New Hampshire Magazine December 2018

N E W H A M P S H I R E M AG A Z I N E D ECEMB ER 2 01 8

NEARLY LOST NH RECIPES A MATTHEW MEAD CHRISTMAS

Nothing is more comforting than these traditional dishes Page 84

Snow’s on the way, but white stuff looks great inside as well Page 76

Meet “On Golden Pond” author

2018 IT LIST

ERNEST THOMPSON

YA N K E E D I S H E S

and 19 other happening folks who comprise our 2018 IT LIST Page 64

YOUR GUIDE TO GRACIOUS GIFTS

Fill your holiday list with local delights

CHRISTMAS DÉCOR

Food and Drink Books and CDs and More

LOCAL FOOD GIFTS

1 2

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H O L I D AY C A L E N D A R

December 2018 $4.99

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New Hampshire Magazine® is published by McLean Communications, Inc., 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101, (603) 624-1442. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any mistakes in advertisements or editorial. Statements/opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect or represent those of this publication or its officers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, McLean Communications, Inc.: New Hampshire Magazine disclaims all responsibility for omissions and errors. New Hampshire Magazine is published monthly. USPS permit number 022-604. Periodical postage paid at Manchester 03103-9651. Postmaster send address changes to: New Hampshire Magazine, P.O. Box 433273, Palm Coast, FL 32143. PRINTED IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

Contents

December 2018

The

It List

First Things 6 Editor’s Note 8 Contributors Page 10 Feedback

Features 62 Transcript

Meet Garth Svenson, manager and CEO of The Christmas Dove. by Dave Mendelsohn

64 The It List If you wanted to host the ultimate cocktail party, these are the people you’d want to invite. They are leaders and innovators in fields from science and education to arts and politics, and they’re all helping to put the Granite State on the map.

from left: photos by matthew mead and bruce luetters

76 Dream State It’s time to deck the halls, and stylist Matthew Mead is dreaming of a White Christmas. Here are his ideas for a simple, elegant design. produced by Matthew Mead

603 Navigator

603 Informer

603 Living

12 WINTER IS COMING

32 FLUME BRIDGE

94 Calendar of Events

photo by Joe Klementovich

14 Outsider

LEARN TO SKI OR RIDE

YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE

by Marty Basch

35 Sips

16 Top Events

by Michael Hauptly-Pierce

by Emily Heidt

36 Review

18 Our Town

by Rick Broussard

WINTER WONDERLAND

LACONIA

WHAT TO DO THIS MONTH

34 Out & About

102 Health

WEIGHING THE BENEFITS OF ALCOHOL

LOCAL DRINKS

by Karen A. Jamrog

LOCAL BOOKS AND MUSIC

104 Seniority

SPIRITUALITY AND AGING

by Lynne Snierson

38 Blips

106 Local Dish

NH IN THE NEWS

SHAKER RAISED SQUASH BREAD

by Rick Broussard

39 Politics

THE ISSUES OF ENERGY

by James Pindell by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers

22 Food & Drink

ARTISANAL FOOD GIFTS

40 What Do You Know? GHOSTS OF THE PISGAH WILDERNESS

by Susan Laughlin

28 Retail

PICKWICK’S CHRISTMAS

recipe courtesy of Canterbury Shaker Village

84 Great Repasts From the Past Ensuring that traditional New England dishes — pork pie, American chop suey, shepherd’s pie — aren’t forgotten by future generations by Bradley Labarre

edited by Emily Heidt

107 Dine Out

by Jenn Bakos

GOOD EATS

by Marshall Hudson

edited by Susan Laughlin

42 Artisan

112 Ayuh

by Susan Lughlin

by Adi Rule

JUDY STEWART-GAGNON

ON THE COVER Writer, actor, director and Academy Award-winner Ernest Thompson, one of this year’s It Listers. See who else we picked on page 64. Photo by Bruce Luetters

ASK MS. MOOSE

Volume 31, Number 12 ISSN 1560-4949 nhmagazine.com | December 2018

EDITOR’S NOTE

Give Peace a Place Looking for a little peace on Earth this month? Perhaps, as we invite friends and family into our homes to join our holiday celebrations, we should welcome a few disagreeable strangers to the table as well. ire.org ewhampsh

girlsincn

705

(603) 606-1

l, summer, After schoo s ch program and outrea re than serving mo in New 2,000 girls each year. Hampshire

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

oday, arguing for peace may sound like a contradiction, but back before Fox News and CNN started their 24/7/365 shouting match, there was actually a long tradition of the use of debate and rhetoric for settling matters that might lead to real hostility. In the wider world, peace isn’t something you find, it’s something you make. Or at least you try. In 1918, as the fancifully named “War to End All Wars” was coming to an end, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace partnered with a couple of librarians to distribute curated collections of books about strange foreign countries. The plan was to create what they called “International Mind Alcoves” in small libraries across the country to increase global understanding and make conflicts and wars less inevitable. One of those librarians was Mary N. Chase of Andover, an outspoken suffragist and the secretary of the New Hampshire Peace Society. According to the 1918 publication Advocate of Peace, the library of Andover’s Proctor Academy had received a collection of “six valuable books” from the Carnegie Endowment and established the world’s first International Mind Alcove. So, 100 years and countless wars later, it’s safe to say that the idea didn’t exactly cure the world of its bloody inclinations, but it’s comforting to know that someone, somewhere, was trying. As I was helping to compile the list of people who we’re honoring (more or less) in this issue by adding them to our It List, there were a couple of guys I’d really hoped to include: Sean Graber and Keal Harter, two recent graduates from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth who created a website called “the skeww.” The skeww was designed to take the most

hotly burning issues off the news cycle and apply a mixture of artificial and human intelligence to summarize the views of both the left and the right. They listed sources for further review, but their distillations were a chance to not only stroke your own prejudices but to have an accurate handle on what the other side was actually saying, without having to leave the comfort of your own bubble. “We believe that bias can be valuable as long as it’s transparent and grounded in truth,” reads the explanation on the skeww’s homepage, which has not been updated since mid-summer. Oh, well, it was another attempt, at least. I still consider them to be honorary It Listers, just for giving it the old college try. And that’s what most of the folks we’ve called out in this issue are doing — trying. That’s why a few of those on this year’s list were in the midst of election battles that had not been resolved when this issue went to press. We didn’t pick them because we assumed they would win. Sometimes just getting in the race equals faith, and not giving up equals courage a nd sometimes — often — that’s enough. An inspirational quote from Mahatma Ghandi is often repeated during such politically fraught times: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” It’s good advice from a person who took his own counsel and changed the world, but it’s also just good advice, period. For Ghandi and for those who took such thoughts seriously — folks like Martin Luther King Jr., Mary N. Chase and Nelson Mandela — peace was so important that it was not enough to preach it to the world at large. It was so important they had to make a place for it first in their own hearts and homes.

Practice time. Show time. College saving time. The first step to helping their dreams come true is to make saving part of your routine. The UNIQUE College Investing Plan account offers tax-deferred growth and no minimum to open an account.1 There’s also the Fidelity Investments 529 College Rewards® Visa Signature® Card, which lets you earn unlimited 2% cash back2 on everyday purchases. Rewards are deposited directly into your 529 account to make sure your saving and spending are in perfect rhythm.

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Contributors

New Hampshire photographer and frequent contributor Bruce Luetters of 3Sixty Photography shot this month’s cover and the photos for the feature story “Great Repasts From the Past.” After 20 years working as an art director/graphic designer, he decided to return to his passion for photography. His talents range from portraiture and commercial subjects to editorial fashion and landscapes. See more of his work at 3sixty.com.

for December 2018

Stylist, writer, author, photographer and lifestyle editor Matthew Mead produced the design inspiration feature story “Dream State.”

Bradley Labarre is a certified executive chef who lives in southern New Hampshire. He wrote the feature story “Great Repasts From the Past.”

Longtime food editor Susan Laughlin provides edible gift ideas in “Food & Drink.” She is also our regular “Artisan” and “Local Dish” contributor.

Our regular “What Do You Know?” contributor Marshall Hudson is a land surveyor, farmer and NH history buff. This month it’s personal.

Photographer and outdoor enthusiast Joe Klementovich took the “Navigator” photo. He’s shot everything from Mt. Washington to the Everglades.

Adi (pronounced ah-dee and she’s particular) Rule mostly writes YA literature when she isn’t channeling Ms. Moose for our “Ayuh” page.

About | Behind the Scenes at New Hampshire Magazine Credit Where Due

Long ago, after we had moved in and completely settled into our office space here in the Manchester Millyard, our publisher decided it was time to spruce up the place. Along with fresh paint, we sent a bunch of our favorite magazine photos to be enlarged and framed for display. It all looked great. Then, earlier this year we heard from a photographer who recognized a few of his images in the background of a photo published on Facebook. We intended only to use photos to which we had rights, but he had never even been contacted. Naturally, he was miffed, but rather than insist that we take the images down, he offered a compromise — we added a museum-style description of the photos and a short bio of the photographer. That gracious (and award-winning) photographer is Bruce J. Parsons (parsonsstudio.com) of New London. The photos appeared in Parson’s 2004 book “Star Light,” and came from the 30 years he spent chronicling the passage of time and seasons on Star Island in the Isles of Shoals. Having discovered (or rediscovered) Parson’s work, Parson’s book “Star Light” is we plan to feature some of his timeless photos in an upcomavailable from Morgan Hill ing issue of NH Magazine. Until then, readers are welcome to Bookstore in New London. come see them on the wall of our reception area.

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Send letters to Editor Rick Broussard, New Hampshire Magazine, 150 Dow St. Manchester, NH 03101 or email him at editor@nhmagazine.com.

Feedback

nhmagazine.com, facebook.com/NHMagazine & @nhmagazine

and would very much like to contact him or have him contact me. I live in Lower Gilmanton, am a board member of the Gilmanton Historical Society and am writing the history of Lower Gilmanton. I would love to see where this marker is and ask Marshall’s permission to include his article in our history. Paula L. Gilman (Yes, my ancestors settled the town) Lower Gilmanton

A Gem in the Crown Some time ago you had an article on the Palace Theatre [“Center Stage,” March 2015]. I am hoping that another article on the Palace Theatre will be printed in New Hampshire Magazine in the future. The Silver Stars senior performance group (of which I am a member and have been a member since 2011) performs at the Palace Theatre every Labor Day weekend. Please focus the article on the people who work as ushers and those who perform in the show presented at the Palace Theatre. Peter M. Arel Manchester

Great-grandfather Louis Levi Towle (1846-1933)

Editor’s Note: We’re sure to do another story on the Palace. It’s a true gem in the crown of the state. Take a look at our It List feature in this issue for a short piece on the longtime director of the Palace, Peter Ramsey.

Thank you so much for the wonderful piece about New Hampshire Theatre Project’s 30th Anniversary, both online and in print [“Informer,” November 2018]. We were so pleased that you featured Dan Derby’s fantastic photographs, which really capture the power of theatre magic. It is an honor to be part of your beautiful magazine. Genevieve Aichele, Artistic Director New Hampshire Theatre Project Portsmouth

In “Plane” View Your B-18 crash site story [“What Do You Know?” October 2018] struck a chord with our online military community — nearly 4,000 reads in one day after we linked it to our New Hampshire National Guard Facebook and Twitter pages. Swell piece of storytelling by Marshall Hudson, who along with his trusty trail dog Jake has a knack for sniffing out New Hampshire gems hidden in plane view. Gregory Heilshorn LTC USARMY NG NHARNG (US) Concord

I just read the article by Marshall Hudson [“What Do You Know?” November 2018] 10

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Editor’s Note: We’re happy to put you in touch with Marshall. If you go out to find the bound, send us some pix and the Buck Horn Bound may be made famous one more time in New Hampshire Magazine. And it’s nice to meet a descendant of the settlers of the town that unsettled America, once upon a time.

Updates From Marshall Hudson

603 Fantastic!

Finding the Buck Horn Bound

emails, snail mail, facebook, tweets

Keeper of the antlers Margaret Towle

I got my copy of the November issue today. Excellent issue. I really like the artwork that went with my piece. The caption under the photo that says “not the real antler but looks nice” may be an oopsie. Attached is a photo of the lady that lives at the farm where the Buck Horn Bound is located. She inherited the farm, which has been passed down in her family for many, many generations. She loaned me that antler for the photo and told me that it was given to her by her great-grandfather when she was about 10 years old. Family legend has it that as a boy her great-grandfather got it from someone (perhaps his grandfather) who discovered that the buck horn tree had fallen over and rescued the antlers from it. So the antler in the photo may be the actual one (and your caption wrong). Who knows? She also gave me a picture of her great-grandfather and a photo of what the farm looked like in 1888. I liked the Dan Webster piece [“Immortal Dan,” November 2018], good article, and your opening “Editor’s Note” was interesting and a good tie to it. Marshall Hudson Somewhere in the Woods of NH Editor’s note: Thanks for the comments and for the additional information on the Buck Horn Bound. You’ll see to the left that we’ve included the images you sent as an addendum to your story.

Spot four newts like the one above (but much smaller) hidden on ads in this issue, tell us where you found them and you might win a great gift from a local artisan or company. To enter our drawing for Spot the Newt, send answers plus your name and mailing address to:

Spot the Newt c/o New Hampshire Magazine 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101 Email them to newt@nhmagazine.com or fax them to (603) 624-1310.

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Tickets & Information: StrawberyBanke.org

Last month’s “Spot the Newt” winner is Sheila Ryan of Moultonborough. November issue newts were on pages 7, 15, 84 and 102.

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John Habig #1 Financial Advisor in New Hampshire for 2018 This month’s prize is a one-of-a-kind pendant from Terrapin Glassblowing Studio (terrapinglass.com) in Jaffrey. It features NH granite encased in glass, crafted in the heart of the Monadnock Region to represent the landscape of the Granite State. In keeping with their tradition of giving back, the studio makes a donation to the Monadnock Conservancy for each pendant sold. Terrapin Glassblowing is a proud member of NH Made (nhmade.com), the state’s official booster of locally made products and experiences.

John F. Habig Executive Director, Financial Advisor One Harbour Place, Ste 125 Portsmouth, NH 03801 603-422-8901 www.morganstanleyfa.com/habig john.f.habig@morganstanley.com John F. Habig has been recognized in New Hampshire on Barron’s list of the Top 1,200 Financial Advisors for nine consecutive years. Source: Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors,” March 12, 2018, as identified by Barron’s magazine, using quantitative and qualitative criteria and selected from a pool of over 4,000 nominations. Advisors in the Top 1,200 Financial Advisors list have a minimum of seven years of financial services experience. Qualitative factors include, but are not limited to, compliance record and philanthropic work. Investment performance is not a criterion. The rating may not be representative of any one client’s experience and is not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to Barron’s in exchange for the rating. Barron’s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company, L.P. All rights reserved. © 2018 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

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NOTES

603 Navigator “I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape. Something waits beneath it; the whole story doesn’t show.” — Andrew Wyeth

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Photo by Joe Klementovich

Outsider 14 Top Events 16 Our Town 18 Food & Drink 22 Retail 28

Winter Is Coming

It’s already here on Mt. Washington The crew at the Mount Washington Observatory has been dealing with winter for some time now — they recorded the first snowfall of the year back on October 13. At the time, staff meteorologist Christopher Hohman noted on the observatory’s blog that this was pretty late in the year for the first flakes, almost beating the tardiness record of October 17. He added, “It’s safe to say all the observers up here love all types of weather, but wintry conditions hold a special place in our hearts.” We imagine not everyone agrees with that sentiment. This photo of the snowbound observatory was taken by Joe Klementovich while he was teaching a photography Edutrip. He captured a small slice of sunrise as staff member Will Broussard had his hand on a frosty window. Learn more about Edutrips or read the always interesting and informative blog at mountwashington.org. nhmagazine.com | December 2018

603 NAVIGATOR

OUTSIDER

photo courtesy of pats peak

Ski lessons aren’t just for kids — many ski areas, including Pats Peak in Henniker, teach beginners of all ages.

