Fall is here! With it comes sweater weather, changing leaves, the comfort of apple cider and (dare we say it?), pumpkin spice everything. As much as we embrace the outdoors in autumn, we also want to help ensure your home remains a snug and inviting place to be, no matter how chilly it gets outside.
We look forward to serving you and offering solutions to all your home’s needs, from plumbing problems, to indoor air quality concerns, to creating a smart and energy efficient home.
As November rolls in, so does the season of gratitude—a time for gathering around tables filled with delicious food and enjoying quality moments with family and friends. This month is a perfect reminder of the connections that enrich our lives.
Growing up, I have amazing memories of friends and family coming together for Thanksgiving, where we’d kick off the day with a rowdy soccer game in the backyard. Those spirited matches, filled with laughter and friendly competition, set the tone for a festive celebration. Afterward, we’d gather around the table to enjoy a hearty meal and wild banter, creating bonds that last a lifetime. It’s experiences like these that remind us of the value of family, community, and togetherness.
In this issue, we’re excited to highlight some inspiring stories that reflect our community’s spirit. One standout feature is “Bring Back the Trades,” a nonprofit initiative dedicated to rekindling interest in skilled trades. We also shine a light on “I Got Bridged,” a heartfelt initiative that steps in when neighbors are in need, reminding us all of the power of community support. Additionally, we learn about a program that helps seniors stay healthy, comfortable and connected in their own homes, fostering independence.
And don’t miss one family’s journey to preserve their historic beach cottage. After all, home is where memories are made, laughter is shared, and traditions are celebrated.
So grab a cup of cider, cozy up by the fire, and dive into these uplifting tales that remind us why we’re grateful for family and community. We’d love to hear your thoughts—what are you thankful for this season? Tag @portsmouthcitylifesyle for your fun family Instagram or Facebook posts!
Wishing you a joyful and warm Thanksgiving.
ANNE MOODEY, PUBLISHER @PORTSMOUTHCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Anne Moodey | anne.moodey@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Tara Phillips | tara.phillips@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Kim Piela | kim.piela@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Susan Gallagher, Ann Kathryn Kelly, Lisa Leslie
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kevin Edge Photography, Allie Burke Photography, KD Butterfly Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Branden Cooper
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
3:5-6
1: Ocean Cocco, Susan Labrie, and Anne Gibbons enjoy the Vintage & Vine festival at Strawbery Banke Museum. 2: Attendees enjoying the Vintage & Vine wine festival fundraiser for the Strawbery Banke Museum. 3: Make-a-Wish event with Seacoast Development Director Libby Giordano, supporter Julie Looser, and fundraising captain Lauren Kalil. 4: Seacoast Dwellings Ice Cream Social with Chris Jacobson, Polly Wright, Jack Sciretto, Tom Hindle, Christa Benjamin and Liz Levey-Pruyn. 5: Christine Wellington of Service Credit Union with Phil Fitchett enjoying the Portsmouth Chamber Collaborative’s street.life! 2024 event. 6: Score Seacoast Women’s Conference with Valerie Plante, Score Mentor and Lisa Stonesifer, VP Business Banking at Newburyport Bank. 7: Denise Turner, Michele Emery and Debbie Turner at the Celebrate Pink 5K Run & Walk event.
Discover Thornhill Art Gallery, Portsmouth’s newest gem at 250 State Street, a contemporary art gallery dedicated to showcasing established local artists across diverse mediums and genres. The space also features a rotating collection of exceptional artwork and offers weekly painting classes plus a range of one-day workshops for all skill levels. The gallery also offers professional art framing. Join us in celebrating creativity and community! For more information, contact Robin Thornhill at 603-339-1000 or visit ThornhillArtGallery.com
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Thoughtfully Restoring a Generational Family Summer Home in Perkins Cove
ARTICLE BY LISA LESLIE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN EDGE PHOTOGRAPHY
When a couple from Massachusetts approached Great Northern Builders (GNB) with a unique challenge, they were clear about the vision for their beloved family summer home. “We don’t want to tear it down,” they insisted. “Can you help us save it?” While other builders recommended starting with a clean slate, the couple found a partner in Great Northern, a woman-owned firm from South Berwick known for its passion and expertise in restoring old homes.
