connecting downtown Nashua to the Nashua River through parks, boardwalks and public spaces.

'Renaissance on the River' schedule of events

SATURDAY: 2:30-9 pm active time

2:30 pm – activity: Vibe Yoga

3 pm – event: Rubber Duck Regatta (DNA)

3-5 pm – activity: free kids’ make n take art project (NAC)

3-9 pm – activity: New England Photo Booth

3:30 pm – event: Renaissance Park Mural dedication

4:30-5:30pm – performance: BailOut

6-7pm – performance: Lisa Love

7:30-8:30pm – performance: 4Play: The Boston Tribute Band

9 pm – event: drone show over the river

9 pm – event: lighted kayak parade on the river

Nashua Area Artists Association – art activity TBD

SUNDAY: 10 am-1 pm active time

10 am-1 pm – event: Nashua Farmers Market (DNA)

10 am-1 pm – activity: New England Photo Booth

10 am-1 pm – performance: band TBD

11 am-noon – activity: Bunny Yoga

10 am-1 pm – activity: Petting Zoo

Nashua Area Artists Association – art activity TBD

MONDAY: 9 am-1 pm active time

9 am-1 pm – performance: Gary Lopez

10 am-noon – activity: free balloons from Dan’s Balloons

10:30 am – event: Memorial Day Parade down Main Street (Veterans Council)

Nashua Area Artists Association – art activity TBD

I have noticed a lackluster year for our state flower, the purple lilac, where the blooms are struggling. I suspect that the difficult winter, coupled with the drought conditions and rodent damage (at least on mine), are at least partially responsible for the conditions noted. Also spotted in the perennial beds, though many have gone to seed, hairy bittercress is still lurking–get these guys out, they spread very aggressively (but, they are easy to pull by hand). Another common weed to note is the currently-blooming wild violet; this plant is tough to control and root out (its root system is rather insidious).

But let’s get to what everyone is talking about: the heat wave! Tuesday and Wednesday have been absolutely brutal. Signs of heat stress abound in plant life, and it makes me suspect that we might be in for another hot, dry summer. According to the NIDIS, Hillsborough County remains in moderate drought conditions. With this in mind and my rising concern of a dry growing season, here is my current plan:

●       Plant with products like Soil Moist Natural, which help retain moisture at the root of your plants.

●       Thorough mulching: a few inches of straw around my vegetables, and bark mulch in my perennial beds.

●       Plant veggies and annuals in wells (have the plant sunken down with a dam around it) to help hold water.

●       Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep things watered, while helping conserve water (I also water by hand at the base of plants to help prevent disease).

I f we have a wet growing season, this plan could go awry, but it’s a chance I am willing to take–if only to conserve water.

Next up is fertilizing! Make sure you take the last opportunity to fertilize some of your woody, acid-loving plants (blueberries, rhododendrons, etc.). There is still plenty of time to fertilize your perennial flowers, and I am planning a good application of natural liquid fertilizer with high nitrogen for my shallots (also great for onions, garlic, and leeks). I’d also suggest an application of natural fertilizer for your lawn at the end of May.

Pests are sure to be on the rise soon, as well as burgeoning disease. Here are a few things to look out for:

●       Cabbage looper: a white moth that lays eggs on the brassicus family (broccoli, brussel sprouts, etc.). These green caterpillars decimate plants. I suggest bacillus thuringiensis (also known as B.T.) as a natural solution.

●       Mosquitos and ticks are out in force. Be sure to take precautions with these blood suckers. Do tick checks on yourselves and your furry companions.

●       Poison ivy: they are growing with vigor on roadsides, and I have even found an outlier or two in my perennial bed.

●       It’s a little early, but keep an eye out for Lily Leaf Beetle. These bright red beetles can do so much damage on true lilies.

Some final notes, if you are looking for something fun to do this Saturday, join us at Nashua Farmers’ Exchange Inc., for a Native Plant Seminar at 10 AM. Our good friend, Barb Young of The Big Little Garden, is hosting this talk and a limited supply of native plants will be available. Come and learn with us!

Looking for more plants and a great cause? Barb and her amazing co-volunteers are hosting a plant sale on May 30th to support Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH.These hardworking folks are responsible for the stunning gardens located at Community Hospice House.

With Memorial Day weekend coming, it’s traditional in this region to get warm-weather veggies and annuals into the ground. Be sure to have a little fun and play in the dirt this weekend!

Kate Ratta is the manager of the local feed store Nashua Farmers' Exchange, Inc. She has more than 10 years of experience working in the business owned by her aunt and uncle, Judy Ratta-Harrington and Gene Harrington, and will be contributing weekly garden reports. The store is located at 38½ Bridge Street in Nashua in the converted Boston & Maine and Concord Railroad station.

An alternative parade route has been mapped in collaboration with the Nashua Police Department and Office of Emergency Management. The new route will allow expenses for the police detail and security to be covered by the remaining funds from prior-year Pride Festival donations. 

The parade is scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM Saturday, June 20, at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, located at the intersection of Concord, Amherst, and Nashville Streets. It will proceed down Amherst Street and enter Holman Stadium via Don Newcombe Way, where the Pride Festival, hosted by the Downtown Nashua Association, will run from 2-7 PM.

“We heard from the community how important the parade is to them, so we’re happy to announce we’ve developed a plan to make it happen,” said Mayor Donchess. “We look forward to an amazing festival at Holman Stadium and express our gratitude to the Downtown Nashua Association for their partnership in taking on this event.”

Interested parade participants can register through the 2026 Pride Parade registration form. Parade information can also be found on the City of Nashua web page. The City is also accepting donations.

To learn more about the Pride Festival, visit the Downtown Nashua Association’s website.

The Main Events: Renaissance Weekend

Our beautiful waterfront is the place to be this weekend, starting Friday at 5:00 PM and running straight through Monday.

The crown jewel of Saturday is the highly anticipated Rubber Duck Regatta at 3:00 PM! Watch a "yellow tide" of 5,000 rubber ducks launch from the footbridge and race down the river to support local community revitalization. Want a chance at the $1,500 grand cash prize? Grab your single ducks, a "six-quack," or a full flock ahead of time at duckrace.com/DowntownNashua.

The excitement keeps rolling on Sunday at 10:00 AM with the grand opening and Season Kick-off of the Nashua Farmers Market! Come explore the market's fantastic new location right on the Riverwalk to stock up on fresh produce, locally baked treats, and handmade goods from your favorite regional vendors.

A Feast for your Ears

If you love live entertainment, this week’s lineup is spectacular. The Nashua Center for the Arts hosts a stunning tribute to Tony Bennett by John Pizzarelli on Saturday night, followed by the fiery blues-rock of Samantha Fish on Sunday. For a more intimate, pub-style vibe, catch Jamie Hughes or Matt Jackson strumming acoustic sets over at Union Public House, or rock out with Code Switch late Saturday night at The Peddler’s Daughter.

Unwind & Create

Need to escape the holiday crowds for a bit of solo creativity? Drop into the ArtHub on Friday afternoon for a Free Painting Class, or sign up for Sewing with Sonia on Saturday morning. On Wednesday evening, check out the uniquely titled Plantitas and Politicas gathering at Fortin Gage flowers and gifts.