Learn to Ski or Ride

It’s time to enjoy our state’s official sport BY MARTY BASCH

aking those timid first tracks when trying to learn to ski or snowboard is as much about understanding the fundamentals as it is about enjoying the peaceful and stimulating sides of both sports. No matter your age, there are common themes found across the lesson landscape, such as the delight found in the outdoors in winter, regaling in individual accomplishments, and sharing the whole experience with family and friends. Whether you live in New Hampshire or are just visiting, resorts and ski hills take teaching people to ski and ride seriously, while serving up fun with various lessons, packages and programs. “For people who live in the state and want to learn the state’s official sport, there is a ski area near them, so it’s easy to try it out in one day and be home in plenty of time for dinner,” says Ski NH Executive Director Jessyca Keeler. “And for those who might be coming from points south, New Hampshire

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

ski areas are very accessible, more so than the other northern New England states, with many right off major highways.” A mountain’s ski school is a good place to start. Generally, mountains have “starter” lessons and programs for various age groups. Novice group lessons tend to include everything you need to get started, like rental equipment, a lift ticket and, of course, instruction. Enrolling in a program with multiple lessons led by a certified professional teacher provides an excellent base, with some programs offering incentives such as a season pass, gift cards or free skis upon completion. Students can take one lesson, and often apply that lesson to a multi-lesson package program. Private lessons are another option. January’s Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month offers discounted group lessons at participating New Hampshire ski areas for $39. This is a good way to see if skiing or snowboarding is for you without spending a

ton of money. Ragged Mountain in Danbury even has the season-long free Bebe Wood Learn to Ski and Ride program. Search the ski area’s website. How big are the group lessons? How long? Follow up with a call to the ski school with any questions. Many mountains also have beginner lessons in sequestered areas that provide a safe environment. Bring an open mind and questions to an adult lesson. Communication and feedback are keys. It may have been some time since you’ve been new to something. Be prepared to laugh it off. “We will get you going,” says Ray Gilmore, an instructor at Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway. “Just have patience and keep it fun.” Children need to be mentally and physically prepared, and should be aware that skiing is a fun learning experience that requires practice. Find programs geared to specific ages. Some incorporate on-snow games to teach skills and familiarity with equipment. “Feed them before the lesson and give them to us as well-rested as possible,” Gilmore says. That way they’re spending more time on the hill during the lesson. “School-age kids can take lessons with

603 NAVIGATOR

OUTSIDER

trained instructors and enjoy their time on the slopes with other kids through full-day and half-day kids’ programs,” says John Pawlak, the director of snowsports at Pats Peak in Henniker. “Kids might even enjoy private lessons one-on-one with an instructor to get started.” Of course, being warm and mobile applies to first-time skiers and riders of all ages. Dress in layers with a base layer of long underwear that both insulates and wicks away perspiration. A warm, collared shirt, sweater or fleece topped with a water-resistant jacket or shell helps. So do ski pants. High synthetic socks, gloves and mittens and ear-covering hats are staples. Other beneficial items include sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses or goggles, hand warmers and neck ups. Forget anything? The mountain’s ski shop can help. Consider bringing a change of clothes for the ride home. Pawlak recommends starting at a mountain that provides a gradual flow from beginning terrain to an advanced “beginner” pitch. “Trying to find a mountain close to home is also a good idea,” Pawlak says. “You should take a follow-up lesson to learn more skills. [Continuing to] practice and having the same instructor, or an instructor with

similar training, is important.” Don’t be too judgmental about the size of a ski area. Small hills and big resorts both have excellent programs and passionate instructors and coaches. New Hampshire and New England are loaded with skilled racers from Olympians to college stars who made their first turns on snow with short to long vertical runs. “The thing about small mountains is that they are great for confidence,” says Gilmore. Having an enthusiastic, approachable and knowledgeable instructor is key, one looking to pass on the passion of skiing and snowboarding. “You should be able to tell how enthusiastic your instructor is within the first five minutes of your lesson,” says Gilmore. That first lesson is about the basics, says Pawlak. You might walk around the snow in clunky boots to see how they feel. Then you’ll learn how to put the boards on and move around, getting a first feel of the sliding sensation while being introduced to the equipment. You’ll slide, glide and stop. You’ll learn to go up the hill and turn around, get schooled on turning skis or a snowboard, and to how control speed and direction.

“Once you get to the point that you can go where you want to go and stop yourself with confidence, it is time for your first lift ride,” says Pawlak. At Cranmore, students go through a program using a method called Terrain Based Learning, which uses strategically shaped snow features, such as banked turns and rollers, to control speed and body position. “Once we switched to Terrain Based Learning at Cranmore, in two hours I can get much further with a much greater success rate,” says Gilmore. “Not because I am a better teacher, but because the way we build the terrain alleviates the student’s fears.” So get out there, find your mountain and go with the flow. NH

Find It

Search for lessons at skinh.com. January’s Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month learntoskiandsnowboard.org Cranmore Mountain Resort North Conway cranmore.com Pats Peak Henniker, patspeak.com Ragged Mountain Resort Andover raggedmountainresort.com

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EVENING SPONSORS: Carpe Diem Coffee Roasting Company; Petersen Engineering; Wells Fargo Advisors nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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EVENTS

December | Picks

photo by sarah miller

A Winter Wonderland

Fly along the trails with the teams from Muddy Paw Sled Dog Adventures in Jefferson.

Learn to Love Winter

Do the cold weather and dark days have you down? Don your mittens and embrace Jack Frost by checking out these wintry events and attractions. Looking for more to do this season? Check out our full holiday events calendar on page 94. 16

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Adventures December 15â&#x20AC;&#x201C;March 17, Jefferson

This winter let the sled dogs at Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel give you a different view of the beautiful snow-covered trails of the Granite State. With tours ranging from introductory experiences to interactive clinics, there is a trip for everyone in your family to enjoy. You will also have the opportunity to meet and greet the sled dogs (many are local rescues) and prepare the team for the trail. dogslednh.com

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EVENTS

Skating at Strawbery Banke

photo by philip chase cohen

Through March, Portsmouth

Skate alongside Old Man Winter at this historic place. The Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond is an outdoor ice rink nestled between the buildings at Strawbery Banke. This neighborhood rink provides ice skating fun with a pond-like look and feel. Learn to skate, host your own holiday party, or watch events while enjoying the pond’s adjoining patio with heaters, viewing area and music. strawberybanke.org

Vis-À-Vis Sleigh Rides

photo by adrian pelletier

December 1–March 31, Candia

full mountain sound system. Don’t miss their cosmic tubing on Saturdays with black lights, fluorescent tubes, light shows and even a DJ. granitegorge.com

Winter Solstice Hike December 21 Moultonborough

Bring your friends and family to celebrate the first day of winter by enjoying a nighttime stroll through the woods on Shannon Pond Trail at Castle in the Clouds. This is a self-guided hike, so you can walk at your leisure. The trail will be marked with lighted Mason jars, but it is recommended that you bring flashlights or headlamps to help light your way. castleintheclouds.org

Go dashing through the snow on a one-horse open sleigh this winter at Charmingfare Farm. These sleigh rides feature two seats facing each other (carrying up to four passengers), cloth seats, antique lamps and the overall ambiance of an 18th-century sleigh. Bundle up and feel free to bring your own refreshments on your ride. visitthefarm.com

1. Muddy Paw Sled Dog Adventures, Jefferson

Tubing at Granite Gorge

3. Vis-À-Vis Sleigh Rides, Candia

All Winter, Keene

Take your snowtubing game to the next level at this popular Keene spot. They offer a 950-foot tubing park that is serviced by a Wondercarpet lift, state-of-the-art snow-making and a

2. Skating at Strawbery Banke, Portsmouth

4. Tubing at Granite Gorge, Keene 5. Winter Solstice Hike, Moultonborough

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nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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photos courtesy of kellerhaus

OUR TOWN

For a taste of holiday tradition, stop in at Kellerhaus, where you can still find handmade candy canes, ribbon candy and other gifts.

Christmas Town

Laconia goes all out for the holidays BY BARBARA RADCLIFFE ROGERS

ights in all 122 windows of its historic downtown mill, a gala parade with Santa, a magical Christmas village, caroling, snowmen and ribbon candy handmade as it was a century ago — Laconia knows how to celebrate Christmas. At Kellerhaus, Laconia’s favorite candy store, Christmas traditions go back to Otto Keller’s shop in 1906, when he started making candy canes and ribbon candy. Today, Kellerhaus is among the very few that still make ribbon candy by hand, using a crimper manufactured in 1886. The ingredients — sugar, water and flavoring oils — may seem simple, but the process is far from it. After the first two are boiled to a thick consistency, the flavoring oil — and color for the stripes — is worked into the 300-degree mass before it’s stretched by hand into a long, paper-thin ribbon that’s fed into the vintage crimping machine. Kellerhaus handmade candy canes are just as old-fashioned — longer and

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

thicker than the fragile machine-made canes found by the boxful in grocery stores. Laconia is the right home for these traditional Christmas candies, since for the whole month of December the entire town seems focused on the holidays. Although preparations have been underway for weeks, the season kicks off officially with the LightUp Laconia Holiday Parade (this year on Sunday, November 25). Decorated floats, dancing elves and Santa Claus parade from Wyatt Park to Veterans Square, where Santa pulls the switch to light the tall community Christmas tree. This is the light-up signal for the whole town, as holiday lights illuminate the windows of the historic Busiel Mill and sparkle on businesses and homes throughout Laconia. Last year’s parade included a new feature: bells. Everyone was invited to dress in holiday colors and ring whatever bell was handy, from cow bells to strings of jingle bells.

More events continue throughout December. A Christmas village fills the Laconia Community Center and on weekends Santa and Mrs. Claus are there with their elves. Evening family programs bring kids and parents to make Christmas ornaments or decorate holiday cookies together. Carolers of all ages gather to serenade residents of the Taylor Retirement Community, and a snowman contest begins, lasting through February. (The Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce website has a complete list of activities and events.) A lot more activities continue all winter to encourage families to get outdoors and embrace the season. There are free sledding parties under the lights on South Street, complete with bonfire and hot cocoa. The sledding hill is open all day until 10 p.m. and lighted at night. Skating is free all winter at Memorial Park and Opechee Park from noon to 10 p.m., with lights after 4 p.m. Public skating parties include bonfires, cookies and cocoa. Even before the LightUp Laconia parade, lights have been shining from

RVRWDS-4.62 x4.95 NH mag Skiier ad.qxp_Layout 1 11/17/17 9:40 AM Page 1

photos courtesy of kellerhaus

LIVE Carve fresh tracks at 6 am.

Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance at Kellerhaus.

the 122 windows of the historic Belknap Mill; candle lights there are switched on as donations are made to support the programs of the mill and its museum. Belknap Mill is the earliest hosiery factory in New England, built in 1823 and adapting itself to the changing industrial scenes of subsequent eras. Today, the Hosiery Museum shows the operation of the mill; many of the machines are still working, making socks that are sold in the gift shop. The museum also features how the mills were an important part of life in Laconia, employing locals and immigrants and supporting related businesses. Between the actual machines and the exhibit boards, visitors learn how hosiery was made, and how manufacturing changed between 1823 and the mill’s closing in 1969. Circular knitting machines, for example, replaced weaving so they could manufacture seamless stockings in the mid 1800s. Other technical improvements include changing from water power to electricity at the time of the First World War. The Power House explores this transition, along with the history of hydro power in New England and its role in the American Industrial Revolution. Working models show how waterwheels and turbines work, and visitors learn how the mill was able to send excess power generated here to supply the city with electricity. What is so unusual about this museum is that it incorporates the actual historic machines, and you can see how the gears, cogs, belts, cranks and flywheels worked. Imagine how fascinating this is to the fourth-graders who use the mill as part of their New Hampshire history program. Along with socks manufactured here,

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nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Refuel for more festive fun at Local Eatery.

Chris Sherwin

Karen Mitchell

Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! Visit our Fine Craft Galleries: David Ernster

CONCORD • HANOVER • HOOKSETT LITTLETON • MEREDITH • NASHUA NORTH CONWAY • CENTER SANDWICH

Shop online: nhcrafts.org

the museum gift shop and Riverside Gallery sell books on the history of this and other mills, autographed works by local authors, original photography and handmade gifts and toys. There’s a lot more to like about Laconia beyond Christmas and the historic mills. Chef Kevin Halligan of Local Eatery takes the nose-to-tail dining concept into the garden, with root-to-leaf renditions of vegetables — who knew that Brussels sprouts foliage and stems could be so subtly delicious? The menu changes every two weeks to reflect what’s currently ripening in local farms, and what the chef can’t use immediately he preserves in the “canning cellar” that lines one wall: big jars filled with corn relish, dill spears and rosy tomatoes. Every weekday brings its specials and Sunday’s burger-of-the-day comes with a free beer. The restaurant is in the former railway station on Veterans Square. On Church Street, Karma Café is a cheery stop for breakfast or lunch. Half art gallery and half café, it’s best known for its sumptuous breakfast skillets and for the Irish Eggs Benedict. The corned beef hash is made in-house, not scooped from a can, and the eggs are done to perfection. French toast is another specialty, crunchy with walnut and filled with brie. NH

Check it out Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce (603) 524-5531 lakesregionchamber.org Belknap Mill (603) 524-8813 belknapmill.org Local Eatery (603) 527-8007 laconialocaleatery.com Karma Café (603) 527-6000 karmacafeart.com 20

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

photo by susan laughlin

2018 Annual Ornament “Peace” by Sibel Alpaslan

Handcrafted

Shop Art this Holiday

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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FOOD & DRINK

Local Love New Hampshire-made food and drink gift ideas Produced by Susan Laughlin

Dear Santa,

Please make it a local Christmas with gifts that are always the right size. So many good people are working in small kitchens, and creative minds are brewing, distilling and fermenting for our enjoyment. Let’s share the tasty news!

Spirits and wine and cider, oh my, make perfect libations. Savory condiments and sauces will perk up any meal. Something for my sweet tooth, please — honey, jams and even granola.

Hope your flight is going well tonight! Please enjoy the hot toddy we left for you. Not to worry, Rudolph knows the way and he’s already lit!

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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FOOD & DRINK

Coffee and Te� House Coffee Rub, $9

North-Bound Whole Bean Coffee, $19.99

The Everyday Café & Pub 14 Maple St., Contoocook

Made with French roast coffee beans. Goes great with everything from burgers and eggs to popcorn. Available at the café. everyday.cafe, (603) 746-6041

Union Coffee Co. 42 South St., Milford

Pairs well with woodsmoke, granola and star-filled skies unioncoffee.co Also available at Whole Foods

Organic Genmaicha Green Tea, $8.60 White Heron 601 Islington St. Portsmouth

Here’s that toasty popcorn flavor you have been looking for. whiteherontea.com (603) 294-0270

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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FOOD & DRINK

Something Sweet Raw and Unprocessed Honey, $11.95 West End Apiaries Portsmouth

It’s said that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, but raw honey is full of healthful properties — so maybe just skip the medicine? Available at White Heron in Portsmouth

Ornament by a member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. Visit nhcrafts.org for a list of gallery stores.

Pure Wildflower Honey, $8 and up D.J.’s Natural Honey Nashua (603) 622-3526

This is summer in a bottle and can be found at the Nashua winter farmers market at the former Alec’s Shoes store location at 201 Main St. Find many honeys at winter farmers markets. Visit nhmagazine.com for a list of markets.

Gourmet Peanut Butter Scotch Granola, $10 Happy Cat Company Nashua (603) 880-4436

Featuring oats, coconut, a variety of nuts and butterscotch chips. Find them on Facebook. Available at the Nashua winter farmers market

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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FOOD & DRINK

Rhubarb Jam, $7.95

White Mountains Canning Co. 69 Main St., Littleton Just a little bit tart to bring out the beauty of rhubarb. whitemountainscanning.com

Ornament by a member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. Visit nhcrafts.org for a list of gallery stores.

Homemade Orange Marmalade, $6.95 Highland Lake Apple Farm 50 Maple St., Andover

Like Mama used to make. Available at the farm and at Gourmet Garden, 428 Main St., New London

Bourbon Maple Cashews, $6

Sweet Cheeks Creations Brookline Cashews are the bomb! Available to order online at sweetcheeks-creations.com or for purchase at the Nashua winter farmers market.

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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FOOD & DRINK

Something Savory Dill Pickles, $10

Debbie Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Homemade Epping facebook.com/debbiedshomemade This is a low-salt version flavored with spices and dill. Available at the Nashua winter farmers market.

Cranberry Blood Orange Cognac Gourmet Chutney, $10 Wozz! Kitchen Creations Bethlehem

Perfect with brie. Their Kiwi Lime Salsa Verde won a Sofi Award in 2015 and is perfect for tacos. Order some online at wozzkitchencreations.com.

Chili Relish, $6.95 Mola Foods Nashua

Ancient Cameroonian tribal recipes. Order online at molafoods.com.

The Everyday CafĂŠ & Pub Mustard, $6.50 Blackwater Mustard Co.

Golden Gravy, $10 Valicenti Pasta Farm 11 Monument Sq., Hollis

No tomatoes, just butternut squash, onions, fennel and garlic grown on their own property. Purchase online at gimmiespaghetti.com.

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

120 Tyler Rd., Contocook Bring on the ham sandwich! Available online at blackwatermustardco.com, plus find a list of stores that carry Blackwater Mustard Co. products.

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FOOD & DRINK

Holiday Spirits

Henry Knox American Dry Distilled Gin Djinn Spirits 2 Townsend West Nashua

Triple distilled for smoothness and vapor-infused with juniper (of course), grapefruit and coriander. Available at the Nashua distillery or select NH Liquor & Wine Outlets. djinnspirits.com

Sparkling Premium Hard Cider

Contoocook Cider Company 656 Gould Hill Rd., Contoocook Made from late-harvest apples from Gould Hill Farm and lightly carbonated Available at the farm tasting room.

Houndstooth Pomona Hard Cider

Pupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cider Company Greenfield A blend made with Russets and slightly tannic English apples for a dry finish Available at select NH Liquor & Wine Outlets.