Their Perkins Cove cottage, built in the early 1900s, is more than just a house; it holds priceless history in its 100-year-old walls. Purchased in the 1970s by the homeowner’s father, the cottage has been the backdrop for over 50 years of holiday gatherings and summer fun. However, after the patriarch’s passing, it became clear that preserving this legacy for future generations required a thoughtful update.
Restoring such a home is no small undertaking. It requires technical skill, craftsmanship, and problem-solving to navigate the potential surprises hidden within the aging timbers. The family sought a partner who not only possessed the skills to execute their vision but also one who shared their enthusiasm for preserving the home’s rustic charm.
On a brisk December day in Maine, when GNB sat down with the couple, listened to the family stories, and explored the home’s structure, the excitement about the possibilities was palpable.
Maya Bogh, GNB President, explains why this project was such a perfect fit for their team. “Being in the Seacoast area—home to some of the oldest housing stock in the nation—we’ve developed an appreciation for the style of architecture characteristic of historic New England. Understanding the family’s emotional attachment to the property and their desire to maintain the original style, restoring the property felt better than doing a complete teardown.”
The home is one of three properties snuggled together in a picturesque spot in Perkins Cove. The cottage aesthetic needed to blend in with the other two buildings seamlessly. “It wouldn’t have looked natural or felt the same if we rebuilt it in the modern beach house style that has become popular these days,” explains Melanie Merz, GNB Project Developer.
To restore and preserve the property authentically, the GNB team utilized accent pieces original to the home while integrating modern materials. They replaced the exterior sheathing where needed and installed cedar shake siding to give it that classic Maine cottage look. The team also installed new wood windows with iron-clad protection to protect the structure from the salty sea air.
Inside, the restoration honors the home’s past. The bedrooms are outfitted with tongue and groove accent walls that mirror the original paneling found throughout the house before the restoration. The main studio room, once an artist’s haven, now displays family memorabilia. Aside from adding structural integrity, new windows, and refinishing the fir floors to recapture their beauty, the room was left intact, including the original fireplace and mantel.
The kitchen, previously a cramped galley and the former main entrance to the home, was transformed and expanded into a 250 square-foot open space with cathedral ceilings, ensuring the family can host their large family for holiday dinners and other celebrations in comfort and style. This newly designed welcoming space is outfitted with all new cabinetry and appliances, including a motion-activated faucet to take advantage
of modern conveniences. An exposed fir beam added for function and aesthetics is reminiscent of the previously exposed wood collar ties.
Another highlight of the renovation and a favorite family hang-out space is the new screened-in back porch featuring a mahogany deck with ocean views. The project doubled the porch size, providing a perfect setting for summer evenings filled with relaxation and music. Another modern convenience, the outdoor rinse station, done in mahogany with a privacy fence, is handy for washing off sandy feet after a day at the beach.
Completed just in time for children and grandkids to gather and enjoy another fun-filled summer in their muchloved Ogunquit beach home, the couple is grateful for how this thoughtful restoration has preserved their historic cottage by the sea, promising it remains a place to create cherished memories for generations to come.
ARTICLE BY SUSAN GALLAGHER
TURNER REIGNITES PASSION FOR HANDSON WORK AND REVIVES BLUE-COLLAR PRIDE, WHILE HELPING STUDENTS
BRING BACK THE TRADES’ STEVE
ACHIEVE SUCCESSFUL CAREERS IN THE SKILLED TRADES
On the morning of August 17, 2017, Steve Turner woke up with an idea blazing in his head. The sudden and insistent idea would burgeon into Bring Back the Trades, a national nonprofit rekindling interest in careers in the trades and providing trade school scholarships for secondary school students seeking a college alternative.
The 57-year-old Turner, an ultra-marathoner and owner of Turner’s Upholstery in Rye, channels his boundless energy into the running he loves and the organization that is his passion. He shares his rousing story of nonprofit success, copious gratefulness for the community’s support, and pride in his scholarship recipients.