The Late-Night & Mid-Week Crowd

If you missed the weekend fun, the energy doesn't stop on Tuesday. Head down to Stella Blu for Tacos & Tequila before testing your luck with Music Bingo at Fody’s Tavern. On Wednesday, wind down your week with a classic cinematic experience at The Spot for a free screening of The Untouchables.

Between the racing ducks, fresh farm produce, and riverside festival vibes, our community has outdone itself this week.

 See you by the river!
Elaina Bedio, Downtown Nashua Association

Thursday 5/21
5:00PM: Pokémon League Night at Grave Troll Games
5:00PM: Buck-a-Shuck Oysters at The Pearl

5:30PM: Jamie Hughes at Union Public House
6:00PM: Thursday Night Karaoke at The Spot
7:30PM: Open Mic Night at Casey Magee's Irish Pub
7:30PM: Trivia Night at Liquid Therapy

Friday 5/22
7:30AM: Sacred Start at Vibe Yoga
12:30PM: Fryday - fried specials all day at Soel Sistas Café
3:00PM: Free Drop-in Painting Class at ArtHub
5:00PM: Renaissance on the Riverwalk
7:30PM: Danny McCarthy at Union Public House
9:30PM: Karaoke Dance Party at Casey Magee's Irish Pub

Saturday 5/23
10:00AM: Sewing with Sonia
2:30PM: Renaissance on the Riverwalk
3:00PM: Rubber Duck Regatta
7:30PM: John Pizzarelli/"Dear Mr. Bennett" at NCA*
7:30PM: Matt Jackson @ Union Public House
8:00PM: Jordan Quigley at Casey Magee's Irish Pub
9:30PM: Code Switch at The Peddler's Daughter

Sunday 5/24
10:00AM: Nashua Farmers Market/Renaissance on the Riverwalk
10:00AM: Downtown Brunch Club at Union Public House
7:00PM: Samantha Fish at NCA*

Monday 5/25
9:00AM: Renaissance on the Riverwalk
6:45PM: Foundations of Aerial at Aerial Moon

Tuesday 5/26
4:30PM: K-5 Soaring Paper Showdown at NPL*
5:00PM: Tacos & Tequila at Stella Blu
6:00PM: Community Singing Circle at NPL*
8:00PM: Music Bingo at Fody's Tavern

Wednesday 5/27
5:15PM: Tween Intro to Aerial Arts at Aerial Moon
5:30PM: SJ Martin at Union Public House
6:00PM: Plantitas and Politicas at Fortin Gage
7:00PM: Free Movie Night at The Spot: The Untouchables
8:00PM: Trivia at Fody's Tavern

Article 21 -  authorization for a debt-exclusion to fund the final design and construction of a new Fire Department Headquarters did not pass.

DOWNLOAD PDF of results below.

 For more than 17 years, Jaela has been a steady, compassionate, and inspiring presence for thousands of Nashua youths. Known for her unwavering commitment to every child who walks through PAL’s doors, Jaela has always worked to create a safe, welcoming space where young people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow, which is evident in the lasting relationships she builds and the confidence she instills in every young person she supports.

 As Downtown Director, Jaela leads programs that build leadership, confidence, and connection among youth in Nashua’s most underserved neighborhoods. But to the young people at PAL, she is much more than a staff member – she is a mentor, trusted adult, advocate, and friend.

 Jaela often says, “Once a PAL kid, always a PAL kid,” a phrase that perfectly reflects the lifelong relationships she has built with youth and families throughout her nearly two decades at PAL. Former PAL members, now adults themselves, regularly return to visit Jaela for advice, encouragement, or simply to share life updates. Today, Jaela is even welcoming second-generation PAL members, true evidence to the trust and impact she has built within the community over the years.

 Jaela’s care for PAL youth extends far beyond daily programming. From making sure every child’s holiday wish list is fulfilled, to helping teens set goals and celebrate achievements, Jaela pours her heart into every aspect of PAL’s work. Her ability to see potential in young people – especially those facing difficult circumstances – has changed countless lives.

 One of those young people is longtime PAL member Fatima Garcia, age 17, who shared this about her mentor: “Jaela sees everyone for who we are, not for our mistakes, and loves us unconditionally. She always has given me hope and pushes me to be the leader I am today.”

 At Nashua PAL’s Night of Champions Gala, Fatima surprised Jaela during a speech with a heartfelt tribute and bouquet of flowers in front of hundreds of supporters. “Jaela has always been there, not just for me, but for everyone,” Fatima shared. “She spends so much time helping us and showing what it means to be cared for and supported – even for kids that no one cares about them for they have no one to rely on – they know they can rely on Ms. Jaela. She might not realize it, but she makes such a big impact on our lives and our community.” A video of the special moment can be viewed here: Watch Fatima’s Tribute to Jaela

 “When I started 17 years ago at PAL, I never could have imagined where it would take me. I couldn’t imagine the opportunities that I’ve gotten or how rewarding it would be.” Jaela continued, “I think I’ve gotten more from the PAL kids than they have from me. I’ve learned so much about myself from them and through them – I don’t think I ever want to leave. It’s a great honor to receive this award.”

 “Jaela represents the very heart of PAL,” said Shaun Nelson, Executive Director of Nashua PAL. “Her impact cannot be measured simply in programs or years of service... It’s measured in the lives she has changed, the trust she has built, and the hope she gives our youth every single day. We are so grateful to Jaela for everything she does. This recognition is so well deserved!”

 On behalf of Nashua PAL’s staff, volunteers, and youth, we congratulate Jaela Solis on this incredible national honor and thank her for the compassion, dedication, and love she continues to pour into Nashua’s youth and families every day. Please join us in congratulating Jaela Solis on this well‑deserved honor as National PAL’s 2026 Staff of the Year!

Mayor Jim Donchess was on hand to introduce this year’s sculptors and preside over the opening of the three-week public arts event

“It’s really my pleasure to be here again, even though it’s raining so much,” Donchess said. “As we came in, we saw the blocks of stone that they’re going to use. I was thinking it’s just amazing that they’ll be able to turn those very rough nothings into something beautiful. So we really admire you and just wish you the best here in Nashua.”

Commenting on the importance of the symposium, Donchess said, “As you all know, and I know you agree, the arts are very, very important to any community, to the quality of life. They bring so much in terms of not only economic activity, but just so much to our residents who enjoy sculptures. We have 56 sculptures across the city, and now it’ll be 60.”

This year’s artists are:

• Anna Multone of Borgosesia, Italy, who studied sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara.
• Margot Lasalle, also known as Soleil Noir, a sculptor from Brittany, France, who describes herself as a “stone peeler,” searching for the pre-existing sculpture within the stone.
• Pauline Berger of Germany, a multidisciplinary artist, sculptor, educator and herder.
• Sean Williams, a second-generation stone carver based in Barre, Vermont.

Jim Larson is in his eighth year as creative director of NISS. He shared his insights on the artists and methods that will be on display through May 18 at the Picker Artists studio at 3 Pine St.