Naked Old Soul

Apple Cranberry Raisin Wine Loyal Dog Winery New Boston More than a dozen apples varieties are fermented, long and slow, with cranberries and raisins â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Prohibition-style. Available at select NH Liquor & Wine Outlets

Find It

Retail outlets with local foodstuffs Winter Farmers Markets Find a list

of markets at nhmagazine.com/food.

Gourmet Garden 428 Main St. New London

WREN

2013 Main St. Bethlehem

Hannah Grimes Center

25 Roxbury St., Keene

Welcome Centers

I-93 North and South Hooksett Welcome Centers

NH Made

nhmade.com

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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RETAIL

Above: Paper-wrapped soaps Right: This is the place for the “Harry Potter” fan on your list. Grab a Gryffindor scarf and pair it with a Golden Snitch bracelet.

Pickwick’s Mercantile in Portsmouth has gifts for all, including an eclectic selection of books.

Holiday Whimsy

An uncommon shopping (and holiday) experience BY JENN BAKOS

ortsmouth is known as a local shopping destination, but it really takes it to the next level during the holidays with the citywide Vintage Christmas, a series of events that includes the Candlelight Stroll, which winds among the historic homes at the Strawbery Banke Museum, plus plays, concerts, outdoor skating and more. Fitting neatly into this celebration that channels Christmases past is Pickwick’s Mercantile, which was opened by Seacoast native

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Samuel Pickwick in 2012. Stepping into Pickwick’s — especially at Christmastime — is like walking into the pages of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” (well, at least the charming parts). Inspired by an idealized version of the Victorian era, it also alludes to the wares that were part of Portsmouth’s founding as a major seaport. Pickwick’s is an eclectic and whimsical shop full of lovely and unique items for all ages, from perfumes

and soaps in charming packaging to gorgeous editions of favorite classic books (yes, including “A Christmas Carol”). Every season and holiday warrants a change in decoration, but it’s not just basic lights or small display — the store’s seasonal overhaul is truly a work of art that takes great attention to detail. And then there are the dedicated shopworkers who dress in historically inspired attire and possess a wealth of knowledge, not just of the shop’s products but of the area’s history as well. What began as one shop became something much greater. Today, there’s also Lady Pickwick’s, Deadwick’s Ethereal Emporium, Pickwick’s at the Banke and Fezziwig’s Food & Fountain. A few years ago, Strawbery Banke Museum approached the Pickwick family about opening a museum store, which became Pickwick’s at the Banke. Located in a 1790 wharf house, it celebrates Portsmouth’s Colonial maritime heritage. You can find local artisan products and, of course, experience the theatrical whimsy of the original Pickwick’s. Lady Pickwick’s was created by Samuel’s wife, Providence, who loves Paris and wanted to create a different feel and aesthetic. The result is a feminine, cozy space filled with high-end makeup and delicate clothing. However, changes are on the horizon —

RETAIL

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nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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RETAIL

after the holidays, the shop will undergo an overhaul that will be revealed in the spring. Deadwick’s Ethereal Emporium started out as a little Halloween pop-up and a way to raise money for the Portsmouth Halloween Parade. Originally intended as a one-time thing, it’s now open permanently. Here you’ll find curiosities, spiritual items, décor, candles, herbs and even a chance for a tarot card reading. The group’s foray into dining, Fezziwig’s Food & Fountain, was born when the building owner asked the Pickwick family if they wanted to open another shop. In just over a year, the new space was transformed into a sit-down café, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a fun spot to rest after perusing downtown. Grab a milkshake, coffee or sandwich and enjoy company and conversation among the sparkling chandeliers and little trinkets for purchase, such as teas, candles and candy. It’s not just about shopping — the Pickwick’s experience extends into the city with their private excursions on the vintage trolley Nickelby, plus the New England Curiosities Ghost Tours and Trolley Adventure Tours. For a really special experience, reserve a seat at one of the holiday dinners at Strawbery Banke Museum’s historic William Pitt Tavern. Held on Candlelight Stroll weekends, the festive evenings include four courses from Fezziwig’s, the joyful sounds of carolers, local beer and a general sense of holiday spirit. NH

Find It Pickwick’s Mercantile 64 State St. The feminine Lady Pickwick’s, which is next door to Pickwick’s Mercantile

Lady Pickwick’s 60 State St. Pickwick’s at the Banke 43 Atkinson St. Deadwick’s Ethereal Emporium 19 Sheafe St. Fezziwig’s Food & Fountain 112 State St. Visit pickwicksmercantile.com for more information on all of the above. Historic Dinners Visit pickwicksmercantile.com/pages/ holiday-dinners for more information and to make reservations.

Lady Pickwick’s also offers perfumes, high-end makeup and other items.

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Vintage Christmas vintagechristmasnh.org

It’s a new name, new look— our all new brand.

The bright, cheerful Fezziwig’s Food & Fountain offers breakfast (served all day), lunch and dinner.

Still nonprofit. Still New Hampshire based. Still helping people. But now, an all new name.

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Or, if you just need a sugar rush, check out Fezziwig’s selection of baked goods.

Join uS For Happy Hour! Buy one appetizer, get one 1/2 price! Monday-Friday, 3-6 pm

Lady Pickwick’s feels as though you’ve stepped into a shop in Paris.

100 Hanover Street, Manchester | 644-0064 | hookedonignite.com nhmagazine.com | December 2018

603 Informer

“We live where we live for landscape and seasons, for the place of it, but also for the time of it, daily and historical time.” —Donald Hall, “Here at Eagle Pond”

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Out and About 34 Sips 35 Review 36 Blips 38 Politics 39 What Do You Know? 40

Bridge to the Past

Historic structures Once, there were more than 10,000 covered bridges throughout the country. Today, only 750 remain — 54 of those happen to be located in New Hampshire. Each one is a unique, picturesque reminder of days gone by. Lincoln’s Flume Bridge (pictured here) was built in 1871, and is now used by maintenance vehicles and buses bringing visitors to the Flume (a natural 800-foot gorge). You can learn more about all of New Hampshire’s covered bridges at nh.gov/ nhdhr/bridges. nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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SCENE

Out and About

photos by susan laughlin

You Should Have Been There

11/1 The Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits

The inaugural New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlets’ Distiller’s Week was capped off by the sixth annual Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits at the DoubleTree in Manchester. The tasting event featured spirits from around the world, plus a section dedicated to New Hampshire. Proceeds benefited the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire.

10/13 Fashion from the Heart

The Dartmouth-Hitchcock Heart & Vascular Center’s (HVC) Fashion from the Heart show and auction, held at the Hanover Inn, raised funds for the new HVC CARES initiative, which helps educate the community about prevention and care of heart and vascular health issues. 1 From left: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Cardiovascular Medicine Chief Dr. Jeffrey Kuvin and Heart & Vascular Center Director Dr. Mark Creager conducted the auction. 2 Country music star Ayla Brown 3 Dartmouth-Hitchcock CEO and President Dr. Joanne Conroy was one of 12 models featured in the show. 4 Dartmouth-Hitchcock cardiovascular nurse practitioner Sue D’Anna (center), Dr. Conroy (left) and other volunteer models at the show’s finale 5 Boston fashion designer David Josef (center) is presented with an honorary doctor’s white coat by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Heart & Vascular Center Director Dr. Mark Creager (left) and Cardiovascular Medicine Chief Dr. Jeff Kuvin.

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

photos by mark washburn/dartmouth-hitchcock

1 From left: Alana Wentworth, co-owner of Derry’s Cask & Vine and co-founder of Doire Distilling, and Bill Herlicka of Doire Distilling 2 From left: Andy and Cindy Harthcock of Nashua’s Djinn Spirits Distillery 3 Sea Hagg Spirits of North Hampton was also a part of the special New Hampshire spirits section.

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FOOD & DRINK

Sips Local beverage news and reviews by Michael Hauptly-Pierce

This month let’s celebrate American whiskey with three uniquely American whiskey cocktails

New England’s Tap House Grille Danhattan

photo by emily heidt

This is a place known for its farm-to-table cuisine, now with ingredients from its very own Hip Peas Farm. It also happens to have one of the few beer keg-aging coolers in the state. But beyond the 48 taps of meticulously collected beers, the Tap House Grille has a secret — the Danhattan. They swap out the traditional rye in this Manhattan spin for single-barrel Jack Daniel’s, which the owners hand-select at the distillery each year. The whiskey steals the spotlight here, with a huge estery nose of stone and tropical fruit, and the vermouth and bitters simply play supporting roles. The dayglow red maraschino also gets the boot, replaced by a candied Luxardo cherry that always ends up in the last sip, thanks to the shape of the glass. This drink is almost as interesting as the Tap House’s Dan Lagueux himself. Almost. 1292 Hooksett Rd., Hooksett, taphousenh.com

Boards and Brews

photo by michael hauptly-pierce

Apples to Apples

The fact that this drink is only available at a board game café simply gives it a bit more cool. You don’t have to know board games to have fun at Boards and Brews — during a recent promo event there, I taught some whippersnappers how to play dominoes the way I learned in San Jose (trash talkin’ and fast, three sisters and boats). But if you do know games, or want to learn, this is the most sip-able spot with a curated collection in the state. Presented up with a slice of apple, Apples to Apples leads with cinnamon on the nose and palate. The middle is a meritage of apples, with a rye whiskey backbone and chamomile playing around the edges. It finishes dryer than expected, with a return of wispy cinnamon on the exhale. It’ll be gone before you know it. You should stick around and order another one. 941 Elm St., Manchester, boardsandbrewsnh

Recipe: Vieux Carré

Vieux Carré, meaning old square, is a reference to the French Quarter of New Orleans where this drink originated. Say it with me: Voo cuh-ray. Perfect! Keep in mind that this drink was created to be enjoyed on a carousel inside of a New Orleans bar, and it is as detailed, yet as simple in concept, as that carousel at Hotel Monteleone. If you like rye whiskey, or Cognac or aromatic bitters — this has it all. Mix and chill it over a big ice cube, the rounder the better. Booze suggestions, based on New Hampshire liquor store availability but not necessary, are included. I should offer you a French toast, but I don’t have any. Cheers! 1 oz. rye (Chocorua or Knob Creek) 1 oz. Cognac (D’ussé is my go-to) 1 oz. vermouth (I blend Carpano Antica with Punt e Mes 50/50) 1/4 oz. Benedictine 2 dash each Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters Garnish with a citrus zest nhmagazine.com | December 2018

603 INFORMER

REVIEW

Objects of Desire

You can probably get these items digitally, but what fun is a download key in your stocking? BY RICK BROUSSARD

Books and records have been my go-to gifts for as long as I can remember, but in the age of the Kindle and Spotify, they have begun to seem a little retrograde. Still, when you’re looking for something by a local artist or writer that’s imbued with local character, isn’t it weird to have to download it from a cloud? The books and CDS featured here were all picked by me based on suggestions from people I know and trust. Some are from artists with national renown, others (most of them, in fact) are treasures awaiting discovery. I’d be proud to wrap each one up and add a personal note to someone on my gift list. And, frankly, I wouldn’t mind receiving any of these objects of desire in my own Christmas stocking this year. NH

Seacoast author Jeremy Robinson takes cultural effluvia and mines it for fantastic themes, mixing in action, humor and a hip dose of self-awareness. If the title of his latest book, “Space Force,” seems like a political reference, assume it is, but you don’t know where he will take you on this literary trip. Ask for it at your local bookshop or buy it online for $29.95, hardcover or for $12, paperback. bewareofmonsters.com

Margaret Porter lives in the Concord area, but her heart dwells in the romance of bygone times and that’s where most of her award-winning novels take root. It was a major shift for her to examine the life of screen actress Hedy Lamarr in her latest work, but you too will be captivated once you experience the scandals and intrigues that swirl around Lamarr as she navigates marriage, motherhood and Hollywood glamour; and then, motivated by the atrocities of WWII, secretly invents a technology that changes the world. 14.99 from Amazon (but check your local bookstore first). 36

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

“The Way of the Dog: The Memoirs of Eros, the Metaphysical Dog” is a playful allegory about life, the universe, and everything from the perspective of an inquisitive and smart puppy. Self-published (via iUniverse), author Eva A. MacDonnell of Goffstown has nonetheless garnered a virtual mantel full of five-star reviews and general acclaim. “You cannot be happy if you are not joyful about something,” she writes. Available from iUniverse.com for $14.99, paperback, and $26.99, hardcover.

If you haven’t joined Hancock’s Sy Montgomery on one of her zoological magical mystery tours (about 20 books so far), this is a great place to get on board and find out how the creatures around us can make us into better, wiser and kinder people. Buy it locally (Gibson’s, Toadstool, BookEnds of Warner or your fave) for $20 or, if you must, buy it quick online from any reputable source.

REVIEW

603 INFORMER

Andriana calls our White Mountains home, but she brings out the beauty of her Ukrainian heritage in this impeccably produced collection of 16 Ukrainian folk songs. Her expressive vocals embrace all listeners. Upbeat tunes feature fiddle, mandolin and Spanish guitar, while ballads draw you in with rich strings and vocal harmonies. Visit andriana.org or CDbaby.com to listen or purchase. Portions of CD sales will be donated to hopeforukraine.net.

The debut record from the New Hampshire “super group” features Patrik Gochez from the Hats, plus Justin Cohn, Brian Coombes, Eric Wagley and Myron Kibbee from Rocking Horse Studio. It includes the single “Everywhere is Home,” which enjoyed airplay on the BBC in the UK. The CD version includes a bonus track, the progressive rock suite called “Splitting Atoms.” Available on Spotlight, Apple Music, iTunes and direct at rockinghorsemusicclub.com

Epic Season is a North Country (Gorham) band who played at last year’s Best of NH Party, but they are shooting for the stars with their new album, recorded in Nashville. The sound remains uniquely their own, while referencing artists as disparate as Arcade Fire, The Killers and Jars of Clay. Download it on iTunes, Spotify or Apple Music for about $6.50, if you’re into that kind of thing, or go to one of their concerts and pick it up on the merch table. epicseasonband.com

Rick Lang runs Highland Hardware in Brentwood, but his true love is what you can do with wood when it’s fashioned into guitars, fiddles and other musical instruments. He’s a prolific songwriter who has a Rolodex full of some of the most talented performers in the region. All that really shows on this latest album of his tunes, set in the soul-stirring language of Bluegrass Gospel. Visit ricklangmusic.com to purchase the CD or to download its first single, “Thinkin’ Outside the Box.”

I heard this “NH-based sibling folk team” (their description) at an outdoor craft fair and was so beguiled by their music that I bought a copy of their CD just to remind me. Since then, it’s been the perfect music for the car, with a chill Irish vibe and a “going-places” groove. Traditional Celtic and New England music is the genre, but the heart and artistry on display transcend labels. Buy a hardcopy (or digital download) for $15 at lizanddanmusic.com. nhmagazine.com | December 2018

603 INFORMER

IN THE NEWS

Blips Monitoring appearances of the 603 on the media radar since 2006

Owen Simoes displays his homemade Squid Ink brand chalk paint, which is for sale at his Concord store.

A New Hampshire historical highway marker has been installed on Route 302 in Bethlehem to honor Frances Glessner Lee and her influence on the field of forensic science. This Chicago heiress, who summered in NH, pursued her passion for criminology, creating 20 miniature dioramas depicting actual crime scenes based on crime scene statements and photographs, and used them to train homicide detectives. Glessner Lee reportedly was the model for the character Jessica Fletcher on the television show “Murder She Wrote.”

Flip for Fortune & Fame

A Concord kid shows “Good Morning America” how it’s done

wen Simoes was just 10 when he opened SquidFlip, his refurbished furniture business, in the basement of his parents’ office at 31 Warren St. in Concord. He loved the HGTV show “Flea Market Flip,” and decided that he could find and fix up some old tables and chairs to sell for a little extra cash. Then, by sheer chance, while poking around at the famous Brimfield Antique Flea Market, he found himself being interviewed on camera by Lara Spencer, the host of “Flea Market Flip.” Spencer liked Simoes’ enthusiasm and encouraged him to try out for her show someday. He was busy creating stock for his shop, but it was something to dream about. Soon, his combination of adolescent ingenuity and clever upcycles got attention from the Concord Monitor, The Boston Globe, WMUR and NHPR. Then, in October, Simoes, now 12, was invited to appear on “Good Morning America” with hosts Michael Strahan and Sara Haines to demonstrate how he assembles a couple of his popular “flipped” items: suitcase tables and silverware hooks.

