Did you know New Hampshire’s oldest tree farm just hit 80 years?

Weir Tree Farms started back in 1945, when Harlie Weir planted his first seedlings—and amazingly, some of those original trees are still producing seed today.

Read all about it: NH’s oldest Christmas tree farm is 80 years old. How to go this year

Christmas lights. (USA Today via Reuters Connect)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect

As December begins, Christmas lights are popping up all across New Hampshire to welcome the holiday season, bringing joy and brightness to the dark, cold days of winter. 

Here are some holiday lights to check out in New Hampshire: 

✨ Strawbery Banke Museum — Portsmouth 
Historic museum with a Candlelight Stroll featuring candle lanterns, string lights, decorated houses, costumed role players, and ice skating performances.

✨ LaBelle Winery — Derry 
Winery transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of lights, themed walking paths, dining options, and Winterfest festival events, including ice carving and Santa visits.

✨ Santa’s Village — Jefferson
Year-round holiday-themed amusement park with Christmas Light Show on Main Street, rides, shows, and Santa visits.

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The Trump administration is moving closer to dismantling the US Education Department, shifting some of its biggest grant programs to other federal agencies.

Title I funding for low-income schools is moving to the Department of Labor, while other programs are moving to Health and Human Services, the State Department, and the Interior Department.

Some worry that all this change will interrupt services for students who rely on extra support.

So this week’s question is…

What do you think of Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“Just another step in destroying our country and the progress we’ve made in my lifetime.This will be especially hard on students with special needs and their families.” — Tim Kelly

“Nothing Trump does is not motivated by his lust for vengeance or personal gain.” — William Bryk

The following briefs are presented in partnership with Granite Goodness. Subscribe today to Granite Goodness.

Check out Andy’s recent interview with Anthony Poore, the president & CEO at the NH Center for Justice and Equity, and Jo Porter, the chief strategy officer at the NH Center for Justice and Equity.

🌱 Newport bets on trails, Main Street, and the river

Newport is leaning into the outdoor economy with help from the EPA’s Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program. The town is working to better connect Main Street to the Sugar River Rail Trail and regional paths, update wayfinding, boost walkability, draw more visitors, and fold in flood protection and ecosystem restoration at the same time. — Northern Border Regional Commission

🔍 UNH opens new cleanroom to power advanced research

UNH has unveiled a new ISO7 cleanroom at the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, giving students, researchers, and local companies access to a cutting-edge space for microelectronics, space technology, and precision manufacturing. — UNH Today

🩺 NH program helps hundreds step into nursing careers

Elliot Hospital’s Granite State Partners Program has supported 300 aspiring nurses, bringing together more than 40 partners to remove barriers like tuition, childcare, and transportation. — Manchester Ink Link

💙 If you know of someone who deserves a shoutout for something cool they’re doing, email us at info@granitepostnews.com.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from Granite Goodness and USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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