“I’m thinking about the history that backs up the work of these four artists and how they are engaging these historical processes, these storied ways of working, and engaging this kind of necessarily historical material,” Larson said. “You have some old pieces of stone, building remnants, limestone from the oldest known coral reef on Earth, and these artists are processing that before your eyes, in front of the whole city. Not just processing — they are making something.”

“They are producing something at a time when you see unprecedented destruction in this world. And for me, that’s what this year is about. As a group of artists working on behalf of the public, we are here to try to match that level of destruction with our creativity, with the work that we do to make this community stronger and more effective.”

Larson also rolled out the red carpet to Nashua residents, encouraging them to visit and take in the creativity and effort.

“Come talk to our artists, say hi, ask them what they’re excited about, ask for their perspective on America, what it’s like being here, and ask about their ways of working,” he said. “They’re working with their bodies. They’re making this sculpture with their hands.

“It’s the most human process we could have right now — so analog. So please, now’s your chance. Artists are not in their studios. They’re not alone. They’re talking to each other, and they could be talking to you. And there’s a deadline — you have three weeks.”

Stella Bloom, a diminutive force of nature, leads the kitchen. She has been marshalling this team for decades, making traditional Greek dishes. They expect to serve more than 8,000 meals over the course of the two-day festival.

Jamie Pappas follows in the footsteps of her mother and has been working on the festival for more than 20 years. She gave us the rundown on the volume of food purchased and prepared.

“One thousand pounds of chicken, one thousand pounds of lamb, 850 lamb shanks that are all, every single one of them, cooked by this woman right here,” she said, pointing to Bloom. “Three thousand five hundred meatballs. We made almost five thousand grape leaves. So it’s a lot.”

It is quite a menu, and the lines attest to the popularity of the food. Lamb shank, lamb souvlaki, chicken souvlaki, pastitsio, dolmades, spanakopita, keftedes, rizogalo and gyros are all being served by a team of more than 50 workers.

Those are just the entrees. They are followed up with an impressive lineup of glyka (pastries). Piles of koulourakia, baklava, kourabiedes, melomakarona, kataifi, galaktoboureko, tiropita and loukoumades tempt even the most strong-willed visitors who try to resist too many sweets.

“Because when it’s over and you look around, you know, some things you run out of, some things you have very little of,” Pappas said, reflecting on the scope of the project. “My idea of a perfect festival is running out of everything. Some people say, ‘Oh no, you’ve got to have extra,’ but you don’t. Because you don’t want it to be left over. You want to make sure it was enjoyed by the people who come.”

The festival continues through Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm

 Presented as a benefit performance for the Front Door Agency, 100% of proceeds from ticket sales will directly support the agency’s mission to prevent and end homelessness in Greater Nashua.

Written by Emmy-winning playwright Rich Orloff, Just Another Day tells the story of a comedy writer and a sophisticated poet in their seventies who meet daily on a park bench to exchange wit, memories, and moments of connection, all while trying to piece together how they know, and love, each other.

 Equal parts comedy, nostalgia, and love story, the globally touring production offers audiences an intimate and emotional evening of theatre led by two legendary performers. Dan Lauria, best known for his role as Jack Arnold on the Emmy-winning television series The Wonder Years, has long maintained a connection to the Front Door Agency through his friendship with the organization’s founder, Odie Odierna. His passion for the agency’s mission inspired him to bring Just Another Day to Greater Nashua as a fundraiser benefiting local families and individuals experiencing housing instability.

 “Dan has never forgotten the importance of community or using his talents to give back” said Odie Odierna, founder of the Front Door Agency. “Dan and Patty are helping turn art into impact, and that generosity means everything to us.”

 Patty McCormack, known for her acclaimed career in theater, television, and film, rose to fame as a child star in The Bad Seed, earning an Academy Award nomination for her unforgettable performance. Together, Lauria and McCormack bring decades of talent and chemistry to the stage in this moving production.

 Funds raised through the performances will support the Front Door Agency’s housing and supportive service programs, including homelessness prevention, transformational housing for single mothers and children, youth homelessness initiatives, affordable housing, and financial empowerment services.

 “This production is more than just a night at the theater,” said Maryse Wirbal, CEO of the Front Door Agency. “Every ticket purchased helps support real people in our community who are working toward stability, independence, and hope.”

 Performances will take place at Souhegan High School on Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, May 31 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available now at: https://frontdooragency.ejoinme.org/justanotherday

 About the Front Door Agency

The Front Door Agency, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization that invests in New Hampshire individuals and families as they transition from crisis to self-sufficiency by providing a hands-up opportunity to those at risk of homelessness. Through our four core programs, we invest in those who need assistance with basic needs by providing direction and educational opportunities as they transition from crisis to sustainable independence. To learn more, visit www.frontdooragency.org.

NASHUA, NH - The YMCA of Greater Nashua announced today that it raised more than $37,000 during its inaugural Y Day of Giving, with all proceeds benefiting the Y CARES Financial Assistance Program, which helps ensure individuals and families can access YMCA memberships, childcare, summer camp, swim lessons, youth sports, wellness programs, and more regardless of financial circumstance.

The total included more than $700 raised through a spirited Penny Wars competition at the Merrimack Early Education Center, as well as a generous $10,000 matching gift from an anonymous donor, helping amplify the community’s impact.

The day began with the Walk for Y CARES, a 2.5-mile community walk through Mine Falls Park organized by the YMCA Trail Walking Group. Members, families, staff, and community supporters gathered at 9am to walk together in support of making the Y accessible to all.

“Y Day of Giving is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared purpose,” said COO, Joe Manzoli. “Every dollar raised helps remove barriers for children, families, and individuals who rely on the Y not just for programs, but for connection, support, and belonging. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, volunteered, walked, shared our mission, and helped make this day such a success.” Through the Y CARES Financial Assistance Program, the YMCA of Greater Nashua provides critical support to individuals and families facing financial hardship, helping ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at the Y.

The YMCA also recognized the many volunteers, board members, staff members, and community advocates who dedicated their time and energy to organizing events, welcoming participants, and encouraging support throughout the campaign.

The organization extended special thanks to its Y Day of Giving partners, including:

• The PLUS Company
• Saint Christopher Academy
• MASI Plumbing and Heating
• Nashua Silver Knights
• LME Financial Planning

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Nashua or support Y CARES, visit www.nmymca.org

The Indie & Open Mic Scene

Our local music scene is all about participation this week. Show off your talent at the Musical Open Mic at Bound Together on Thursday, or keep the indie vibes going Friday night at the 603 After Hours Indie Party at the Nashua Center for the Arts. If you'd rather listen than perform, grab a drink and catch the Boom Lava Reggae Band for some Saturday night island vibes at Casey Magee’s.

The Active Agenda

Lace up your sneakers for the GNMH Thrive Stride 5k at Greeley Park on Saturday morning—it's a great way to support local mental health services while getting your steps in. If you're looking to challenge your gravity, Sunday features an Intro to Lyra Workshop (aerial hoop), or you can join the Foundations of Aerial class on Monday at Aerial Moon.