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

The show’s producers had everything set up for him, plus a surprise — out of the wings walked Spencer to join a delighted Simoes for his demonstration. Spencer noted that old suitcases, like the one they were fixing, are often sold for cheap or thrown away. “What I love about Owen is, he’s a recycler,” said Spencer, who gestured toward herself and added, “and he sees the beauty in old things.” SquidFlip is open most Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5:30 p.m., and Simoes hopes to find a downtown pop-up store for the holiday season. facebook.com/squidflip

Owen Simoes with Michael Strahan, Lara Spencer and Sara Haines on the “GMA” set

The Thrillist’s “Best Undiscovered Comedian in Every State” picked stand-up guy Nick Lavallee to represent New Hampshire, noting he has opened for acts like Bo Burnham, Andrew Dice Clay and Gilbert Gottfried. He first cut his teeth telling jokes in-between songs as part of a ska-punk band in the ’90s. (“Playing in a ’90s ska-punk band is still the least embarrassing thing about my history,” he says.) On his Facebook wall, Lavallee wrote, “It feels magical to be on this list. There’s only two people I hope see this — m y Memere and Adam Sandler.”

The Pittsfield-based Rocking Horse Music Club was smack dab in the middle of their successful UK tour when they were invited to play for Prime Minister Theresa May. Here’s photographic evidence that the boys behaved themselves. We’ll let you know when they start to play some local gigs.

photo of owen simoes by rick broussard, all others courtesy

BY RICK BROUSSARD

603 INFORMER

POLITICS

The Power of Power

Healthcare, Trump and the economy are all lower on NH’s wish list BY JAMES PINDELL

illustration by peter noonan

oliticians paying close attention should know what New Hampshire voters want for Christmas this year: an energy plan. The 2018 election was about many things nationwide. It was a Rorschach test of feelings toward President Trump, it was about the economy, and one out of three television ads in the closing days was about healthcare. But in New Hampshire the discussion about energy continued as a major thread throughout the campaign season, providing arguably one of the biggest surprises of the year. From Northern Pass to the proposed Granite Bridge pipeline to biomass plants and just simply the high price of electricity in the state, energy really matters here. Days before the November election, when Democratic candidate for governor Molly Kelly was asked during a New Hampshire Public Radio debate about her biggest accomplishment in the state Senate, it wasn’t voting for gay marriage or Medicaid expansion she cited. Nope, it was for sponsoring a net-metering bill aimed at

encouraging renewable energy into the New England power grid. If you listened to any local political debate or call-in radio show in the state, something involving energy would likely come up, if not play a big part of the hour. Why this was the case isn’t particularly clear. The fight over Northern Pass, the proposed hydroelectric power line that would go down the spine of the state, has been going on for years. This has given time for groups on both sides to become more professional and savvy in their approaches. These groups then have informal spin-offs when other projects are announced, e.g. the Kinder Morgan pipeline in the southwestern part of the state or the Granite Bridge pipeline along Route 101 in the eastern part of the state. The energy industry, in turn, has amped up lobbying and campaign dollars to influence candidates. They also created an “energy summit” that attracts many candidates and has become so powerful that former US senator Kelly Ayotte made a rare in-state appearance to keynote the event this year.

So when Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed a pair of bills that would have provided subsidies to prop up a struggling biomass industry, you knew that it was going to be a thing, not just some wonky issue lost in the news cycle. In fact, a bipartisan coalition made statements on WMUR-TV days after the vetoes were signed. Where we go from here in 2019 remains to be seen. With a field of maybe 20 Democratic presidential candidates crisscrossing the state, many will make the connection between climate change and local energy policy. Indeed, in the 2012 campaign, even Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich closed his New Hampshire presidential primary campaign declaring his opposition to Northern Pass. It’s clear that this issue is hardly going away, and ambitious local and national politicians from both parties would be smart to take a position and lead on it. After all, Santa Claus may not be political, but it’s safe to assume he cares about reindeer-fuel efficiency in his sleigh and that he supports clean chimneys. NH nhmagazine.com | December 2018

603 INFORMER

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

Marshall Hudson on the search for some personal history

Hunting for family history in the wilderness BY MARSHALL HUDSON

’m searching for a ghost and the Pisgah State Park is a good place to go looking for one. There are over 21 square miles of nothing in Pisgah, located in the southwestern corner of New Hampshire. There are seven remote ponds, four highland ridges, steep ravines, rock outcrops, numerous wetlands and pockets of old-growth forests. Except for trail signs, there are almost no manmade structures anywhere within this 13,300-acre park. But it wasn’t always this way. A massive stone dam and some old graveyards give hints to the life that existed here once. Pisgah was a place of thriving lumber camps, sawmills, box factories, boarding houses, a blacksmith shop, family farms, villages and a schoolhouse. There were also primitive hunting and fishing camps erected on the ponds with little or no landowner permission. In 1885, there were eight sawmills and four box shops producing wooden boxes and demanding raw logs for boards. There was also a tannery that used the tannic acid from the bark of hemlocks in the process of curing hides into leather.

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

In 1880, much of what is now the western side of the park was owned by the Dickinson Real Estate & Logging Company. Dickinson practiced sustainable logging and avoided cutting all of the old-growth forest trees. The general inaccessibility of the area also helped protect this old-growth timber. In 1889, Dickinson merged with two other companies to form New England Box Company, the largest manufacturer of wooden boxes in North America. NEBOX Co. continued to manage the forest to protect the old-growth trees and some areas were never completely logged away. Making box boards when everything shipped in wooden crates was profitable, but starting in the 1950s, with the advance of cardboard, the demand for wooden shipping boxes declined, and eventually the box factories and sawmills closed. The structures remained up until the 1960s when the State of New Hampshire, with the grand plan of creating the Pisgah State Park, began buying out landowners, evicting camp holders, and taking the land by eminent domain from holdouts who refused to sell.

August 10 1931, William Milke, 61 is charged with the murder of Mrs. Eldora Collins, 49. Milke and Mrs. Collins were partners in the Dickson Lumber Company camp on Pisgah. Jealousy is reported to have been the cause of the crime. Milke and Mrs. Collins had an argument and Milke secured a double-barrel shotgun and fired at Mrs. Collins and then secured a razor and slashed his own throat. Another incident, or perhaps the same one after being retold too many times, tells of a guy

Clue to the past: A 1987 note to the “Friends of Pisgah” about the park’s troubles

photos provided by marshall hudson

The Ghosts of Pisgah’s Past

It’s said that the unsettled spirits of these relocated residents still wander the wilderness. Old newspaper clippings provide insight for some of the more frequently mentioned ghosts who are said to roam the forests:

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

The family camp, torn down in 1972, is shown still standing in this photo from the 1950s.

named Maddock who went after a guy named Davis with an ax, fighting over a woman. Davis got a shotgun and killed Maddock. Drowning victims are also said to have been seen wandering in the woods:

photo courtesy whip newell, pisgah park manager

On December 30, 1891, John P. Hill, of Winchester, accompanied two of his young children on a skating expedition to Lilly Pond. A nephew of Mr. Hill, Lafayette Sprague, went with them for the purpose of angling through the ice. Lily Pond lies partly in Winchester and partly in Chesterfield and was thought to be sufficiently frozen to be safe. Mr. Sprague broke through the ice. Mr. Hill was on the shore and upon seeing his nephew’s danger seized a board and rushed to the rescue. While still three rods from the struggling man, the ice gave way beneath him and Hill was also precipitated into the water.

Lafayette Sprague was a veteran of the Civil War and hikers have reported seeing a man in a blue G.A.R. Union uniform fishing from the opposite shore of Lilly Pond. Vincent Dubriske is another restless spirit said to still travel the Pisgah hills. He had a cabin on a peninsula and was evicted in 1972. Dubriske is said to have visited the park daily until he died in 1976. He was known to collect ginseng roots to sell and used to carve his initials on beech and birch trees all over the park. Some of these marked trees remain. But I’m not searching for the spirit of some deceased person. I’m looking for the ghost of a long-gone building. And “building” may be too generous a word for the rustic camp that I’m hunting for. The camp was torn down sometime prior to 1972 and I never saw it. Nor do I know where it stood.

The Amidon Sawmill in what would become the Pisgah State Park

603 INFORMER I do know that it was located on the shore of a pond somewhere in the Pisgah wilderness. A couple of old black-and-white photos taken in the early 1950s and faded family stories are all I have to go on to find it. The camp building I’m looking for was purchased in 1943 by my grandfather and sold in 1954 to the Hinsdale town barber. There was no road access to the camp so you had to boat across the pond to get to it. Grandfather had a farm tractor that could get part way in to the camp by slithering through the woods for miles on old logging skid trails, but only when the ground conditions were favorable. Because these camps were little more than tolerated squatters on lumber company land, there is no deed description to help me find where the camp once stood. Old family stories and some 1960s documents from a thin state archive file narrow the search down a little. The paper trail indicates that by the late 1960s, the state had forced the town barber to sell what had once been my family’s camp and had then burned it down to comply with the state’s vision of a no-man-made-structures wilderness park. Rocks along the shore in the old scrapbook photo seem distinguishable enough, but on the ground they all looked identical. I tramped along the shore for hours and miles, through dense underbrush and poison ivy, looking for remnants of the long-gone tarpaper shack or perhaps shoreline rocks that matched the ones in the photo. I knew the chances of finding it were slim, but at least I’d be getting exercise and feeding the mosquitoes. After a full day of searching the shorelines, I was about to call it a day when I came upon a rock that looked like a possibility. I started knocking back the jungle of growth in the area and uncovered some rusted kerosene drums. Poking around more, I kicked the forest duff off of some old glass bottles, some bricks, and then an iron bed frame and spider frypan. A few feet away I found the door from a kerosene stove. I’d found my ghost. In the middle of a 13,000-acre wilderness I’d discovered the site of my grandfather’s camp. I now stood where 70 or more years earlier he had fished and made coffee over an open campfire. With new pictures in my camera, old memories in my heart, and a recovered brick in my rucksack, I made the trek home. Next time I’ll pick lighter souvenirs. NH nhmagazine.com | December 2018

603 INFORMER

ARTISAN

Forest in a Box

Just a touch of winter BY SUSAN LAUGHLIN

Find It

Forest Findings Judy Stewart-Gagnon facebook.com/forestfindingsdriedflowers

Allioops! Flowers and Gifts 394 Main St., New London allioops.com

Library Arts Center 58 N. Main St., Newport libraryartscenter.org Pictured is one of Judy Stewart-Gagnon’s creations, which range from $19 to $150.

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

courtesy photo

now on the driveway isn’t so great, but the vista of snow on the mountains is all New Hampshire. Floral designer Judy Stewart-Gagnon of South Sutton manages to capture that touch of beauty in her “Forest Findings” arrangements. She gathers a few natural materials and non-needle-shedding bottlebrush trees to make a sweet winter vignette “planted” in an antique sewing machine drawer, flour sifter or repurposed wooden box. They are a perfect ode to the season — no shoveling required. Stewart-Gagnon has worked with fresh, silk and dried flowers for about 30 years and currently is part of the team at Allioops! Flowers and Gifts in New London. She will also exhibit dried wreaths and similar forest scenes at the Library Arts Center’s Gallery of Gifts craft fair that continues through December 22 in Newport. Her creations are also available at Allioops and a variety of arrangements can be seen on her Facebook page. NH

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2018 New Hampshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entrepreneurs and leading professionals bring experience, expertise and heart to their jobs and run organizations with a personal touch. Meet these standout individuals who represent their companies and their fields, making New Hampshire a great place to live and do business face-to-face.

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Photography by Kendal J. Bush unless otherwise noted.

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The FACES of BATH, KITCHEN AND LIGHTING INSPIRATION Ferguson Bath Kitchen and Lighting Gallery

Left to right, top to bottom: Heather Gard: Showroom Consultant, Dan Dexter: Branch Manager, Nancy LaRocque: Showroom Consultant, Melanie Burgess: Builder Outside Sales, Angela Turini: Showroom Manager

PROMOTION

tep into a Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery and you’ll immediately be inspired by what you see – beautifully displayed lighting, appliances, and bath and kitchen products from today’s top brands. From exquisitely designed bathroom displays to full kitchens with working appliances, you can explore a variety of design styles ranging from classical elegance to bold contemporary. Yet, ask customers what brings them back time and again, and they’ll say it’s the people. Ferguson’s product experts have years of industry experience and are extremely knowledgeable about design trends, product selection and the building and remodeling process. They also stay involved throughout the entire building process and ensure the right product is delivered during the right stage of the project. Ferguson’s passion for customer service is easy to see after just one visit. Please visit our newly expanded showroom at 126 Bridge St. in Portsmouth. Walk-ins are welcome; however, our product experts take pride in personalized service, so appointments are highly recommended. For more information, visit fergusonshowrooms.com or call (603) 436-3550.

126 Bridge St., portsmouth For all locations throughout New England visit our website

fergusonshowrooms.com

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The FACE of Customized HEALTHCARE Dr. William Brewster MD, FACP, CHIE Harvard PILGRIM HEALTHCARE

harvardpilgrim.org Form no: NH_7321_nhbr_1018

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r. William Brewster is Vice President of the New Hampshire market for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, a not-for-profit health services company. Harvard Pilgrim and its family of companies provide health benefit plans, programs and services to over 3 million members in New England and beyond. A New Hampshire native, Dr. Brewster joined Harvard Pilgrim in 2012 as Medical Director and then in 2014 as Chief Medical Officer for Benevera Health, a joint venture involving Harvard Pilgrim and several New Hampshire hospitals. He received his medical degree from George Washington University. “I never lose sight of the important role health insurers play in the lives of members by helping them find the appropriate health care services that allow them to live their best life and achieve their best outcomes. What sets us apart is a distinct “whole person” approach, emphasizing personal connections with our members and trusted relationships with health care professionals.”

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The FACES of WATER TREATMENT Christine Fletcher secondwind water systems, inc.

he safety of our drinking water is of increasing concern in the region and across the country. Secondwind Water Systems, with its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, has almost 30 years of experience in treating the region’s top water health issues including arsenic, radon, bacteria and emerging contaminants such as PFOA. Seventy percent of New Hampshire’s Water Quality Association-certified water specialists work for Secondwind Water. They treat the area’s most common water problems such as hard water, staining and odor, bad taste, fluoride and so much more. Secondwind Water also specializes in commercial applications, serving hospitals, surgical centers, breweries and manufacturing plants as well as public water systems. Personalized, reputable service ensures clean, safe, great-tasting water for your home or business. 735 east industrial dr., manchester secondwindwater.com

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The FACES of FIREARM SAFETY & EDUCATION Jake and TerryAnn Bowen MANCHESTER FIRING LINE

2540 Brown Ave, Manchester ■ GUNSNH.com

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anchester Firing Line is more than just a place to shoot—it’s a welcoming, friendly place to visit with a mission to educate and raise awareness of firearms and the responsibility that comes with owning them. This veteran-owned, family business—run by husband and wife team TerryAnn and Jake Bowen—offers an impressive array of events and services. Stop by for one of the new date night specials, host a company or teambuilding outing, take a certification class, attend a free seminar or take advantage of personal instruction. No matter what, you’ll be in good hands, as the staff is comprised of prior law enforcement, military and NRA certified professionals. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, this state-of-the-art, award-winning range has something for you.

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2018

The FACE of MEMBER OWNED BANKING Maurice D. Simard jr. triangle credit union

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riangle Credit Union has served its community since September 16, 1939 and is getting ready to celebrate its 80th anniversary. The memberowned credit union has grown considerably with the support of Maurice D. Simard Jr., current CEO/president. He began his role in 1986, where he oversaw $27 million in assets, a workforce of 10 employees, two branch locations and 5,400 members. Over the 32 years that Maurice has led the credit union’s member-owned banking strategy, Triangle’s assets have increased in excess of $670 million, approximately 170 employees, nine branch locations in southern New Hampshire and over 56,000 members. Although Maurice will be retiring from his services at the end of 2018, he looks forward to watching Triangle Credit Union’s continued progress for years to come. TRIANGLECU.ORG

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The FACE of COMMUNITY NURSING Susan A. Reeves, EdD, RN Chief Nursing Executive dartmouthhitchcock health system & executive vp for d-h research & education

he public ranks nursing as one of the top most trusted professions, and Susan A. Reeves, EdD, RN, chief nursing executive for Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, takes that designation seriously. She has devoted much of her career to mentoring and teaching student nurses – having also served as a professor and dean of Colby-Sawyer College Nursing. The highest-ranking nurse leader for the state’s only academic health system, Reeves sets strategic direction for nursing across the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health system. With oversight for thousands of nurses across the region, Reeves is passionately committed to ensuring the nursing workforce continues to grow and thrive. “Our nurses are proud, compassionate and resilient,” she says. “They demonstrate these attributes, not only in times of crisis, but every day in how they provide care for our patients, families and their colleagues. I have the best job in the world at the best place in the world.” DARTMOUTH -HITCHCOCK.ORG PROMOTION

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2018

The FACE of Kitchen & Bath Design Nina Hackel Dream Kitchens

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t is easy to understand why DREAM KITCHENS has won over 200 awards for kitchen and bath remodeling. Their kitchen and bath remodels are completely customized to the client and are a true design experience. Their designers are constantly keeping an eye out for new and interesting ways to store things so that countertops are completely clear, and they guarantee that your kitchen and bath will have at least 30% more storage. The design team works closely with you and will present you with at least three different options. After each design concept is discussed, you will choose the aspects you love from each one, and from there your design will take shape. The next step is to think of how to personalize your new space. At Dream Kitchens, they know how important it is that your newly designed space reflects your personality. When the project is completed, you will enjoy a beautiful kitchen and bath that has been customized for efficient storage and which reflects your personal taste. The Dream Kitchens team aims to provide you with a great remodel experience and results you can be proud of. 139 Daniel Webster hWy., nashua â&#x2013; adreamkitchen.com

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2018

The FACES of Advanced Broadband ATLANTIC BROADBAND

21 Jarvis Ave., Rochester ■ atlanticbb.com

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dvanced broadband is more important than ever. That’s why Atlantic Broadband, after acquiring MetroCast in January 2018, rolled out major service enhancements for its residential and business customers in the region. These included speed upgrades for internet customers, the launch of 1 Gig internet, and a new Entertainment Platform with voice remote powered by TiVo ®. Meanwhile, customized, scalable fiber solutions with speeds up to 10 Gbps have been built for larger businesses that have demanding data needs. According to Regional General Manager Edward Merrill, while delivering advanced internet, TV and phone services is key, so is Atlantic Broadband’s commitment to local service: “Our team lives and works in this community, so responsive customer care and professional technical support will always be a priority for us.”