I just woke up one day with the idea of putting the words “Bring Back the Trades” on a baseball cap. That’s all it was. I didn’t even know why. At the time, I was struggling to find skilled help in my car upholstery shop, so the need for more tradespeople was on my mind.
I asked my car seat embroidery guy to help me put the words on a baseball cap. He explained that I needed an emblem to accompany the words, so he added a wrench and hammer to the design.
A month later, local builder Joe Tucker saw me wearing one and asked for 12. He had been talking about the same problem forever: kids just weren’t getting into the trades anymore. Then, Joe’s electrician asked if I could swap the emblem for a lightning bolt and get some hats for him. The following week, it was a welder. And so on. Within six months, I had 47 hats with different trade emblems. So, I started a Facebook page to sell them around the country.
A friend suggested I raise funds from the hat sales and start a trades scholarship program. So, through my Facebook page, I offered a scholarship to a New Hampshire kid and asked for essays from interested applicants. On the night I announced the winner, within an hour, I received $3,000 in donations. In September of 2019, we became a national nonprofit. Since then, we have given out 45 scholarships nationwide and receive 200 to 300 essays monthly from eager kids. My wife Shari helps me review them all. We want to help the applicants who need it the most.
We built Bring Back the Trades off the backs of our local mom-and-pop shops. Jason Berounsky, who co-owns Ben’s Auto Body in Portsmouth, gave us a boost early on with a $500.00 check. My son Riley created my first marketing materials when he was in college. It is truly a grassroots movement. It started with me, but the community made it happen. My wife, Shari, has been my biggest supporter through this journey.
Tradespeople are a different breed. Many prefer not to or just cannot sit still for long periods or focus on one thing unless it sparks their interest. The trades are ideal because you’re always creating something, and most jobs involve moving around and the opportunity to tackle something different every hour, day, or week.
HOW ARE YOU CHANGING THE PERCEPTION OF THE TRADES WITHIN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM?
I focus on educating parents. Many still view the trades through a dated lens, like their grandfather’s trade work— imagining dirty jobs meant for the uneducated and lacking benefits like 401(k)s. However, it is different now—the landscape has changed. That’s why we host events to show parents what’s actually involved in these careers. Today, most trades require technology skills and, for some, a
college degree. There are great opportunities for kids who love being outside and for those interested in technology and manufacturing.
YOUR LARGEST TRADE EVENT EVER IS COMING UP ON NOVEMBER 15TH. HOW EXCITED ARE YOU?
Tradeapalooza Career Fair! Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs is speaking, and we have two vendor tents with 75 exhibitors demonstrating their skills. But the most exciting thing is the $50,000 in scholarships we are giving to New Hampshire residents that day!
IS IT TRUE GIRLS ARE BLAZING TRAILS IN THE TRADES?
Since starting this venture, I have focused on supporting girls. We have awarded many scholarships to young women, and our Facebook audience reflects this with 15 percent more female followers. Their number-one trade choice is welding. I think it is because it also offers creative expression. Many welders are now embracing their artistic side and becoming sculptors.
HAS ONE OF YOUR SCHOLARSHIPS IMPACTED A RECIPIENT IN AN ESPECIALLY POWERFUL WAY?
Hannah Dorfman stands out in my mind. She was a shy kid but immensely talented. Looking at pictures of her welding—always with a smile—it is clear how much it has improved her life, giving her the confidence to pursue her dreams and create new opportunities for herself.
Since I was a little girl, I enjoyed fixing and building things. My mom says she should have nicknamed me ‘Tink.’ School wasn’t
always easy for me, but fixing and building things was. I always knew I wanted to do something in the trades.
When I took welding at Dover High School, I absolutely loved it and knew I wanted to make a career of it. I hope to create welding art and have my own business someday.
I am enrolled in Great Bay Community College, earning my last two welding certificates. I hope my story inspires more young women to enter the trades. And a big thank you to Bring Back the Trades for the scholarship. It helped me start my new beginning.