Tech, Tales, & Toons

Experience a mix of the future and the past this Wednesday. Go high-tech at the Nashua Public Library for the Gamer's Arcade with Virtual Reality or keep it old-school with a Free Movie Night featuring The Flintstones at The Spot. For the book lovers, Saturday afternoon offers a chance to meet Author Linda Kulig Magoon at Bound Together.

Mid-Week Cravings

You can’t go wrong with the classics. Thursday kicks off with Buck-a-Shuck Oysters at The Pearl, and Friday is officially "Fryday" with specials all day at Soel Sistas Café. If you need a Tuesday pick-me-up, it’s all about Tacos & Tequila at Stella Blu followed by Music Bingo at Fody’s Tavern.

From estate planning seminars to the final weekend of All Shook Up, there is a unique experience waiting around every corner.

Save the Date!

Don't forget to mark your calendars for two of our biggest spring traditions coming up fast:

• Saturday, May 23: The Rubber Duck Regatta on the Nashua Riverwalk.
• Sunday, May 24: The grand opening and Season Kick-off of the Nashua Farmers Market!

 Catch you on the Riverwalk!
Elaina Bedio, Downtown Nashua Association

Thursday 5/14
5:00PM: Pokémon League Night at Grave Troll Games
5:00PM: Buck-a-Shuck Oysters at The Pearl
5:30PM: Dave Clark at Union Public House
6:00PM: Thursday Night Karaoke at The Spot
6:00PM: Musical Open Mic Night at Bound Together
7:30PM: Open Mic Night at Casey Magee's Irish Pub
7:30PM: Trivia Night at Liquid Therapy

Friday 5/15
7:30AM: Sacred Start at Vibe Yoga
12:30PM: Fryday - fried specials all day at Soel Sistas Café
3:00PM: Free Drop-in Painting Class at ArtHub
6:30PM: 603 After Hours Indie Party at Nashua Center for the Arts
7:00PM: All Shook Up at Court Street Theater
7:30PM: Jimbo LaBelle at Union Public House
8:00PM: Hard Passes at The Spot
9:30PM: Karaoke Dance Party at Casey Magee's Irish Pub

Saturday 5/16
10:00AM: GNMH Thrive Stride 5k at Greeley Park
1:00PM: Estate Planning 101 at Nashua Public Library
2:00PM: All Shook Up at Court Street Theater
2:00PM: Author Linda Kulig Magoon at Bound Together
7:30PM: Rick Wallace at Union Public House
8:00PM: Boom Lava Reggae Band at Casey Magee's Irish Pub

Sunday 5/17
10:00AM: Downtown Brunch Club at Union Public House
11:00AM: Kim's Cozy Corner Spring Pop-up at Bound Together
1:30PM: Intro to Lyra Workshop
2:00PM: All Shook Up at Court Street Theater
3:00PM: The Incidentals at Stella Blu

Monday 5/18
6:45PM: Foundations of Aerial at Aerial Moon

Tuesday 5/19
5:00PM: Tacos & Tequila at Stella Blu
8:00PM: Music Bingo at Fody's Tavern

 Wednesday 5/20
5:00PM: Gamer's Arcade w/ Virtual Reality at Nashua Public Library
5:15PM: Tween Intro to Aerial Arts at Aerial Moon
5:30PM: Pete Smith at Union Public House
7:00PM: Free Movie Night at The Spot: The Flintstones
8:00PM: Trivia at Fody's Tavern

On Saturday, May 23 at 3:00 PM, 5,000 rubber ducks will be launched by the footbridge between the Clocktower and Cotton Mill Apartments. This beloved community tradition, previously hosted by Nashua Rotary West, finds a new home with DNA this year. Spectators can cheer on the "yellow tide" as it races toward the finish line for a chance at three major cash prizes:

·         First Place: $1,500

·         Second Place: $750

·         Third Place: $500

“The Duck Regatta is more than just a race,” said Alyssa O’Mara, DNA’s Executive Director. “Every duck adopted directly supports the free events our community loves, including the Winter Stroll, Nashua Pride, and the Main Street Monster Mash.”

Participants can choose a single duck, a “Six-Quack,” or a “Quacker’s Dozen” to increase their odds of winning. For those with a competitive spirit, the new Team Competition allows local businesses and organizations to rally their supporters. The group that sells the most ducks will earn a $2,500 donation made in their name to a Greater Nashua nonprofit of their choice.

The fun continues Sunday, May 24, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM with the season opening of the Nashua Farmers Market. Held at the newly completed Nashua Riverwalk, the market features local growers, artisans, and food makers. With live music and rotating food trucks, the Sunday market provides a weekly destination for fresh produce and handcrafted goods through October.

Come downtown for this historic weekend to celebrate the new Riverwalk and keep Nashua’s community traditions thriving.

For information on Downtown Nashua Association and its events, visit www.downtownnashua.org.

The event was billed as a “community response to proposed changes that would separate students with disabilities into one school.”

About two dozen disability advocates, family members and students attended to raise concerns about the proposed changes and to hear a presentation by Dr. Louis Esposito, executive director of Able NH.

Esposito described the group’s core worry. “The biggest issue is that we’re firm believers in inclusion, which means students being educated in the general education classroom as often as possible,” he said. “The alarming thing that came out of this was the proposal that had all students from the Nashua School District that were identified as having intensive needs located in one building.”

“They would have been taken from their local community school and brought to one location,” he added. “I understand that there’s a lot of other factors going into it, but fundamentally, it’s just not something we feel is in the best interest of the student.”

Able NH is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the civil and human rights of children and adults with disabilities. The group describes inclusion as students with disabilities learning alongside nondisabled peers in general education, with appropriate support and services built in.

Nashua is not unique in facing resource challenges in meeting its obligation to provide services required under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA.

The law, passed nearly 50 years ago, envisioned the federal government covering 40 percent of special education costs, with states providing most of the balance. Those funding levels have never been fulfilled. Currently, the federal government is providing about 13 percent, the state provides about 10 percent and with majority 75% plus cost falls on cities and towns.

“The goal of IDEA was whatever services and supports the student needs, the school needs to provide it,” Esposito said. “That’s the guarantee. That’s the civil right of it.”

Following the library event, supporters of inclusion gathered at the rotary by the entrance to Nashua High School North to rally support as people arrived for the Board of Education meeting.

“Nashua used to lead the state in inclusive education. We are going backwards,” Esposito said. “And, you know, I’m not going to say it’s going to be cheap, but the long-term costs are going to be fewer and fewer. If we’re supporting kids at younger ages and giving support at younger ages, it benefits them and us as they become adults.”

The Board of Education is expected to continue discussing the reconfiguration plan in coming weeks, and advocates at Monday’s event said they plan to stay engaged as details evolve.

WHO: Brian S. McCarthy Memorial Foundation

WHAT: Family STEM Day, free and open to the public and your participation is free, too!

WHERE: Nashua High School South, 36 Riverside Street, Nashua, N.H. – Plenty of parking!

WHEN: Sat., May 16, 2026, from 10am – 2pm

WHY: To celebrate our STEM education mission and the STEM community!

ABOUT the event:

Last year at our inaugural Family STEM Day event, we had well over 1,000 visitors with more than 40 hands-on activities and interactive presentations with 23 organizations. We are going to do this again! We’d love you to be a part of this year’s fun!