The FACE of litigation jennifer parent MCLANE MIDDLETON

ith over 20 years of experience litigating and resolving disputes for companies and business owners in a wide range of complex commercial cases and employment matters, Jennifer Parent is a recognized leader in litigation. Jennifer is a Director at McLane Middleton and serves as chair of the litigation department. She has been recognized by Chambers USA, Top 50 Woman Super Lawyers in New England, and Best Lawyers. Jennifer, a former president of the NH Bar Association, is president of the National Conference of Bar Presidents, is NH’s Association Delegate to the American Bar Association’s House of Delegates, and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

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multiple locations ■ mclane.com

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2018

Adam Nudd-Homeyer tappan chairs

s we approach our 200th anniversary as a business in 2019, by necessity we reflect on our community and the generations of support that have brought us to this point. It is especially incumbent upon us, as it should be with any genuinely community-minded business, that we now work to return that wonderful favor through our efforts in downtown revitalization, economic development and giving.

6 Skinner St., Sandwich â&#x2013; tappanchairs.com

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The FACE of community stewardship

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PROMOTION • photography by MATTHEW LOMANO

2018

The FACES of ORTHODONTICS Dr. William Mehan & Dr. Paul Johnson III mehan and johnson orthodontic

ince opening his orthodontic practice in 1977, Dr. William Mehan has been a fixture of the southern New Hampshire dental community, saying that, “It’s an honor and privilege to have helped so many people achieve healthy and beautiful smiles.” Dr. Paul Johnson III joined the Manchester orthodontic practice in April 2013, bringing with him a drive for excellence, beautiful smiles and happy patients. Known for his affable, down-to-earth southern nature and gentle care, Dr. Johnson’s “greatest pride is becoming part of a great family in and out of the office, with wonderful patients, friends and colleagues in the Greater Manchester community.” Dr. Johnson is currently serving as president of the Greater Manchester Dental Society and president of the New Hampshire Association of Orthodontists

113 Mammoth Rd., Manchester ■ nhorthodontics.COM

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2018

The FACES of ENERGY MANAGEMENT gus and bart fromuth Freedom energy Logistics, LLC

5 Dartmouth Dr. #301, Auburn ■ FELPOWER.com

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The FACE of BUSINESS LEADERSHIP emshika alberini

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s the founder of Chang Thai Café and Chaiwan Enterprise, LLC, Littleton entrepreneur Emshika Alberini has multiple passions. After relocating to the US and earning a master’s degree in organizational management, she spent a few years working in the corporate world before moving to Littleton in 2008 to open her award-winning Chang Thai Café. A number of other honors followed, including the presentation by then-Gov. Maggie Hassan of the Most Intriguing Woman Business Leader award at the Business NH Magazine Ultimate Biz Bash 2016 and inclusion in the latest Cherry Bombe 100, which identifies influential women in food. In addition to overseeing the restaurant, Emshika also founded real estate holdings company, Chaiwan Enterprise. Not done yet, Emshika is launching her own line of food and beverages, which is coming soon. On top of it all, she thrives on working with start-up companies as both an advisor and investor. Constantly moving forward, she continues to enroll in professional development courses. She received a certificate in developing and managing a successful technology strategy from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, and is working toward a certificate in sustainable business strategy from Harvard Business Extension School. emshika.com

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The FACE of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentistry Bryan Hoertdoerfer, DDS

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603 INFORMER

TRANSCRIPT

Hall Decker Photo and transcription by David Mendelsohn

Garth Svenson is one happy elf. He lives Christmas Day every day as manager and CEO of The Christmas Dove, a year-round outpost for those who never lose the spirit nor let the carols fade away. He and his parents, Linda and John, have built this huge Barrington store into a wondrous place full of intricate ornaments and holiday gifts from around the world. He also claims to have had a few beers with Santa, dispelling any doubts of the Jolly One’s existence. So ho ho ho and jingle bells, even next July.

My parents built the store in my grandfather Leon Calef’s chicken barn. We are a wholly owned subsidiary of a corporation based in the North Pole. I was born and raised here on the property. I went to school for political theory at Georgetown University, and I worked on Capitol Hill for about five years before coming to work for my folks. The politics of Christmas are definitely less stressful. Mom wanted to create a beautiful place to shop. Dad once told me he was just certain he wanted to have a store with toy trains running in the middle of it. Today, we have four Lionel train layouts that are a huge draw for kids of all ages. We import decorations from all over the world. From Poland, we get glass ornaments that each take a week to create. Last year, we were paid a visit by Emanuele Fontanini all the way from Italy. His family has created nativities for the Vatican for generations.

Any weekend you can watch painters, jewelers, knitters, weavers, potters, woodcarvers, charcoal artists and more crafting their wares. They are The Christmas Dove’s real-life elves. We probably have a quarter-million ornaments and decorations in the store at any given time. Hopefully less by December 26. We proudly don’t sell a single thing anyone really needs. Just things that people want — or things they didn’t know they wanted until they spent an afternoon exploring the store. Favorite Christmas movie ? “It’s a Wonderful Life.” No question. I do a mean Jimmy Stewart impersonation! Our children have essentially grown up in the store. I guess it’s not a terrible place to grow up, surrounded by toys and Christmas trees. My mother-in-law likes to tell me “someday they’re going to have to learn this isn’t reality.” We’re going to try and keep it from them as long as we can.

Svenson’s parents founded The Christmas Dove back in 1973, and while much has changed in the design of Christmas décor, their personalized red sled ornaments have been a constant for more than 40 years. Many families who collected complete sets for their children have come back to make personalized ornaments for grandkids. And, as the photo to the left shows, you can also just have a little fun with them.

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

The 2018

It List

Our state’s natural resources include mountains, forests, rivers and lakes — and people, like these people, who make life here so darn interesting. Photo by Bruce Luetters

THE GOLDEN GUY: New Hampshire seems like the

perfect set for filmmaking, and it has been featured in classic comedies like “What About Bob?” and dramatic TV shows like “The West Wing.” Problem is, most scenes that feature the Granite State are shot elsewhere — places where Hollywood knows they can recoup some of the money spent in the form of tax incentives. In tax-averse NH, that’s a problem. The main exception to this rule is 1981’s “On Golden Pond,” the film that put our pristine Squam Lake on the international map (drawing tourists from all over to this day), and won Oscars for its two lead actors and for the guy who wrote the screenplay and the play on which it was based. That guy, Ernest Thompson, still lives in the Lakes Region where he grew up and has never stopped writing and making movies — movies that Hollywood has happily produced elsewhere. He has made two feature films locally like the old Yankee he is by making do with what’s handy — local talent, volunteers and a little baling wire to tie it all together. He’s proud of them both, but his next project requires a bit more, because he thinks it’s too important to relegate it to the festival circuit. He says his new movie, “Parallel America,” could be just what our country needs in these contentious

times, and he’s looking for financial help to ensure it’s made right and made here. A GoFundMe page (for $150,000) and social media campaign are helping stoke interest. Meanwhile, Thompson is happy to evangelize about why filmmaking in New Hampshire should be something we all get behind — and it’s not just about making the Granite State more famous. “We’re losing young people,” he says. “They come of age here and there’s nothing to stay for.” Thompson says literally thousands of young creative types have passed through his projects and his “Write on Golden Pond” workshops. “They work and learn and go elsewhere,” he says. His other project in the works might tighten the focus. The sequel to “On Golden Pond,” titled “Home on Golden Pond,” is set be produced in the next year or so and it will be up to the State of NH to decide if it’s filmed here entirely, spending a $15 million budget locally, or if the crew will just fly in to capture some establishing shots and then film the rest on some other less-golden pond in some other state. He says there are legislators who get it and are trying to push for a tax rebate for major films made here, and there might even be a last-minute plot twist involving Gov. Chris Sununu. “He was a film student at NYU,” says Thompson. nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Lissa Curtis Ballet Bravery In 2014, professional ballerina Lissa Curtis was repeatedly sexually assaulted by her ballet director over a 10-day trip to the World Ballet Competition in Romania. In the following years back home in New Hampshire, she launched a civil suit against her perpetrator, went public with her story, and made a pledge to protect the next person from the horrors that she endured. Curtis founded the Be BRAVE Gala in 2016 as a way to give back to the community and to encourage other survivors to be brave in their own circumstances. “Be BRAVE became my personal mantra,” says Curtis. “I got it tattooed on my left wrist as a constant reminder to myself every time I was in court, therapy, or having a difficult day with PTSD that I had nothing to hide because truth was on my side. Those words remind me that being brave is about taking action in the face of your fear.” Now in its third year, the gala has raised more than $60,000 for CCCNH, HAVEN and SHARPP, programs that assist survivors of sexual and domestic violence. This year, Curtis has spoken at the Statehouse on numerous occasions advocating for funding for sexual violence centers, in support of Marsy’s Law for NH, at local TedX events, fundraisers and performances across the Granite State. She was also the keynote speaker for CCCNH’s 40th anniversary celebration. Curtis is also launching the nonprofit Safe Haven Ballet, offering free trauma-sensitive ballet classes for sexual and domestic violence survivors. The hope, says Curtis, is that “it will help them escape the trauma they have endured in a safe environment while building strength and confidence for the days to come.”

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

In almost every US state, the legal age of marriage without parental consent is 18. But up until just this summer, a 13-year-old girl or 14-year-old boy could legally marry in the state of New Hampshire with parental consent and a judge’s approval. For more than two years, now-19-year-old Barrington native Cassandra Levesque advocated for raising the minimum age to 16 for both genders. Along with key legislators, she helped pass House Bill 1586, which “prohibits the court from granting permission for a marriage involving a minor if the other party, but for the marriage, would be guilty of sexual assault.” The bill was nearly defeated, but on June 18, 2018, Gov. Chris Sununu signed it into law. “I was very excited. We made great strides,” says Levesque, who notes that both her grandmother and great-grandmother were child brides. Levesque continued in politics, running for state representative for Barrington. The results were not decided when this issue went to press. A former Girl Scout, she’s also a leader of a Brownie Troop. She says there is more work yet to do with a few other states still allowing marriage between young minors. “The biggest obstacle is lack of knowledge of the repercussions of child marriage. People want to keep it in the shadows. They don't want to think about it,” Levesque says. “We are not done until child marriage is ended.”

photo by elizabeth frantz, courtesy of concord monitor

Cassandra Levesque Advocate and Leader

When Arnold Mikolo first came to New Hampshire, his plan was to live in Manchester for six months. That was six years ago. Mikolo, 27, was born in the central African nation of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He arrived in New York City in 2012, and after hearing about opportunities in the Granite State, he decided to give the Queen City a shot. “If you work hard, you can reap the benefits,” Mikolo says. “But the most rewarding thing is knowing I’m contributing to something bigger than myself. I’m not just working for a paycheck. I’m making my community better.” Recently named to the Union Leader’s 40 Under Forty, Mikolo works with the International Institute of New England — an organization that helps resettled refugees — and as translation coordinator at its sister organization, Pinpoint Translation Services. “With a college background in business and marketing, I had an opportunity to work in corporate America,” Mikolo says of his career path. “But it would have been the most selfish thing I could do. With my own transition to America in 2012 and then New Hampshire, I know how hard it can be. It was a conscious thing and a way of giving back to my community.” The reward for Mikolo comes from seeing someone succeed — whether it’s finding a career or simply moving from a parttime job to a full-time job with health insurance and benefits. “As a new American, I’ve been welcomed as a part of the community. The work I’m doing is not going unseen. Somebody is seeing it, and it’s being rewarded in so many ways.”

photo by jonh hession

photo by elizabeth frantz, courtesy of concord monitor

Arnold Mikolo American Dreamer

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Safiya Wazir New Kid on the Heights

photo by jenn bakos

All politics may be local, as former speaker of the US House Tip O’Neill famously said, but rarely is local politics as interesting as when former Afghan refugee Safiya Wazir won the Democratic primary, 329 votes to 143, beating local stalwart Dick Patten for a shot at Concord’s Ward 8 seat in the Legislature (this issue went to press before the midterm results were tallied). Since that primary victory, Wazir, a Concord High graduate and mother of two, has been interviewed by MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Public Radio International, the BBC and Rolling Stone magazine. For more than a decade, Wazir has lived on the Concord Heights, which hosts a concentration of the city’s immigrant population, and she has served on local boards and councils, so she’s not a newcomer to the scene, but her win may suggest something new is going on in the Granite State. In an interview with AP, she spoke about how New Hampshire is aging and needs to cultivate younger voices and new ideas. “Immigrants or refugees have ideas that they could contribute,” said Wazir. “Every bit of new blood brings new ideas to the state.”

Tom Thomson Tom Thomson of Orford knows trees (he owns more than 2,600 acres of New Hampshire forest) and politics runs in his blood (his dad was NH governor Meldrim Thomson), so who better to explain some recent legislation that required utilities operating in the state to purchase a portion of their electricity from local wood-burning power plants? Gov. Chris Sununu had vetoed the bill, calling it an “immense subsidy” that would fall upon ratepayers. The veto was overridden by a significant bipartisan majority (226-113), but for Thomson it was also a teaching moment — a chance to explain just how vital the forestry industry is to the state and the folly of unintended consequences from an attempt to keep electricity costs down. “I know folks in the forest industry who work from 5 in the morning to 7 at night, sometimes seven days a week. To take time off and go to Concord and testify is almost impossible,” he explains. “I decided to fill that void and speak for them.” He says the market for high-grade wood has been pretty good lately, but the pulp wood or biomass has to be part of the deal for the industry. “My forest is no different than a garden in your backyard. Mother Nature plants it, but you’ve still got to weed it,” says Thomson. With no pulp mills left in the state, the wood-burning power plants provide the market for this low-grade wood. Timberland owners operate all over the state, not just in the North Country, and along with $1.4 billion timber products industry, they provide around the same economic boost to the tourism business, making about 7,200 miles of trails available to hikers and ATV users. “My father always said you stand for something or you stand for nothing. I was proud to stand with the hardworking men and women of the timber industry.”

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

courtesy photo

Speaker for the Trees

Trish Regan

courtesy photo

Primetime Frontliner

New Hampshire has produced its fair share of celebrities, and we’re adding Trish Regan to that list. The FOX Business Network host attributes a great deal of her success to growing up in the Granite State. “I grew up in a political environment. Little did I know I’d grow up to make a career out of the ability to debate, decipher and analyze political and economy policy,” says Regan. Regan attended high school at Phillips Exeter Academy, represented the Granite State in the 1994 Miss America pageant, and later worked as a business correspondent, reporting for the CBS Evening News through 2007. She’s received

multiple Emmy nominations for her work, and sat alongside Sandra Smith as moderators for the Republican presidential primary debate, as they made history as the first dual-female team to host a debate. Her list of achievements is impressive, but her most recent primetime lineup might take the cake. “I’m on the frontlines of history with the viewers every night,” says Regan. “With so much breaking news, it takes a quick mind and one that has been steeped in policy, both economic and political, from a young age. I wouldn’t trade growing up in New Hampshire for anything in the world. It will always be my home.”