Helping Others is Pure Joy for I Got Bridged Founder Freddy Petrone, Whose Own Arduous Journey Brought Him New Vision
Going blind saved Freddy Petrone’s life. Mired in a downward spiral of addiction, his sudden tragic sight loss in 2018 at age 45, a result of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, detoured him onto a path of transformation, rebirth, and selflessness.
Petrone exudes pure joy, the kind that is so infectious you can feel it permeating your pores. His smile beams as if lit from within. It is hard to believe this same radiant man had lost all hope just six years ago.
A lifelong alcoholic, seriously overweight, and suffering from numerous health problems, Petrone sank into despair after hearing his diagnosis. A 16-week stint at the renowned Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, Massachusetts, would lead to his salvation. Here, he discovered the 12-step program that opened the door to his recovery and spiritual renewal.
During the program, Petrone developed a passion for walking, gradually increasing his daily distance to 15-20 miles and shedding 55 pounds along the way. He was slowly regaining his health when he experienced a life-changing breakthrough. “It was a spiritual awakening. I was no longer restless, irritable, or discontented,” he says. “I had a real desire to help others.”
Petrone’s newfound attitude slayed the beast of self-pity. “The key to my recovery,” he says, “was to stop thinking about myself and start thinking about others.” He adds, smiling broadly, “I got hooked on God!” His brilliant burst of altruism gave birth to I Got Bridged (IGB), which he founded in 2021.
“The key to my recovery was to stop thinking about myself and start thinking about others. ”
The nonprofit’s name originated from Petrone’s frequent experiences getting stuck on the Memorial Bridge as it lifted for passing ships during his morning walk. The name is metaphorical: “Getting bridged” is not only a physical barrier; it’s symbolic of life’s unexpected obstacles. The mission of IGB is to help individuals overcome their obstacles and cross their own bridges to the other side. “Getting unstuck is your time for joy,” Petrone says.
Petrone is eager to help seacoast residents with just about anything: transportation, food insecurity, homelessness, snow shoveling, or lawn care. The organization also offers support to those battling or recovering from addiction. IGB’s “Bridgemobile” service provides a lifeline to crucial destinations like the food pantry, church services, doctor appointments, and free community meals. On Wednesday nights, volunteers drive those recovering from alcohol or drug addiction to Recovery Church, a ministry linking the 12-step program to the church mission.
IGB seeks to support the community by sending uplifting care packages to residents facing hardships, struggles, or loneliness. Volunteers also distribute practical packages filled with essentials like toiletries, socks, and gloves to people experiencing homelessness. Additionally, passersby in Market Square might receive care packages to share with those in need they encounter. People are thrilled to discover this small but meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of others.
Petrone’s enthusiasm for his mission is inexhaustible. He laughingly says, “Depression has a hard time hitting a moving target.” However, he insists that none of this would have been possible without his board members and the support of local businesses and donors, particularly Gather Food Pantry and
“It was a spiritual awakening. I was no longer restless, irritable, or discontented. I had a real desire to help others.”
the First United Methodist Church. He is especially thankful for his 180 community volunteers.
A chance meeting in Market Square presented Petrone with his premier volunteer and right-hand woman, Joy Morin. The fittingly named Joy serves as Petrone’s eyes, board member, and treasurer. “Right away, she became a driving force behind I Got Bridged,” he says.
The humble Petrone refuses to take credit for the success of his thriving nonprofit, declaring, “It’s not about me.” Morin begs to differ. “Freddy is very modest,” she says. “He doesn’t want to be the superstar—but he is.”
Interested in volunteering?
Sign up at IGotBridged.com.
“AT HOME BY HUNT” HELPS SENIORS AGE IN PLACE SUCCESSFULLY
ARTICLE BY ANN KATHRYN KELLY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PORTSMOUTH CITY LIFESTYLE
In a close-knit cul-de-sac in Hampton, with neighbors from retirees to young families, Dan and Karen Waintroob walk their dog Belle along a mile-long loop under shade trees. They wave hello to familiar faces, tend their mature flower gardens, and cherish the home they’ve lived in and labored over for 18 years to get it just the way they like it.