 Our 2^nd Family STEM Day is coming up very soon! This event will celebrate and highlight our organization and its mission of promoting STEM initiatives happening in our community.

Open to families, students, and community members of all ages, Family STEM Day is an opportunity for organizations to highlight their mission and work, engage with families, and inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and innovators. We will have lots of hands-on exhibits, interactive demonstrations and lots of big and small ways STEM is part of our lives.

 We will be showcasing programs that have benefited from foundation support, including: the Adult Learning Center’s Xploration Program, the United Way’s Wee Read initiative in addition to many others. Gloria McCarthy, co-founder of BSMM, said, “We are thrilled beyond words by the number of organizations willing to contribute their time and energy in support of the Brian S McCarthy Foundation’s Family STEM Day. This event is not only a celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math—it is a deeply personal way for us to honor and share Brian’s many passions with the community that he served for so many years.”

Our exhibitors:

FIRST NH Robotics Teams:

 Plus: We will have food trucks including Chicken on the Run and Hazy Ice Cream, LLC.

Our sponsors:

Harvey Construction, Rockland Trust Foundation, Paisner Dental Associates, Prunier & Prolman, P.A., and World Academy

ABOUT The Brian S. McCarthy Memorial Foundation:

The Brian S. McCarthy Memorial Foundation was established in March 2019 in memory of the late Nashua Alderman-at-Large, in recognition of his devotion to Nashua’s education, and his affinity for the sciences and mathematics. Our mission is to promote education in STEM and to provide opportunities to Nashua high school students seeking to further their education in a STEM-based program. Since our founding, we have funded over $104,341 in scholarships, grants, and donations, impacted 1,760 students, awarded 26 scholarships, supported 38 projects, served 21 Nashua, N.H. schools and organizations.

The four-day event will include live music, food trucks, make-and-take-take-up art projects, vendors, and more. Most activities will be free; food and drink can be purchased. Free activities include a photo booth with props, bunny yoga, a petting zoo, and live performances.

Downtown Nashua Association (formerly Great American Downtown) will offer a Rubber Duck Regatta on the river Saturday, and the season opening of the Nashua Farmers Market on Sunday. The Nashua Arts Commission as well as Positive Street Art will both offer free kids’ make and take art projects. Nashua Area Artists Association will also have activities.

An exciting art drone show will occur Saturday evening over the river, and a lighted kayak parade will fill the river with light. A new mural representing the history of Nashua will have its official ribbon- cutting in the park as well.

Monday, Bicentennial Park, at the Main Street bridge and connected to Renaissance Park, will be an ideal location to view our Nashua veterans’ organizations during the annual Memorial Day Parade. The parade steps off from Holman Stadium at 10:30 am and proceeds down Main Street, including past the parks. Dan’s Balloons will be there before and during the parade, giving out free balloons to the young and young-at-heart while supplies last.

The planned schedule of events is:

FRIDAY: 5-9 pm active time

5-9 pm – activity: New England Photo Booth

5:30-7pm – performance: El Grupo Chevere

7:30-9pm – performance: 4R Souls

Positive Street Art – kids art fun-tivity

Nashua Area Artists Association – art activity TBD

SATURDAY: 2:30-9 pm active time

2:30 pm – activity: Vibe Yoga

3 pm – event: Rubber Duck Regatta (DNA)

3-5 pm – activity: free kids’ make n take art project (NAC)

3-9 pm – activity: New England Photo Booth

3:30 pm – event: Renaissance Park Mural dedication

4:30-5:30pm – performance: BailOut

6-7pm – performance: Lisa Love

7:30-8:30pm – performance: 4Play: The Boston Tribute Band

9 pm – event: drone show over the river

9 pm – event: lighted kayak parade on the river

Nashua Area Artists Association – art activity TBD

SUNDAY: 10 am-1 pm active time

10 am-1 pm – event: Nashua Farmers Market (DNA)

10 am-1 pm – activity: New England Photo Booth

10 am-1 pm – performance: band TBD

11 am-noon – activity: Bunny Yoga

10 am-1 pm – activity: Petting Zoo

Nashua Area Artists Association – art activity TBD

MONDAY: 9 am-1 pm active time

9 am-1 pm – performance: Gary Lopez

10 am-noon – activity: free balloons from Dan’s Balloons

10:30 am – event: Memorial Day Parade down Main Street (Veterans Council)

Nashua Area Artists Association – art activity TBD

Organizers encourage local families to walk to the park. The garage on High and Factory streets is the closest public garage, and the Elm Street public garage is an 8-minute, 0.3 mi walk from the park. There is also metered on-street parking throughout downtown. Main Street Nashua boasts many excellent restaurants for all tastes and budgets.

More information is on the Enjoy Nashua Facebook page and the “Renaissance on the Riverwalk” event located there.

After years of planning, design, and construction, the Riverwalk now connects key downtown parks and public spaces along the Nashua River, offering new pathways, scenic overlooks, public art, and gathering areas that celebrate the City’s heritage and creative energy.

The improvements were funded through a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district bond established in 2003, which has supported ongoing reinvestment in downtown infrastructure and public spaces.

The Seekers & Life Learners

Looking for something outside the ordinary? Explore the intriguing Psychology of Serial Killers at the Nashua Center for the Arts on Thursday or perhaps seek a different kind of message with Medium Matt Fraser on Friday. If you’re looking to give back to the community, don’t miss the Greater Nashua Volunteer Fair at the Nashua Public Library Thursday evening.

Spotlight on Mom

This Sunday is all about the leading ladies in our lives! Treat her to a Moms & Mimosas Brunch at Local Street Eats or enjoy a delicious Mother’s Day Brunch at PunThai Kitchen. If she loves the arts, make it a full weekend celebration by catching a performance of the Elvis-inspired musical All Shook Up at the Court Street Theater.

Creative Hands & Active Bodies

Tap into your inner artist with a Free Painting Class at the ArtHub on Friday, or try the Madhubani Art Workshop on Saturday. If you prefer to get moving, find your flow at Vibe Yoga or let the kids take flight at the Tween Intro to Silks Pop-up at Aerial Moon.

Sips, Songs, and Socials

There is no shortage of flavor this week. Beyond the fan-favorite Buck-a-Shuck Oysters at The Pearl, check out Wings & Whiskey at Local Street Eats on Wednesday. For live music lovers, the Jenni Lynn Duo hits Casey Magee’s on Saturday, while Pop Farmers will be rocking The Peddler’s Daughter late into the night.

From boutique launches to Godzilla on the big screen, there truly is a corner of Downtown calling your name this week.

We'll see ya Downtown!

Elaina Bedio, Downtown Nashua Association

Events Listing

But what we’re dealing with right now is different.

Costs are rising across the board. Supply chains still aren’t fully stable. Finding and keeping staff is harder than it should be. And now, on top of all of that, tariffs and economic uncertainty are adding another layer of pressure that small businesses simply can’t absorb.

As a small business owner here in New Hampshire, I should be celebrating National Small Business Week. And I am proud—proud of the work we do, proud of the role we play in our communities, proud of the way small businesses show up every single day.