Chris Pappas and Eddie Edwards

courtesy photo

Worthy Opponents Democrat Chris Pappas and Republican Eddie Edwards may not agree on the issues, but they do have one big thing in common — each would represent a meaningful first for New Hampshire. Pappas would be the state’s first openly gay congressman while Edwards would be the first African American elected to national office from New Hampshire. Though the December issue went to press before the results were tallied, no matter who wins, it marks a significant moment for the Granite State amid a time when more women, minorities and LGBTQ people are running for all levels of office around the country. Edwards and Pappas were vying to replace Democrat Carol Shea-Porter, who represented New Hampshire for four terms before her retirement. An Edwards win would flip the seat to Republican, which, if prognosticators are correct (polls haven’t been all that reliable), would go against the tide of the predicted “blue wave.” nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Megan Carpenter and Michael McCann

Blending Life & Law

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

photo by emily heidt

Though the UNH School of Law in Concord is one of the country’s smallest, it has a reputation as one of the best places to study intellectual property law. Helping to build and expand that reputation is the school’s dean, Megan Carpenter, who sees partnerships with the community as a way to both teach students and make meaningful connections. In collaboration with DEKA, for example, a new class focused on one of the company’s case studies dealing with legal issues in the biotech industry. Also keeping learning grounded in real world issues is law professor Michael McCann, the associate dean for academic affairs and director of the Sports and Entertainment Law Institute. Recently, he received national recognition for his course on the New England Patriots’ scandal “Deflate-gate.” “Sports law is a field that immediately connects with students,” he says. “Students are often deeply interested in the facts presented in sports law controversies like Deflate-gate because these students are already sports fans, so they bring a unique passion to all of my courses.” A successful school is also good news for New Hampshire at large. “We draw students from across the country, and half of our students decide to stay in New Hampshire after they graduate, to make their lives here and to raise children here,” says Carpenter. “In the last four years, our students have contributed over 180,000 hours of pro bono legal services to the state — that’s over $10 million in legal services going into the New Hampshire economy.”

John Broderick

photo courtesy of changing directions nh

Justice for All

Judges have lots of chances to see people at their worst, but nothing could prepare then-NH Supreme Court justice John Broderick for the lowest point in his own son’s life, when the young Broderick violently attacked his father and wound up in the NH State Prison. It was a turning point for them both, with the son finally getting treatment for a hidden mental illness and the father finding a new mission for his own life. In the years since, Broderick educated himself about the state of mental not feeling like you? health in NH and has become a champion for awareness and reform. Now as the feeling agitated? leader for Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s R.E.A.C.T. Mental Health Awareness Program, Brodr u withdrawn? erick works with high school students, educators and others to spread the word that mental illness, just like any other caring 4 yourself? disease, has its signs and treatments and should not carry a stigma of shame or feeling hopeless? fear. “Students can change the conversation,” says Broderick, and that’s how we can all change direction on mental health.

Howie Wemyss Life on “The Road”

photo courtesy of mount washinton auto road

Howie Wemyss got his start driving tours on the Mt. Washington Auto Road 40 years ago, eventually becoming the general manager in 1987. Since then, Wemyss has urged the Auto Road to become more sustainable by installing electric car stations and updating a hydroelectric system that dates back to the 1800s. More recently, he played a large role in the opening of The Glen House — the fifth hotel to be added to the property since the 1850s. “It is nice to get back to our hospitality roots and complete the picture that so many of us have been wishing we could get to for years,” says Wemyss. While the development of attractions such as Great Glen Trails and increases in tourism have been exciting additions to and around Mt. Washington, the growth has called into question issues of capacity and land ownership on trailheads. To put it simply, Wemyss believes New Hampshire has to come together and be willing to sit down and address the increasing numbers so that they can keep up with demand. “As it stands, there is already limited space on our trails and mountains,” notes Wemyss. “If we want to get serious about overcrowding, we need the basics about who owns what in order to develop a solution that is sustainable.”

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Xia Zhou Control Enthusiast

photo courtesy of dartmouth college

Imagine playing your favorite video game without controls. Well, at least the kind you hold in your hands. Enter the new battery-free, energy-efficient, wearable eye tracker developed at the Dartmouth Networking and Ubiquitous Systems Laboratory (more easily referred to as the DartNets Lab). “This is an exciting advancement for gamers, developers and other users of smart glasses,” said the project’s lead and DartNets Lab co-director Xia Zhou in a Dartmouth College press release. “It’s the first-ever eye tracker that can fit into your everyday glasses and run without batteries.” Simply put, these augmented reality glasses use light to track your eyes’ movements. And it’s not just about better gaming. Some day, this type of continuous eye tracking could also be used to identify health issues like mental disorders or to detect fatigue. This is just one example of the exciting research happening at the DartNets Lab, where Zhou, who is also an associate professor of computer science, works with and mentors students. She’s also received a number of awards and accolades, including the National Science Foundation Career Award in 2016 and the Google Faculty Research Award in 2014. To learn much more about Zhou’s research, visit her YouTube channel to watch her demo videos.

Evan Hennessey

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

New Hampshire is on the culinary food map, thanks in large measure to the talents of Chef Evan Hennessey. In May, he earned the title of champion on Food Network’s “Chopped” cooking competition. Then, in October, he won the “Chopped Champion Throwdown: Battle 1,” setting him up to compete on November 6 against three other champions for a chance to take home $50,000. This issue went to press just before the show aired, but we have high hopes he’ll come out on top. If, by some chance you haven’t seen the wildly popular show, chefs must use mystery basket ingredients to make an appetizer, entrée and dessert for judges. This time around, many of the ingredients were perfect for the Dover chef, including venison, blueberries, smelt and turmeric tea. Hennessey created a turmeric and tempura battered smelt with blistered carrots and a blueberry glazed venison loin with pickled green tomatoes. The judges loved everything about the dish. Hennessey’s Dover restaurant, Stages at One Washington, is an experience in modern cuisine. Watch from bar seating in the kitchen as he foams, pulverizes and slowly simmers in his high-tech kitchen with only induction burners and sous-vide equipment. His ingredients are often foraged or grown locally — a few are harvested in a growing room next to the restaurant.

photo by susam laughlin

Chopped Champ

Emily Fishbaugh Advocate for Change Emily Fishbaugh wants people to know they are strong and loved. Specifically, she wants the transgender community in New Hampshire — and around the country — to know they are not alone. The 17-year-old is transgender and has lived as her true self since the fourth grade. Contrary to social stigmas, she lives her life as a normal teenage girl. She attends Winnacunnet High School, loves makeup, played field hockey her freshman and sophomore years, has her own YouTube channel (Emily Tressa) and is a vocal proponent of trans rights. She spent the beginning of the year at the Statehouse advocating in support of a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations. Since HB 478 was passed in February, Fishbaugh has been busy speaking on panels around New Hampshire and Massachusetts and at the Gay and Lesbian Independent School Teachers Network’s Homecoming Out event in 0ctober. “I just want everyone to know that my life is completely normal, just like yours,” says Fishbaugh. “I am an advocate for change and will continue to fight for trans rights. We are beautiful, and we need to focus on the incredible amount of love and support in our community.” Make sure to keep a look out on TLC for an appearance from Fishbaugh in 2019.

courtesy photos

Nini Meyer Positive Partner The “kids are our future” is a clichéd statement, but clichés stick around for a reason — they’re often shorthand for big truths. Providing more evidence for this particular cliché is Hanover-based Positive Tracks, a national nonprofit that empowers youth to change their world through the power of sports. Under the leadership of CEO and founder Nini Meyer, Positive Tracks helps young people (ages 23 and under) organize and lead activities to achieve social change. With the goal of “sweating for good,” events have included boot camp workouts to provide resources to stop bullying, soccer matches to fight racism or shooting hoops to alleviate hunger. The organization was recently recognized at the international Beyond Sport Awards, taking home the Best Partnership In Sport for Good award. So far, according Positive Tracks, they’ve helped “63,000 youth partners educate and mobilize community, turning 350,000 miles of athletic activity into advocacy and activism around core issues, and $10 million for causes shaping the future.” By the end of 2020, they pledge to assist 100,000 (or more) young activists. Given their past success, it seems to be a goal well within reach. The future seems brighter already. nhmagazine.com | December 2018

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

photo by allie gutierrez

Three years ago, when NHPR reporter Jason Moon attended a press conference on the 1985 unsolved Bear Brook murders, he had no idea he would be propelled into the world of serial killers, forensics and genealogy. This past October, Moon launched his six-episode “Bear Brook” podcast miniseries that covers how a decades-old New Hampshire cold case — the Bear Brook case — led to the arrest of California’s Golden State Killer, who was captured thanks to the new genetic genealogy technique first used in the New Hampshire murders. “When I began working on this story, it was certainly not within my normal job description,” says Moon, who began at NHPR covering education. Unlike the majority of his work at the station, Moon realized he wouldn’t be able to format this particular story into the standard structure. “There’s also a lot to be learned about forensic science

from the story. Some of that forensic science raises interesting ethical questions about how much privacy we should be willing to give up to catch murderers and identify unknown victims,” says Moon. The podcast explores how genetic genealogy helped identify the Golden State Killer and suspects in other long-unsolved cases. Another goal, he says, is to “simply to spread awareness of the case itself [Bear Brook]. The victims are still unidentified, and so any help the podcast can be in generating tips for investigators would make it worth it, in my opinion."

photo by todd bookman

Jason Moon Pod Person

Louise Spencer

photo courtesy of cbe allegra boverman/new hampshire public radio

Growing the Grassroots

In homes around the Statehouse, the political waters tend to run pretty blue, so the dismay after the 2016 upset victory by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was felt by entire neighborhoods. In one particularly close-knit community around Concord’s Kent Street, residents came together not just to mourn losses, but to organize for a more progressive future. Living so close to the seat of governance gives residents the ability to monitor politics and remain visible amidst the process. The group took the name “Kent Street Coalition” to enshrine its grassroots origin and approach, says co-founder Louise Spencer. “We knew we had to be engaged as citizens in a new way. It doesn’t all have to be serious business. It’s a chance to get together with like-minded people, have fun together, and make some change.” That attitude and a clever structure of seven issue-focused working groups helps them untangle the legislative morass and focus on specific political arenas. “I think we’ve outgrown the ‘hashtag resistance’ label in that we’re really trying to build something that will move forward, that isn’t driven by the election cycle,” says Spencer. As the mid-terms drew near, the focus was on voting rights and access, but the group’s door-to-door, person-to-person advocacy had already scored victories. Spencer says their canvassing in some recent special elections helped turn or hold enough seats in the Legislature to defeat a recent bill for school vouchers that lost by only five votes.

Peter Ramsey

photo by emily heidt

City Lights

For a quarter of a century, Peter Ramsey has kept the watchlight (or the ghostlight) burning for culture in our state’s Queen City. As CEO and director of the Palace Theatre in Manchester, he has used a combination of shrewd business practices, legal and political acumen, and his love of performing arts to grow the Palace from a struggling institution in a city on the skids to a true crown jewel in a reborn Manchester with a bustling nightlife and arts scene. The Palace has just had its best year ever, says Ramsey, but he knows this isn’t a time to rest upon laurels. A property that has long intrigued him, the old Rex Theatre, just a block away from the Palace but rundown from years of neglect, is now green lighted by city aldermen for a makeover that will give Manchester a medium-size performing arts space that it has long needed. It’s not a done deal. To complete the restoration, Ramsey says, “This city will have to come together to raise a lot of money,” as much as $1.7 million. But with city leaders, including new mayor Joyce Craig, on board, he says it’s going to happen, attracting 50,000 new visitors downtown in years to come and boosting businesses on and near Amherst Street the way that the Palace has long kept the lights on for businesses on Hanover Street. nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Dream State In New Hampshire, an old-fashioned White Christmas is almost always in the cards. Spread that style through your home with simple decorative touches that would sate even the desires of Bing Crosby and Irving Berlin. Produced by Matthew Mead 76

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Set the scene for your own snowy gathering with a table dressed in pristine shades of white for breakfast, brunch or dinner.

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

A fresh white snowfall

is nature's way of simplifying the landscape. Barren trees and brown grass are coated with glistening flakes that make the ground sparkle like diamonds. Rooftops and treetops merge into one unified palette that is tranquil and calm and easy on the eyes. The holidays can be overwhelming and frenetic to say the least. So why not simplify your surroundings and make the span from Thanksgiving to New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an enjoyable time to listen for those sleigh bells in the snow. Draw your inspiration from nature, and fill your rooms with white touches and decorations.

Five ways to make your own White Christmas 1. Decorate a flocked tree with white lights and white ornaments. 2. Save on wrapping and use white boxes to present all of your gifts. 3. If your accessories aren't white, you can always paint them with acrylic craft paint or spray paint. 4. Design your holiday dining table with white dishes, white linens and clear glass. 5. Add a dusting of snow. Faux snow looks nice on mantels, bookshelves and around lighted villages. Simply vacuum up when the season is over. 78

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White paper stars from Trends Gift Gallery in Exeter are a fresh and magical way to add the spirit of the holidays most anywhere. Add fairy lights to illuminate or fill with gift cards or certificates to give as gifts.

A wooden village recast in white continues a Christmas tradition in a fresh way. A spray of paint from a craft store makes the transformation quick and easy.

A white teapot and linens for your gatherings can be mixed and matched from antique shops like these from Antiques on Elm in Manchester. Package in a white box or fill with cookies to give as a gift.

Shop your home and group a mix of white collectibles to make a focal point vignette on a side table or in an entryway. Add some white flaked faux snow to give it a frosty dusting of winter.

Make an Advent calendar of upstyled plant boxes painted white. You can find boxes at garden centers like the House by the Side of the Road in Wilton. Add your own countdown numbers and fill with tokens. nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Doing White Right

A White Christmas can be both old-fashioned and modern. Craft stores and big-box stores always have their own rendition of the theme, but shopping local will yield lots of inspiring items to decorate your home.

Here we have ferreted out shopping destinations that can ensure your own White Christmas:

GARDEN CENTERS AND FARM STANDS

These local stores and stands deliver on lots of inspiration and supplies for a real White Christmas. Cole Gardens 430 Loudon Rd., Concord colegardens.com, (603) 229-0655 Find wreaths, trees, garlands and ornaments, as well as plants such as paper whites, which are perfect as both accent items and gifts. Black Forest Nursery & Garden 209 King St., Boscawen blackforestnursery.com, (603) 796-2756 Has a comprehensive collection of unusual natural greens made into swags and wreaths. Add a coat of white with spray paint or canned snow. 80

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;May your days be merry and bright. And may all your Christmases be white.â&#x20AC;? - Irving Berlin

Celebrate your White Christmas

by gathering friends and family around a brunch inspired by the season. White dishes and foods seemingly topped with a festive dusting of fallen snow will put your guests in a festive mood.

Create dishes that are tasty and inspired and let your kitchen take center stage. Here a kitchen island is laden with sweet and savory dishes. White gift wrap replaces a typical cloth runner. Don't be afraid to add a coffee cocktail or dust some cookies with powdered sugar. Set out stacks of white plates so guests can help themselves. Add white flowers, snow-dusted pine cones and branches, local ingredients like maple syrup and a frittata made of fresh New Hampshire eggs. Bask in the snow-refracted white light and absorb the tranquility of a real White Christmas.

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MAPLE WALNUT MUFFINS 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup white sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup shortening 1/4 cup rolled oats 1 egg, beaten 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup real maple syrup

CREAMY PECAN COCKTAIL 1 cup chopped pecans 1/4 cup maple syrup 1 tablespoon cream of coconut 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup water 1/4 cup bourbon (optional) Garnish: sweetened whipped cream and pecan pieces Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring once. Cool 10 minutes. Process pecans, syrup, cream of coconut, cinnamon, vanilla and kosher salt in a food processor 30 to 60 seconds or until smooth. With processor running, pour water through chute. Press mixture through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a pitcher, using back of spoon. Discard solids. Cover and chill for 3 to 24 hours. Stir in bourbon just before serving. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired. Makes 3 cups

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease the cups of a 12-cup muffin pan. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in oats. Add egg, milk and syrup. Stir only until dry ingredients are moistened. Fill greased muffin tins 3/4 full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and let stand a few minutes before removing muffins from the pan and cool. Makes 12 muffins

Icing and Embellishment

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup maple syrup in a cream pitcher Beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar a cup at a time while mixing on medium speed until combined. Add vanilla extract. Beat at medium-high speed for 1 to 2 minutes until light and creamy. Frost the cupcakes with the cream cheese buttercream. To assemble, place a wooden spoon down the center of each muffin to make a well. Frost with icing leaving the hole exposed. Fill to the top with maple syrup. nhmagazine.com | December 2018

GREAT

repasts

PAST from the

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

REDISCOVERING:

Porcupine Meatballs American Chop Suey Pork Pie With Gravy Chinese Pie and other traditional NH Comfort Foods AS UPDATED BY

PERSONAL CHEF BRADLEY LABARRE

Photos by Bruce Luetters

The author, about to eat the very last bite of mayonnaise cake nhmagazine.com | December 2018

iving on Manchester’s West Side during my childhood, we lived fairly frugal, blue-collar lives. For my millworker parents, penny-pinching wasn’t just a fad, it was a necessity. To make matters even more challenging, in the late ’80s, stable piecework jobs faded away and forced our folks, and many others in our neighborhood, to reinvent themselves. Some went back to college, some started their own businesses, some stayed home and raised a family. It was a tough yet exciting time. Throughout it all the comfort foods of our era stayed constant. Cheap ground meats, filling potatoes, golden brown crusts and boiled things — all of these were at the center of our tables. With five mouths to feed, it could have been easy to feel hungry or that we were “doing without.” Looking back, however, nothing could have been further from the truth. Whether it be space, activities or food, my parents were experts at making a lot out of a little. My mother, though, was the queen of stretching a dollar. The number of meals she could pull off with just one roasted chicken was the envy of our tenement. Classic New Hampshire fare was probably never famous for being delicious, sought-after cuisine, but the flavors and sheer act of creation were tied to more than seasoning; there were emotions and memories bound to these foods. Sadly, I’m noticing that this type of low-cost, hearty and nutriment-filled cooking is slowly leaving our dinner tables. The sustenance of my youth, the foods that defined our region and nurtured our souls, is seemingly being replaced by prepared foods sold by the pound. In a time of smartphones, constant connectivity and instant gratification, bringing back classic dishes enjoyed over generations can not only bring families together, but can perhaps also fix a few of the ailments that plague our country at large. Food brings people together, and it always has. Having eaten many different comfort foods in various contrasting cultural settings, I have yet to witness disaffection while sitting together, mouths full, around anyone’s table. Eating a meal together is a spiritual experience that fills more than our stomachs. New Hampshire cuisine is the result of frugality and the melding of cultures. We can see it everywhere if we look in the right places — French Canadians, Irish, Portuguese, Italians, Greeks and more — all settled here to make a living and their culinary 86