There’s Karen’s pollinator garden that dances with butterflies, the woodland garden they created in which their grandchildren delight in looking for hidden fairies, and the open-concept kitchen where family and friends gather for good food and fun. And yes, Dan jokes, there’s always grass that needs mowing but despite that pesky chore, why would they ever want to leave?
They don’t. “We’ve worked so hard on this property and have so many wonderful memories,” Karen shares. “We want to stay as long as we can.”
And they’re doing just that, with help from Silverstone Living’s “At Home By Hunt” program that enables active seniors aged 62+ to age in place successfully. The program empowers quality of life for members still able to live on their own terms and in their beloved spaces until such time as more hands-on help is needed. Director of Sales and Marketing for Silverstone Living, Kristin Mattheson, explains: “It’s a ‘continuing care at home’ program that is the only one of its kind in New Hampshire.” Operating under the Silverstone Living umbrella and backed by 130 years in compassionate and comprehensive senior care, At Home By Hunt serves people throughout the state. “We deliver peace of mind,” she continues, “giving our members the best of both worlds. We provide routes to care and services, so our members can remain in the homes they love.”
The program’s Executive Director, Kelley Kennedy, adds: “We help seniors plan for their futures through proactive and preventative choices, underpinned by personalized and ongoing communication. Members join while still healthy and active, and through regular
check-ins with our 24/7 life plan coordinator team, we stay in front of any surprises.”
A not-for-profit 501(3)(c), the program guarantees lifetime coverage with predictable monthly fees that help pay for needed services downstream. The result? Members know where their care will come from, how it can transition to meet evolving circumstances, and how it will be paid for—all coordinated by professionals whom they trust. At Home By Hunt assists with everything from recommending vetted contractors for home safety and accessibility modifications to enabling access to care, all while helping members maintain social connections through activities and outings. The program can also transition to assisted living or complete nursing care, if necessary.
Over the years, the Waintroobs watched neighborhood children who caught frogs in their garden become adults. New families moved in next door. Dan insists the only way he’ll leave their home is on a gurney. And they won’t think about moving on without their dog and cats. Both sets of their parents reached ages where professional care was required, so the Waintroobs experienced firsthand the work and expense of figuring it out.
“We look at this program as a way to hedge our bets,” Dan says. “Should it come to a point where Karen or I need more care, there’s a path to that, and they’ll help us coordinate and pay for a portion of it through the investment we’re making today.”
Meantime, the Waintroobs stay busy. Karen re-engaged with art, drawing in particular, after retiring from landscape design, and since 2017 Dan volunteers as a mentor for SCORE Seacoast and has taught online classes for Franklin Pierce University and SNHU’s MBA program. They maintain an active social calendar and continue welcoming their young grandchildren who live in neighboring Greenland into their gardens.
Seniors interested in exploring how At Home By Hunt may be a fit for them can learn more at silverstoneliving.org/at-home-by-hunt/
“We deliver peace of mind, giving our members the best of both worlds. We provide routes to care and services, and they remain in the homes they love.”
NOVEMBER 1ST, 8TH, 15TH AND 22ND
Alnoba Original Art Tour
24 Cottage Road | Kensington | 10:00 AM
On Fridays in November enjoy two-hour guided art tours along Alnoba's wooded trails. The renowned art collection was created to inspire, delight, challenge, and provoke. Alnoba's collection includes masterworks by some of the most respected artists of our age. Guides will introduce you to the stories behind the artists and their work. Ticket proceeds benefit Kensington's Sawyer Park. For tickets visit Alnoba.org.
NOVEMBER 7TH - 16TH
Restaurant Week Portsmouth and the Seacoast
Seacoast New Hamphire
Don't miss the latest restaurant week Portsmouth and the Seacoast. Explore the culinary scene from cozy cafes to upscale dining. Nearly 30 restaurants will offer special three course prix fixe menus. Be sure to make a reservation when you can, space fills up quickly during the 10-day event. Visit goportsmouthnh.com/portsmouth-restaurant-week/ for details.
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