But if I’m being honest, it’s hard to celebrate without also acknowledging what’s really happening behind the scenes.

These tariffs—driven by Donald Trump’s trade policies—aren’t abstract decisions. They hit us directly. In my business, they could increase overhead by as much as $80,000. That’s real money. That’s two full-time employees. That’s the difference between growing and just trying to stay afloat.

About 15% of my inventory comes from Canada. We bring in flowers weekly. When those costs go up, I don’t have a lot of options. I either absorb it—which isn’t sustainable—or I pass it along to my customers. Neither is a good outcome.

And I’m not alone in this. Across New Hampshire, small businesses are feeling the same pressure. Some rely on Canadian visitors. Some rely on cross-border goods. Many are already making tough decisions—cutting hours, holding off on hiring, or worse, closing their doors.

That’s why the silence from leaders like Kelly Ayotte is so frustrating.

Saying you’re “focused on New Hampshire” should mean speaking up when policies are actively hurting the people who keep this state running. Small businesses aren’t asking for handouts—we’re asking for awareness, for advocacy, and for leadership that understands what’s actually happening on the ground.

Because here’s the reality: small business owners don’t get to stay quiet when something isn’t working. We have to adjust in real time. We have to make hard calls. We feel the impact immediately.

We expect the same from our leaders.

Small businesses are the backbone of New Hampshire. We create jobs, support our communities, and give our towns their character.

And right now, that backbone is being strained by Donald Trump’s economic policies—policies that are having real consequences here at home. Kelly Ayotte’s silence isn’t neutral. It’s a choice.

If you represent New Hampshire, you should be willing to stand up for the small businesses that power it—even when it means pushing back against your own party.

Because for those of us on the ground, this isn’t politics.

It’s survival.

AMBER MORGAN

Owner of Fortin Gage Flowers & Gifts and currently serving as an At-Large Alderman

About Community Voices Thoughtful perspectives from our community

Community Voices is where Nashua residents share their views on local issues, and community concerns. We welcome opinion submissions that are civil, fact-based, and relevant to our city. Submissions are subject to editing and must include the author's name and local connection. Join the conversation at news@nashuaindependent.com.

NASHUA – This spring, Nashua Community College will celebrate the graduation of 298 students, with more than 200 planning to join in person for NCC’s largest in-person ceremony in nearly 10 years.

The event will take place Monday, May 18 at 2 pm outdoors on the East Lawn by the Gymnasium. The rain date is Tuesday, May 19 at 2 pm.

This is the first graduation presided over by NCC’s president, who joined the college in summer 2025. “Commencement is always a moment of pride for our college, but it is especially meaningful for me to celebrate this milestone with our graduates during my first commencement as president of Nashua Community College,” said Dr. James M. Keane. “Our graduates have demonstrated resilience,determination, and a commitment to their futures, and we are honored to recognize their achievementsas they take their next steps in their careers, education, and communities.”

Class of 2017 NCC graduate Kyle Moschen, will serve as Commencement Speaker. Since NCC, Kyle hasearned his bachelor’s and launched a PR career in Seattle.

At Commencement, organizers will present a series of student awards for leadership and academic achievement, as well as a service award for a member of the community.

NCC has more than 50 associate degree and certificate options. The most popular degrees this year are Nursing with 22 graduates, Health Science with 24 graduates, and General Studies with 26. Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce, or transfer their credits to 4-year degree programs.

About Nashua Community College

Since 1970, Nashua Community College has been successfully meeting the educational needs of Greater Nashua by delivering a high quality two-year, post-secondary education. The college partners closely with area industries and community organizations that provide students with a unique perspective in
their fields of study, allowing for a real-world experience to further their academic journey. Students can choose from a variety of associate degree, certificate, and career training programs. Nashua Community College is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire. The seven community
colleges in the system are committed to working with businesses throughout the state to train and retain employees to develop a robust workforce across all sectors. Learn more at nashuacc.edu.

Originally this 30 acre site was an historic farm and private garden. The abandoned property was purchased in the 1980’s and the new owners transformed it into a tranquil oasis open for the public to enjoy.

You can pick up a free map and explore the gardens on your own or join in a free garden tour daily at 10:15am. Space is limited and it is on a first come first serve basis.They also have art tours several days of the week. Tours are included in your admission. 

There is a 3/4-mile circulation path, connecting the “garden rooms”, with vistas along the way. Some other highlights are a Japanese Tea House and garden, a wildlife pond, ornamental grass 'painting', as well as numerous sculptures, water features and various fountains. 

This is a fun outing for all ages and the gardens are somewhat accessible. The walkways and paths are mostly either lawn, hard-pack, or wood chips. They request you leave your pets at home with the exception of course for service dogs.  More specific information about this and the accessibility tour they offer is found here.  

Bedrock Gardens is located at 19 High Road in Lee, NH. 

They are open seasonally from May 13th to October 12, 2026. Hours are 10 am-4 pm Tuesday through Friday and on the 1st and 3rd weekends of the month. Admission is $15 for adults and children 12 or under are free.

If you have a Nashua Public Library card, you can reserve passes for Bedrock Gardens under their museum passes program.

About Nearby Adventures and Daytrips

Nashua's location is ideal for explorers—we're surrounded by incredible places to discover. Each week we'll feature a nearby destination worth your time, from hidden gardens and scenic trails to historic sites and seasonal favorites.

Have a favorite spot you think we should cover? Send your suggestions to news@nashuaindependent.com.

Richard Schwartz is the president of GCBC.  “The money supports our mission here at Gate City Bike Shop. We have expenses to pay for utilities. We have a lot of consumables, as you might call them, parts and lubricants, things like that.” Said Scwartz adding “In my wildest dreams, we would have a van that would be taking bikes downtown.  Because our location here, we were originally downtown.”

John Burkitt was one of the founders of the group which began in 2017 in connection with the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter. John served as president of GCBC until his death last year.  His spirit and influence were present in the sale event.

The all-volunteer organization repairs donated bikes and works with social service agencies in the Nashua region to distribute them to people in need. Recipients receive bikes free with vouchers from the agencies.

In 2025, the co-op processed about 500 bicycles, including 98 sold at the annual sale. Each bike requires an average of $100 in parts and two to four hours of labor. About 300 bikes went to Nashua clients, 150 to other New Hampshire towns and 50 to Africa.

Audrey Tringali of Hollis brought her sons, James and Thomas, to buy bikes.

"My son has recently gotten into mountain biking, which I know nothing about, but he is excited about," Tringali said. "Once we saw that they were having the sale, we thought it might be a good opportunity to get something nice for a fraction of the price. The quality seems really good, and they both are really happy with the ones they picked out."

Gate City Bike Co-op accepts donated bicycles, parts and accessories and welcomes new volunteers. More information is available at gatecitybikecoop.org.

For the Smarty-pantses

If your perfect night involves deep dives and discussion, join the Friday Book Club at Bound Together to discuss horror-dystopia sensation Tender is the Flesh, or head back Sunday morning for the Gals & Gays Book Club. Prefer a side of competition with your knowledge? Test your wits at Trivia Night at Liquid Therapy on Thursday.