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influence came with them. In my family, wafts of beef stew, pot roast or my grandmother’s famous pork chop casserole warmed our spirits, especially in the cold winter months. My personal favorites were generally bubbling crocks laden with cheese and butter-cracker-crusts or staples like porcupine meatballs, orbs of beef laden with rice, simmered in a condensed tomato soup “sauce,” and American chop suey, a regional “goulash” overflowing with ground beef, elbow noodles, green peppers, onions and tomato sauce. It’s no wonder I gravitated toward making food for a living. There was tourtière, a hefty pork pie, and poutine, hand-cut French fries sprinkled with squeaky cheese curds, both smothered with unctuous beef gravy. And how could I forget the staple of boiled dinner, corned beef, potatoes, carrots, turnips and pickled beets. My mom’s spin usually included cheap lobs of kielbasa that would end up a cold snack for the next day’s school lunches. I fear that an amazing generation of traditional New England foods — big-flavored, inexpensive and uninhibited — are becoming, like the textiles fabricated at the old mills of Manchester, a distant memory. Baked beans and brown bread or Chinese pie mustn’t go by the wayside. As a chef and aging member of “Generation X,” it is my obligation and duty to carry the torch for those in front of us. It’s time to revisit old favorites or, perhaps, discover some new ones. I’ve recently had a chance to thumb through a few of my great-grandmother’s old handwritten recipes. The list of favorites is lengthy and inspiring. Yes, there were those classics that she was known for; cat-head biscuits, macaroni and cheese casserole, beef stew and pot roast, just to name a few. The ones that caught my eye, however, were her desserts. Unapologetically fattening, riddled with cholesterol and trans fats, but oh so amazing. As children, we would sit around Gram Carrie’s orange Formica

kitchen table eating her shiny, hot-fromthe-lard buttermilk donuts tossed lovingly in cinnamon sugar. Those long-forgotten moments came rushing back to me as I read through these perfectly kept pieces of paper, index cards or cutouts from the long-lost magazines of her time. This recipe box was a sort of T.A.R.D.I.S. that transported me back to a time where things were simpler and not yet hazed by clouds, texts or cat videos. All these amazing morsels were more than just about the sugar, recipe boxes or frying kettles, they were about bonding, growing up and loving each other. Perhaps our general sense of division in New Hampshire, or anywhere in the country for that matter, could be healed just by taking time on a regular basis to pull down an old cookbook on a rainy day or share a casserole together a few nights a week at the dinner table. The dinner table itself may be among the lost; either turned into a place to stash the piles of mail or sit listlessly staring at our smartwatches. Counting steps may become more important than counting the minutes until dinnertime. These recipes connect us to our past and could heal our present whilst setting us up for a very different future. In New Hampshire, reestablishing the lost act of eating together, especially those cultural classics, every night could start a positive revolution. Grab a cookbook, call your grandmother or visit the library and make some memories together. I have included four savory dishes that were an important part of my family upbringing, as well as one dessert. These meals are the center of some of New Hampshire’s most cherished comfort foods. I hope you enjoy them. NH

porcupine meatballs

Porcupine meatballs are not only great as a nice, hearty dinner, but they make great leftovers. We make club sandwiches with them the next day. Ingredients • 1 pound ground beef • ¼ cup uncooked long-grain rice • 1 slightly beaten egg • 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes • ¼ cup onion, finely chopped • ½ teaspoon garlic powder • ¼ teaspoon paprika • ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper • ½ teaspoon kosher salt • 1 10.75-ounce can condensed tomato soup, divided • ½ cup water • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

In a medium-size bowl, combine meat, rice, egg, parsley, onion, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, salt and ¼ cup tomato soup. Mix thoroughly and shape into about 20 meatballs and place in a skillet. Mix remaining soup, water and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over meatballs. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring often. Rice should be cooked and sticking out of the sides of the meatballs.

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

american chop suey

with hamburg

Similar to American goulash, this regional fare has been a staple throughout the working class and can still be found on menus of area diners. Ingredients 3 tablespoons butter 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 pound ground beef 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Kosher salt to taste 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes 1 14.5-ounce can tomato sauce 1/4 cup tomato paste 2/3 cup tomato juice Pinch of sugar 1 pound elbow macaroni

Instructions

Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Then add the ground beef and continue to cook, stirring and breaking up the chunks of meat with a spoon. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain off most of the fat. Sprinkle the herbs and pepper over the meat, add salt to taste and mix in well. Add the canned tomatoes with their juices, the tomato sauce, paste and juice. Add sugar to taste. Simmer while you cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain. Mix the macaroni into the chop suey. Serve hot.

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

simple beef gravy

This simple gravy can be thrown together in about 10 minutes. Not only was this a staple in our house to pour over pork pie, this gravy is also a great go-to for mashed potatoes or pot roast. Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring beef broth to boil over medium-high heat. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder and Worcestershire sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together cold water and cornstarch until dissolved. Pour into boiling beef broth and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir until thickened.

Ingredients

2 cups low-sodium, good-quality beef broth 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning according to preference. Add optional heavy cream for creamier gravy. Serve hot over pork pie.

1/4 cup cold water plus 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Recipe Notes: This recipe makes about 2 cups of gravy and can easily be doubled or even tripled if you use a large saucepan.

Splash of heavy cream (optional)

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Salt and pepper to taste

pork pie with gravy Thought to have originated by French Canadian millworkers in the 19th century, this New Hampshire version of tourtière was originally served to help celebrate the New Year. This recipe is my favorite.

mom’s pork pie Ingredients

2 pounds ground pork 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups water 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 cups mashed potatoes Double pie crust 1 tablespoon milk

double batch pie crust Ingredients

4 cups flour, plus extra for work surface 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine pork, onion, salt and water. Simmer gently, stirring often, until all liquid evaporates, about an hour. Stir in spices. Add potatoes and mix well to combine thoroughly. Heat oven to 375F. Line a pie plate with one crust. Spoon in pork/potato mixture. Add top crust and flute the edges. Brush the top with milk and slice four, 1-inch slits into the top to allow steam to escape. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown and internal temperature is at least 145F. Meanwhile, make beef gravy (recipe on previous page).

1 lard 3/4 cup shortening 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 tablespoon vinegar 1/2 cup ice water

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut lard and shortening in until pieces are about the size of a pea. Add egg, vinegar and ice water. Work mixture into a soft, cohesive dough ball. Divide in half, and put one half aside for another pie (or freeze). Cut other dough mass in half. Wrap in plastic and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. On a work surface dusted with flour, roll out bottom and top crusts. Yield: 2 two-crust pies

Recipe Notes: This recipe can be used to fill a very deep

pie pan for a holiday centerpiece (pictured) or can make two pies where one can be frozen for later. In my family, we would usually bake one for Christmas and save the second one for Easter, but this dish can be eaten any time of the year. Regarding the crust — the addition of vinegar and egg will make the crust a bit flakier as well as alleviate the chances of getting a tough crust. nhmagazine.com | December 2018

chinese pie or yankee shepherd’s pie

This dish is called “Chinese Pie” or “Pâté Chinois.” Thought to have been created by Canadian immigrants working on the railroad in China, Maine. There’s no doubt that this is a huge part of our New Hampshire history. It’s even better the next day. Ingredients

Instructions

1 tablespoon olive oil

Preheat oven to 350F.

1 pound ground beef

Heat oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat.

1 medium onion, chopped

Spread the mashed potatoes on top being sure to completely cover the corn layer.

Add onion and cook 3-4 minutes, add ground beef, salt and pepper and cook until brown and breaking up any large chunks with a spoon.

Sprinkle a thin dusting of paprika on top of the potatoes.

Salt and pepper to taste 1 14-ounce can creamed corn 3 cups mashed potatoes (made ahead to your liking)

Drain off most of the fat. Place into a casserole dish making a nice layer.

Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown. The corn layer should bubble slightly around the edges of the potatoes.

Paprika for dusting

Layer the creamed corn on top.

Serve with a garden salad and buttery rolls.

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

mayonnaise cake

Great-grandmother Carrie’s recipe As with many of our states classic foods, this cake was born of a time where eggs and oil were scarce.

simple buttercream icing Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 2 1/3 cups confectioners sugar 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/3 cup whole milk

Ingredients 2 cups flour

Instructions

Sift together all dry ingredients and set aside.

1 teaspoon baking soda

Cream together mayonnaise and sugar.

1 teaspoon baking powder

Alternatively add dry ingredients and water until blended together.

½ teaspoon salt ¼ cup cocoa powder ¾ cup mayonnaise 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir in vanilla extract and stir until everything is combined and smooth. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with non-stick spray. Bake in 350F oven for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in cake pan and carefully remove from cake pan and cool completely on a cake rack. Ice with chocolate buttercream icing.

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until it is smooth, about 1 minute. Add the confectioners sugar and cocoa powder to the bowl and beat until combined. With the stand mixer running on low speed, slowly stream in the milk and vanilla extract then add the salt and continue beating until well-combined, scraping down the sides as needed, about 2 minutes. Increase the speed to high and beat the frosting for an additional 2 minutes. Use the frosting immediately. Can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. (If you refrigerate the frosting, you may want to re-blend it for a few seconds in the stand mixer before using it.)

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

603 Living “Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting.” — Thomas S. Monson

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Events Listing 95 Health 102 Seniority 104 Local Dish 106 Dine Out 107 Ayuh 112

photos by david j. murray/clear eye photography

photo by michael winter

CALENDAR

A Christmas Candlelight Stroll This annual holiday tradition showcases 350 years of seasonal and holiday traditions set against the backdrop of Strawbery Banke Museum’s furnished houses. This year, the Portsmouth holiday occasion will take place from December 1-22. The signature event of Portsmouth’s Vintage Christmas celebrations, Strawberry Banke’s holiday classic encourages families to enjoy a bit of “stopfulness” amid the crazy pace of the season. There will be hundreds of lighted candle lanterns, the houses are adorned with handmade decorations crafted from greens and dried flowers from the gardens, and the air is filled with holiday music and the smells of woodsmoke from the bonfire. Watch historical reenactors create scenes of Decembers gone by, and take advantage of complimentary snacks and hot apple cider at the Cider Shed. There will also be traditional hearth-cooking and craft demonstrations plus winter projects for kids. $12.50-$25. Saturdays 5 to 9 p.m., Sundays 4 to 8 p.m., Strawberry Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth. (603) 433-1100; strawberrybanke.org This cherished New Hampshire tradition promises holiday fun for the whole family. nhmagazine.com | December 2018

603 LIVING

photo courtesy of nhms/alan macrae

Ed ito r’ s

Ch oi ce

EVENTS

Through 12/31 Gift of Lights Remember when your parentsstuffed you and your siblings in the van to drive around checking out neighbors’ Christmas lights? This is that drive and then some. More than 400 light displays, 60 holiday scenes and two million LED bulbs light up the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Spectators are urged to drive the route (including the tunnel and part of the track’s road course) and revel in the sight around them. $20. 4:30 to 9 p.m. daily, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 1122 Route 106, Loudon. (603) 783-4931; nhms.com

Christmas Tours & Festivals Through 12/30

Brewery Lights Brewery Lights has something for everyone. For those 21 and older, try one of the 14 beers on tap from the rotating selection in The Biergarten. Guests of all ages are invited to warm up with hot cocoa and enjoy festive food items. New this year, everyone can visit the family-friendly Gingerbread House. Plus, Brewery Lights-goers can roast s’mores at the fire pits and take photos with the Budweiser Clydesdales. Thurs-Sun 4-9 p.m. Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 221 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack. budweisertours.com

11/24-12/31

Lights at La Salette Shrine Once the site of the state’s other Shaker community, it is now home to a Catholic religious order, the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette. Each year since 1954, the brothers have decked a 20-acre hillside with light displays that inspire and entertain throughout the whole month of December. This beautiful outdoor light display turns on November 24 at 4:15 p.m. The opening service and manger blessings happen at 4:45 p.m., and the lights stay on until 9 p.m. After that, the lights are on nightly from 5-9 p.m. until December 31. 410 Route 4A, Enfield. lasaletteofenfield.org

12/1-12/2

Symphony NH Holiday House Tour Each year,

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

the Friends of Symphony NH kick off the month with their holiday house tour, a benefit event that takes place at a number of professionally decorated homes in the Nashua area. $20 in advance and $25 at the door. 12-4 p.m. daily. symphonynh.org

12/1-12/16

Festival of Trees Join the Enfield Shaker Museum in their celebration of Christmas as they display more than 50 decorated tabletop trees. Each tree is designed and donated by local artists, businesses and individuals. You can also vote for your favorite trees with raffle tickets. The more you vote, the better your chance becomes of taking one of the trees home. The Gala Reception will be on December 16 from 5-7 p.m. and includes holiday music, refreshments and more. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enfield Shaker Museum, 447 NH Rte. 4A, Enfield, (603) 632-4346; shakermuseum.org

12/1

Homestead Christmas Welcome in the holiday season by taking a step back in time at the Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm. There will be tours, tastings, meet-and-greet opportunities with the farm animals, demonstrations, crafts for kids and much more. $5. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth. (603) 323-7591; remickmuseum.org

12/1-12/23

Journey to the North Pole Take a magical 2-hour journey through the White Mountains

of New Hampshire as you venture to the North Pole to see Santa in his workshop. You leave from either North Conway or Lincoln as magical chefs serve you hot chocolate and some of Santa’s favorite treats. Your little elves will have the opportunity to leave letters with Santa at the post office at the North Pole Theater. Each child will also receive a special gift on the return trip home. $47-$67. Depart at 4:30 or 7 p.m., addresses may vary. journeytothenorthpole.org

12/2

Exeter Holiday House Tour Visit six of Exeter’s houses that are decked out for the holidays. Last year this event brought more than 800 people to the Exeter community, and raised money for neighbors in need through Womenade of Greater Squamscott. There will also be the chance to visit Folsom Tavern at the American Independence Museum. $30-$35. 1 to 5 p.m., locations around Exeter. exeterareaholidayhousetour.com

12/7-12/23

Lighted Winter Wonderland Experience the magic of Christmas at Charmingfare Farm. This event will feature a horse-drawn ride, Christmas lights, holiday displays, costumed characters, a petting zoo and much more. You will take a horse-drawn ride through thousands of lights on your way to New Hampshire’s North Pole. As you go dashing through the snow, make sure that you keep an eye out for the Grinch. $29. Times vary, Charmingfare Farm, 774 High St., Candia. (603) 483-5623; visitthefarm.com

603 LIVING

Amherst Tree Lighting Festival Lots of towns will have tree-lighting celebrations this month, but Amherst makes the absolute most of theirs. Festivities begin Friday night when the lights come on and continue all weekend with Santa breakfasts, holiday craft demos, concerts, and even a wine cellar and art gallery open house at LaBelle Winery. Prices, times and locations may vary. amhersttreelightingfestival.weebly.com

Ed ito r’ s

12/7-12/9

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EVENTS

courtesy photo

12/8-2/16

Wolfeboro Festival of Trees More than 65 exquisitely decorated Christmas trees deck the halls of the Wright Museum for this annual event. Marvel at the colorful conifers (spread across two floors) and enjoy live entertainment from local performing groups such as Expressions Dance Academy. $2-$12. Times vary, Wright Museum of World War II, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro. (603) 948-5504; wolfeborofestivaloftrees.com

Music

12/1, 2, 8, 9

Ed ito r’ s

NH Gay Men’s Chorus NHGMC is giving four performances of the 2018 Holiday Concert Series “Don We Now Our Gay Apparel.” Dec 1, First Baptist Church of Nashua, 7:30 p.m.; Dec 2, South Church, Portsmouth, 4 p.m.; Dec 8, Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, 7:30 p.m.; Dec 9, Derryfield School, Manchester, 4 p.m. nhgmc.com

12/1-12/2 Altrusa Festival of Trees This year’s 23nd annual Festival of Trees will be bigger and better than ever. Delight in over 40 trees, from traditional displays to Disney themes to more whimsical exhibits. There will also be spectacular raffles, cookies and cider. $5, free for kids 12 and under. Fri 2 to 6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun 12 to 4 p.m., Waukewan Golf Course, 166 Waukewan Rd., Center Harbor, Meredith. altrusameredithnh.org