The Young (and Young at Heart)

The next generation is taking over this week! Teens and tweens can swoop and sway at the Intro to Silks Pop-up at Aerial Moon on Friday or celebrate Star Wars Day at the Nashua Public Library on Monday. For the gamers, Pokémon League Night at Grave Troll Games is the place to be Thursday evening.

Dinner and a Show

Make it a classic night on the town. Pair Buck-a-Shuck oysters at The Pearl with the jazz vocals of Madeleine Peyroux at Nashua Center for the Arts on Thursday. If you’re feeling nostalgic, grab a bite Downtown before laughing along with Napoleon Dynamite Live! on Saturday night.

The Party Seekers

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with live music and karaoke at T&T Way or keep the energy high with a Karaoke Dance Party at Casey Magee’s on Friday night.

From ham-and-bean suppers to Pink Floyd tributes, there's something for everyone this week.

 We'll see ya Downtown!

Elaina Bedio, Downtown Nashua Association

Thursday 4/30
5:00PM: Pokémon League Night at Grave Troll Games
5:30PM: Jamie Hughes at Union Public House
6:00PM: Dealing with Invasive Jumping Worms at NPL*
7:30PM: Madeleine Peyroux at NCA*
7:30PM: Open Mic Night at Casey Magee's Irish Pub
7:30PM: Trivia Night at Liquid Therapy

Friday 5/1
7:30PM: Sacred Start at Vibe Yoga
12:30PM: Fryday - fried specials all day at Soel Sistas Café
4:00PM: Tween Intro to Silks Pop-up at Aerial Moon
7:00PM: Friday Book Club: Tender is the Flesh at Bound Together
7:30PM: Dave Z at Union Public House
7:30PM: Shrek The Musical at Keefe Auditorium
9:30PM: Karaoke Dance Party at Casey Magee's Irish Pub

Saturday 5/2
4:00PM: Derby Day Party at Local Street Eats
4:00PM: Derby Day at Stella Blu/The Pearl/Union Public House
4:00PM: Infineight Workshop at Aerial Moon
4:30PM: Ham & Bean Supper at Main St United Methodist Church
6:00PM: The Bandwidth at The Spot
7:00PM: Napoleon Dynamite Live! at NCA*
8:00PM: Steve & Mike Duo at Casey Magee's Irish Pub
9:30PM: Straight A's at The Peddler's Daughter

Sunday 5/3
10:00AM: Sunday Brunch at Union Public House
11:00AM: Gals & Gays Book Club at Bound Together
7:00PM: The Machine, Pink Floyd Tribute at NCA*

Monday 5/4

8:30AM: CRSW Training at Revive Recovery Resource Center
4:30PM: Teen/Tween Star Wars Day at NPL*
10:00PM: Industry Night & Karaoke at Fody's Tavern

Tuesday 5/5

4:30PM: K-5: Painting with Scissors at NPL*

5:00PM: Cinco, Sounds & Sunsets (patio opening) at Stella Blu

6:00PM: Cinco Live Music & Karaoke at T&T Way

7:00PM: Tuesday Night Karaoke at San Francisco Kitchen

8:00PM: Music Bingo at Fody's Tavern

Wednesday 5/6

5:15PM: Tween Intro to Aerial Arts at Aerial Moon

5:30PM: SJ Martin at Union Public House

7:00PM: Free Movie Night at The Spot: The Crow

8:00PM: Trivia at Fody's Tavern

Auctioneer John Terrio of Auction Knights/JWT & Associates hosted the live auction that was held in the ballroom of The Event Center at the Nashua Marriott.

Party chair Ray Buckley and a lineup of speakers framed Shaheen’s career — stretching back to her 1996 gubernatorial win — as foundational for building a durable Democratic organization in New Hampshire, crediting her with much of the party’s modern success in the state.

“Jeanne Shaheen has basically influenced every election since she’s been involved in public service, and she’s certainly influenced mine. As you know, Jeanne, you’re only as good in your campaign, or in government — and this applies to business as well — as the team you have around you. You’re only as good as the team,” former Gov. John Lynch said. “I was fortunate that I inherited Jeanne Shaheen’s team. And I never, because I had no idea what I was doing, I never would have been elected governor of the state of New Hampshire without your team. So, thanks, Jeanne.”

Sen. Maggie Hassan credited Shaheen for her career in politics. Their first encounter was when Shaheen was governor and Hassan was testifying about the needs of families like hers with disabled members with care needs. “I don’t know what she saw in me,” Hassan said, but Shaheen recruited her into electoral politics, with Hassan following her into the governor’s office and now the U.S. Senate.

Hassan paid tribute to her by saying, “Jeanne Shaheen has always believed that leading is about listening and learning and engaging with people who disagree with you. All of which I know would be novel concepts to our current president. Jeanne believes that the best politics and policies reflect how people feel and live their lives on the ground. She understands that every great cause in our country’s history advanced by listening.”

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton returned to the Granite State for the first time in many years as the keynote speaker for the event. She personally thanked Sen. Shaheen for advice, support and friendship during both her and Bill Clinton’s campaigns in the state.

Clinton encouraged young women to look to Shaheen as a role model for public service, praising her persistence and effectiveness, and framed New Hampshire as a place where she has learned “what really matters” from voters over the years.

Clinton also commented on national politics. She argued that Democrats should prosecute the case against former President Donald Trump’s record even if he is not personally on the ballot in 2026. She criticized his foreign policy, including “rolling the dice with Iran, with no plan, and losing,” and encouraged Democrats to connect local races to broader questions of democracy, security and rights.

The McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner is the modern name for New Hampshire Democrats’ long-running “100 Club Dinner,” first held in 1959. It has been staged annually, with occasional off-years and rebrands, for roughly six decades, making the 2026 event part of a tradition now in its 60-plus years.

The Creative & Conscious

If you love to learn or create, Saturday is your day. Visit the 4th Annual Sustainability Fair at the Nashua Public Library to go green, or tap into your artistic side with Painting on Silk at Greater Nashua Mental Health or Quilting at the ArtHub. On Monday, the spotlight could be yours. Head to the library to audition for The Tempest with the Nashua Theater Guild.

Drinks & Drafts

Looking for a unique sip? Don't miss the Espresso Martini Throwdown at Local Street Eats on Thursday afternoon. If you prefer a beat with your beverage, Union Public House is the place for live music all weekend, featuring Matt Jackson, Jamie Hughes, and Archibold. For the late-night crowd, DJ Tuck will be spinning at The Peddlers Daughter Friday night to keep the energy high.

 For the Fam

Bring the kids downtown for a bit of wonder! Illusionist Rick Thomas dazzles at the Nashua Center for the Arts on Friday, or you can enjoy Story Time with Princess Fiona at the library on Tuesday. For a mid-week treat, Wednesday, offers Family Mini-Golf right inside the library.

 Where Gamers Go

If you live for the win, Downtown is your playground. Beyond the usual trivia, try your luck with Music Bingo at Fodys Tavern on Tuesday or jump into the Pokémon League Night at Grave Troll Games on Thursday. If you prefer the classics, The Spot is hosting a Free Movie Night featuring the 1950s masterpiece The Third Man on Wednesday.

From restorative yoga to high-energy folk-rock with Alan Doyle, there's a corner of Downtown calling your name this week.

 We'll see ya Downtown!

 Elaina Bedio, Downtown Nashua Association

Thursday 4/30

5:00PM: Buck-a-Shuck at The Pearl at Stella Blu

5:00PM: Pokémon League Night at Grave Troll Games

6:00PM: Dealing with Invasive Jumping Worms at NPL*

7:30PM: Madeleine Peyroux at NCA*

7:30PM: Open Mic Night at Casey Magee's

7:30PM: Trivia Night at Liquid Therapy

 Friday 5/1

7:30PM: Sacred Start at Vibe Yoga

12:30PM: Fryday - fried specials all day at Soel Sistas Café

4:00PM: Tween Intro to Silks Pop-up at Aerial Moon

7:00PM: Friday Book Club: Tender is the Flesh at Bound Together

7:30PM: Shrek The Musical at Keefe Auditorium

9:30PM: Karaoke Dance Party at Casey Magee's Irish Pub

 Saturday 5/2

4:00PM: Derby Day Party at Local Street Eats

4:00PM: Infineight Workshop at Aerial Moon

4:30PM: Ham & Bean Supper at Main St United Methodist Church

6:00PM: The Bandwidth at The Spot

7:00PM: Napoleon Dynamite Live! at NCA*

9:30PM: Straight A's at The Peddler's Daughter

 Sunday 5/3

10:00AM: Sunday Brunch at Union Public House

11:00AM: Gals & Gays Book Club at Bound Together

7:00PM: The Machine, Pink Floyd Tribute at NCA*

 Monday 5/4

8:30AM:CRSW Training at Revive Recovery Resource Center

4:30PM: Teen/Tween Star Wars Day at NPL*

 Tuesday 5/5

4:30PM: K-5: Painting with Scissors at NPL*

5:00PM: Tacos & Tequila at Stella Blu

6:00PM: Cinco Live Music & Karaoke at T&T Way

7:00PM: Tuesday Night Karaoke at San Francisco Kitchen

8:00PM: Music Bingo at Fody's Tavern

 Wednesday 5/6

7:00PM: Free Movie Night at The Spot: The Crow

8:00PM: Trivia at Fody's Tavern

*NPL: Nashua Public Library

*NCA: Nashua Center for the Arts

 Mayor outlines rising costs, aims to hold tax hike under 8%

 Speaking at the start of the meeting, Donchess said the administration moved up the budget submission to the first meeting in April at the board’s request and is contending with jumps in health care, insurance, school transportation and landfill costs that far outpace typical inflation.

 “Looking at the coming fiscal year, we are faced with some very significant challenges which are fixed costs which are rising far more than the 3 or 4% cost of living,” Donchess told the Board of Alderman.

Health insurance premiums alone are up 13%, a $6.5 million increase the mayor said equates to more than two percentage points on the tax rate. Liability, auto and workers’ compensation insurance costs are up 20%, or $1.7 million, while the school department faces roughly $600,000 more in electricity costs and a 15% increase in regular school busing, or about $1.2 million. Special education expenses are up to about $1.8 million, including more than $1 million in additional out-of-district placement costs, he said.

The city’s effort to extend the life of its municipally operated landfill is adding $1.9 million in debt service, Donchess said. The police department also must replace its body cameras after the expiration of a five- or six-year contract, at a cost of about $900,000.

“If you add those numbers up, you come up to $13 million or thereabouts before we even get to wages and many other expenses that the city has,” Donchess said.

Initial department requests would have translated to a 9% tax rate increase, according to the mayor. He said his budget trims that to “below 8%” by consolidating a shared position between City Hall and the school department, cutting the school department’s requested increase from 6% to 5.5%, delaying three new fire department training officers until midyear, phasing in a recently adopted unaffiliated employee salary schedule over two years, reducing economic development funding by about $300,000 and limiting capital reserve funding to $2 million with hopes of supplementing it later with any year-end surplus.

 The budget would reduce school department staffing by more than 50 positions, which Donchess said it may mirror a decline in enrollment, but he emphasized there are no proposed closures of fire stations or layoffs of police officers. “Reasonable people can differ about budgetary items,” he said, adding that the Board of Aldermen’s Budget Review Committee will have to “struggle with this” in the weeks ahead.

 Public comment centers on immigration enforcement and contracts

 During the first public comment period, speakers were limited to items scheduled for action Tuesday. Several residents and advocates spoke in support of Resolution R-26-016, which addresses federal immigration enforcement activity in Nashua and its impact on community safety and well-being.

 Jaimeika Lewis of Spruce Street urged aldermen to support the resolution, saying immigration enforcement practices that lack transparency and communication can deter people from calling for help, going to work or sending their children to school. “This resolution is not about preventing enforcement. This is about people. It’s about families,” Lewis said.

Aldermen adopt immigration resolution

 On a 12–2 vote, the board gave final approval to R-26-016, the immigration resolution sponsored by Alderwoman-at-Large Shoshanna Kelly.

 The resolution calls for transparency, clear identification of federal officers,communication and de-escalation when possible, and coordination with local leaders when immigration enforcement occurs in the city. Aldermen Sullivan and Johnson voted no, while the remaining members present voted in favor.

 Police union contract wins unanimous support

 In contrast to the debate raised during public comment, aldermen unanimouslyapproved Resolution R-26-017, which ratifies a collective bargaining agreement between the Board of Police Commissioners and the Nashua Police Patrolman’s Association covering July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030. Budget Review Committee

Chair Alderman-at-Large Richard Dow said the contract was the result of “extensive coordination” between commissioners and the union and keeps Nashua officers competitive without making them the highest paid in the state.

 Dow and others argued that the city must remain able to recruit and retain officers,and noted Nashua is currently 13 officers short and risks losing personnel to better-paying agencies if it falls behind.

 Ward 4 Alderman Tom Lopez said he has disagreed with police commissioners onpolicy questions, including the city’s camping-ban ordinance and whether commissioners should be elected or appointed, but he still supports the contract. “They never failed to show up when I need them,” Lopez said, arguing that the city should invest in “quality, educated police officers” rather than risk the kind of problems seen nationally when departments lack transparency and community connection.

As part of this recognition, a banner has been placed over Main Street in downtown Nashua, serving as a public expression of gratitude to the hospital’s Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, and the many specialized and supporting staff who played a critical role in caring for injured firefighters and supporting their families.

Following the incident, members of Nashua Fire Rescue were treated by highly skilled medical teams whose care extended far beyond clinical excellence. “In our profession, we often speak about first responders. While our members arrive first on scene, it is the hospital staff standing ready in the emergency department, intensive care units, and throughout the hospital’s specialized and supporting teams who continue that response with skill, compassion, and unwavering commitment when it matters most."

This recognition reflects the strong partnership between Nashua Fire Rescue and Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, as well as a shared commitment to protecting the community. The Main Street banner stands as both a symbol of appreciation and to highlight the unique bond between those who respond to emergencies whether on the street, in the firehouse, or within the walls of a hospital.