12/1, 12/7 and 12/14-12/15

photo by philip cohen

Ed Gerhard Enjoy a very special evening with one of the country’s finest acoustic guitarists. Gerhard will perform soulful arrangements of well-loved carols, as well as his own concert favorites. Dec 1, The Belknap Mill, Laconia; Dec 7, Sunapee Methodist Church and Dec 14-15, Unitarian Church, Portsmouth. virtuerecords.com/tour-dates

12/2

Greater Keene Pops Choir Holiday Concert The Greater Keene Pops Choir is a unique performing ensemble that sings popular American music in all its many styles. Under the direction of Diane Cushing and accompanied by Walt Sayre, the “Pops” will be singing music from around the world celebrating the holiday season. $12 in advance and $15 day of. 3 p.m. Colonial Theatre, 95 Main St., Keene. (603) 352-2033; thecolonial.org

12/5 12/31 First Night Portsmouth Come participate in this family-friendly citywide New Year’s Eve Celebration in downtown Portsmouth. Celebrating 31 years of First Night, there will be fireworks, puppets, music, dancing, face painting and even ice sculptures in front of North Church. Don’t wait, get your First Night button before they are all gone. Prices, locations and times vary. (603) 433-4398; proportsmouth.org

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas This has been one of America’s favorite holiday traditions for over 30 years. Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with selections from his Fresh Aire series. The Christmas music combines the group’s signature mix of Renaissance instruments with rock and roll beats to create a performance that you won’t forget. There will also be state-of-the-art multimedia effects in an intimate setting. $49-$88. 7:30 p.m., Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St., Concord. (603) 225-1111; ccanh.com

12/7

Eric Mintel Quartet’s “Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas” “Charlie Brown” jazz includes the legendary “Linus and Lucy,” “Skating,” “Christmas

is Coming,” “Christmas Time is Here” and many reworked holiday favorites. Featuring Eric Mintel on the piano, Nelson Hill on the sax and flute, Jack Hegyi on the electric bass and Dave Mohn on the drums. $29. 8 p.m. The new Spotlight Room at the Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. (603) 668-5588; palacetheatre.org

12/8

Christmas with the Celts If you’ve had your fill of Christmas in New England, get away for a night to soak up the holiday traditions of the Emerald Isle. Step dancers, vocalists and a rollicking band combine with Irish instruments such as the bodhran and uilleann pipes to create an evening of classic holiday music from both sides of the Atlantic. Tickets start at $39. 7:30 p.m., The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performing Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com

12/8-12/9

An Irish Christmas with Symphony NH Join Symphony NH for an Irish Christmas featuring the songs, stories and dance music of Ireland and its Celtic influences around the world. There will be uilleann pipes and Irish whistles, as well as a guitar and various percussion instruments. This will be a night that will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Dec 8, 7:30 p.m., Keefe Center for the Arts, 117 Elm St., Nashua; Dec 9, 3 to 5 p.m., Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St., Concord. symphonynh.org

12/7 and 12/9

Christmas at the Little White Church A charming concert featuring pianist Dana Cunningham and cellist Max Dyer. Eaton’s Little White Church invites you to enjoy the simple beauty of acoustic nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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12/8-12/9 22nd Annual Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie & Candy Tour Come about as close as you can get to the North Pole experience with this beloved ode to small-town streets. Eleven country lodges such as North Conway’s 1785 Inn and Albany’s Darby Field Inn open their doors for visitors to taste their best holiday cookies and candies and snag some recipe and décor ideas. Don’t forget to vote for the best cookie along the way — the winning inn receives $500 to give its favorite charity. Prices and locations vary. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., (603) 356-2642; countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com piano and cello in this extraordinary setting. $30. 4 p.m. Little White Church, 2371 Eaton Rd., Eaton Center. (603) 447-1881; littlewhitechurch.com

12/13

Buzz Ball 2018 Join your hosts for the evening, Greg and the Morning Buzz, for this 8th annual Rock and Roll Christmas Ball that will be sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. This show includes some of the best talent and entertainment in New England, and will feature special guest musicians, actors and comedians. $35$45. 7 p.m., Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St., Concord. (603) 225-1111; ccanh.com

12/14

Rockapella Holiday They’ve become one of the world’s most sophisticated, lasting, and imitated vocal groups around today. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more influential group out there in this new era of network television a cappella shows like NBC’s “The Sing-Off,” movies like “Pitch Perfect,” and innumerable college vocal groups that own the corner of cool on campuses everywhere. $15-$35. 7 p.m. Stockbridge Theatre, 5 Pinkerton St., Derry. (603) 437-5210; stockbridgetheatre.com

12/14

The Weepies Deb Talan and Steve Tannen wrote together the first night that they met, and they soon formed indie band The Weepies. They have sold more than 1.5 million records and have over 54 million streams on Spotify, over 25 million views on YouTube, and over 100,000 social

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

media followers. You won’t want to miss their simple yet insightful songwriting and distinctive harmonies on this special evening. Tickets start at $45. 7:30 to 10 p.m., The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center, 39 South Main St., Plymouth. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com

12/15

Symphony Orchestra’s annual spectacle includes guest choruses and a special performance by resident artist Billy Butler. $15-$30. 7:30 p.m., The Music Hall, 28 Chesnutt St., Portsmouth. (603) 436-2400; themusichall.org

12/23

The Boston Pops Join the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and Conductor Keith Lockhart for this annual, beloved Holiday Pops concert. Attendees can look forward to their favorite holiday songs and crowd sing-alongs. $78, $58, $48 and $43. SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester. (800) 745-3000; ticketmaster.com

Holiday Pops Kick off the holiday season with this annual show featuring the Capital Jazz Orchestra and guest vocalists CJ Poole and Laura Daigle, along with narrator Laura Knoy of NHPR who will be reciting her traditional version of “The Night Before Christmas.” Starting at $27.50. Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord. (603) 225-1111; ccanh.com

12/16

12/29

Heather Pierson Jazz Trio’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Heather Pierson is a pianist, singer/ songwriter and performer based in Conway. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was originally telecast in December 1965 and was an instant hit with audiences who connected with Peanuts’ creator Charles M. Schultz’s cast of characters — especially with its round-headed hero Charlie Brown, his woefully scrawny Christmas tree and his typewriter-wielding dog Snoopy. $10 and $5 for students. 4 p.m. The Tillotson Center, 14 Carriage Ln., Colebrook. (603) 237-8576; tillotsoncenter.org

12/18-12/19

Family Holiday Pops There’s no shortage of holiday pops concerts around the state this month, but our favorite is this two-night engagement from the Seacoast’s local symphony. Portsmouth

Wizards of Winter This will be a holiday rock event that the whole family will enjoy. Featuring former members of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and rock industry veterans from Alice Cooper, Rainbow and more. They will bring their musical intensity, stage theatrics and holiday fun, including a rich storyboard that evokes December’s past. $40-$55. 8 p.m. New Tupelo Music Hall, 10A St., Derry. (603) 437-5100; tupelomusichall.com

Theater & Dance 11/28-12/16

“Elf the Musical” The heart-warming Will Ferrell comedy goes from screen to stage. $45-$97. Times vary. The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth. (603) 436-2400; themusichall.org

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“A Christmas Carol” Spend the holiday season gathering with your favorite people and watching some of the season’s most beloved characters come to life before your eyes. $10-$18. Thurs at 7 p.m., Fri at 8 p.m., Sat at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sun at 3 and 7 p.m. The Players’ Ring, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth. (603) 436-8123; playersring.org

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11/30-12/23

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“A Christmas Carol” Dickens’ classic tale takes center stage in this Palace Theatre tradition. Enjoy professional acting, live orchestra accompaniment and a lively performance that even the Scrooge in your family is bound to love. $23$49. Times vary, Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. (603) 668-5588; palacetheatre.org

12/1-12/2

“Clara’s Cracked Christmas” A modern twist on the traditional classic ballet, “The Nutcracker.” Enjoy watching all genres of dance to a mix of contemporary and classical music. 6 p.m. Dec 1 and 1 p.m. Dec 2, The Claremont Opera House, 58 Opera House Square, Claremont. (603) 5424433; claremontoperahouse.info

12/2, 15 and 16

“The Nutcracker” You can catch one of Northeastern Ballet Theatre’s signature productions this month as this classic ballet takes the stage for three shows in Durham and Wolfeboro. $23.50-$25. Times and locations vary. (603) 834-8834; northeasternballet.org

12/6-12/9

“A Victorian Christmas” Celebrate the holidays with a program of Victorian-era Christmas stories. The centerpiece of the event is an original toy theatre adaption of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” This form of theatre was parlor entertainment during Victorian times. They were printed on paperboard sheets and sold as kits at the concession stand of an opera house, playhouse or vaudeville theater. Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to partake in the nostalgic charm of this traditional form. $27. Times vary, Pontine Theatre, 1 Plains Ave., Portsmouth. (603) 436-6660; pontine.org

12/7-12/9

“It’s a Wonderful Life” Based on the 1946 film, this musical follows George Bailey’s life from his childhood dreams to his midlife disappointments and beyond. The performance will be cinematically scored and theatrically staged, and this adaption will breathe musical life into a familiar story, while also retaining the warmth, humor and the same vibes from the classic. $12-$20. Times vary, The Derry Opera House, 29 West Broadway, Derry. (603) 669-7469; majestictheatre.net

12/31 New Year’s Eve Party Family Celebration Enjoy New Year’s Eve festivities both on and off the slopes at Pats Peak. The mountain will not only have the trails open for skiing and snowboarding, but there will be tubing, a comedy show, raffles, fireworks and more. Delight in food from any of the three food stations and don’t forget your party favors. It has become an event known as “the throwing of the beads.” Ticket prices may vary. 6 p.m., Pats Peak, 686 Flanders Rd., Henniker. (603) 428-3245; patspeak.com sets, costumes, special effects and outstanding dancers. Dec 8-9 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Dec 13-14 at 7 p.m. $24-$28. The Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester. (603) 335-1992; rochesteroperahouse.com

12/8-12/9

“Clara’s Dream, A Nutcracker Story” City Center Ballet presents “Clara’s Dream, A Nutcracker Story” based on the beloved classic ballet story, “The Nutcracker.” Make the day even more special with a Clara’s Tea event before the performance. Dec 8, Clara’s Tea 11:30 a.m., show at 1 p.m.; Dec 8, show at 4 p.m. (there is no tea before the 4 p.m. performance) and Dec 9, Clara’s Tea 1 p.m., show at 3 p.m. $9-$38. Lebanon Opera House, 51 N. Park St., Lebanon. (603) 448-0400; lebanonoperahouse.org

12/12

“Miracle on 34th Street” A live musical radio play at the historic Town Hall theater in Exeter. Proceeds raised from this special winter production will support Prescott Park Arts Festival’s summer offerings. $25 for adults, $10 for youth, $20 for seniors and $40 for VIP admission. Fri 7 p.m., Sat-Sun 1 p.m. Exeter Town Hall, 9 Front St., Exeter. prescottpark.org/3rd-annual-holiday-show

Cirque Dreams Holidaze This show will light up your holiday season with its popular and electrifying stage spectacular. This 2-hour spectacle will feature over 300 costumes, 20 world-class acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites that celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and more. You and your family will marvel at the soaring acrobatics and theatrical production numbers that will keep you smiling this holiday season. $35-$75. 7:30 p.m., SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester. (603) 644-5000; shnuarena.com

12/8-12/15

12/13-12/16

12/7

“The Nutcracker” A classic holiday event, this production has become a regional favorite! Tchaikovsky’s glittering ballet of Clara and her beloved Nutcracker is a delight, capturing the magic and wonder of the holiday season. Sole City Dance pulls out all the stops with elaborate

The Christmas Revels As the Winter Solstice brings with it long, cold nights, grab your family and friends and gather before a warm fire as you witness a tale of adventure and enchantment. You can watch this Venetian celebration come to life before your eyes in this perfor-

mance from Revels North. Enjoy the journey of merchants and craftsmen as they ply their trade alongside some of the Old World’s finest artists and musicians. Will a troupe of comedians succeed in changing the mind of the city administrator, the Doge, and get him excited about Christmas Eve? $7.50-$48. Times vary. Spaulding Auditorium at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, 4 E. Wheelock St., Dartmouth College, Hanover. revelsnorth.org

12/15-12/16

Home for the Holidays This family-friendly holiday extravaganza, created and directed by Patrick Dorow, has been a tradition in New England for the past seven years. Paying homage to the classic holidays specials, and true to a Broadway production style, with full set, costumes and dance, this high-energy, fast-paced show includes original vocal arrangements and medleys of nearly 50 holiday songs, appealing to all ages. Shows at 7 p.m. December 15 and at 1 and 4 p.m. December 16. Dinner and a show reservations are available for December 15, and expanded concessions are offered for the two December 16 shows. Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com

Shopping 12/1

41st Annual Contoocook Artisans Show Get ready to cross items off on your Christmas wish list with this holiday craft show. There will be handcrafted items like pottery, paintings, stained glass, folk art, quilts, wreaths, felted items and so much more. Free. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., St. nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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Do you know a nurse who deserves recognition?

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Help New Hampshire Magazine honor the unsung heroes of the state’s medical community by nominating nurses in a variety of vital specialties. Finalists will be featured in the May 2019 issue of New Hampshire Magazine and honored at a special awards event. To nominate, visit: NHMagazine.com/NursingAwards

The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 11, 2019.

For sponsorship information, contact Kim Lencki at klencki@mcleancommunications.com or call (603) 413-5154.

12/31 Family New Year’s Eve Celebration Kids get their own chance to watch the clock strike “midnight” at this family-friendly gathering. The museum sets up a glitter ball and counts down to its drop three times throughout the day, so you and your little ones can ring in without staying up late. Free with museum admission. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, 6 Washington St., Dover. (603) 742-2002; childrens-museum.org Andrew’s Parish Hall, 354 Main St., Hopkinton. (603) 496-6079

12/1-12/2

29th Annual Christmas in Strafford Craft Fair If you have some hard-to-buy-for people on your list, then check out this fair. Local artisans and craftspeople from all around Strafford will be opening up their homes and studios to the public this holiday season. There will be over 20 locations open and over 50 crafters, including local homes along with the Bow Lake Grange Hall and Bow Lake Church. Watch out for large “Cardinal” signs with marked stop numbers to help guide you to your destinations. Free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., locations vary. (603) 664-5787; christmasinstrafford.com

12/2

Mill Falls Marketplace Holiday Open House The shops and businesses of this lovely lakefront complex open their doors for a day full of shopping, caroling and holiday fun. Pick up gifts from the Country Carriage and Lake Winnipesaukee gear from Great Northern, then hop on the event’s horse-drawn carriage for a leisurely afternoon ride. Keep an eye out for Santa because we hear that he may be stopping by. 1-4 p.m., Mills Falls Marketplace, 312 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith. (603) 279-7006; millfalls.com

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Downtown Holiday Market Members of the downtown Manchester workforce will now have no excuse not to finish their Christmas shopping. With a fantastic lineup of artisans and crafters setting up shop in the middle of Brady Sullivan Plaza, this market may be the easiest place in the state to pick up a thoughtful handmade gift while you’re on your lunch break. Thu 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. plus 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec 8 and 15, Brady Sullivan Plaza, 1000 Elm St., Manchester. intownmanchester.com

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The X-Rated Hypnotist Hypnotist and comedian Frank Santos Jr. draws from the audience as he makes people believe they are singers, dancers and much more. $21.50 in advance, $26.50 day of the show. 7:30 p.m. The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center, 39 S. Main St., Plymouth. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com

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Santa’s Stocking Stuffer Craft Fair Procrastinators, this one’s for you! The last event of the year from Joyce’s Craft Shows, this fair carries both stocking-friendly small gifts and larger items including quilts, gourmet food and holiday floral arrangements. Sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., North Conway Community Center, 78 Norcross Circle, Rte. 16, North Conway. (603) 528-4014; joycescraftshows.com

12/8

UNH Men’s Hockey vs. Dartmouth The Granite State’s two D-1 squads will be squaring off at the Whittemore Center for this exciting game. During the game there will also be a wildcat toy drive. $9-$24. 7 p.m., Whittemore Center, 128 Main St., Durham. unhwildcats.com

12/15

Miscellaneous 12/1

12/1-12/11

Rising Stars: New Work in Furniture This exhibition features furniture as well as other smaller scale items that these six talented young designers make and sell for their businesses. There is a strong design background that is evident in each of them, and will serve each of them into the future. Free. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Furniture Masters Gallery, 49 South Main St., Concord. furnituremasters.org

12/1-12/31

The Cape Ann School & Rockport Art Tradition Exhibit and Gallery Walk The New Hampshire Antique Co-op presents this fine art exhibit and sale of paintings. The gallery walk will be led by Jason Hackler, who will also present highlights of the exhibit and discuss featured Rockpoint artists of the era. The event is held in conjunction with New Hampshire Antique Co-op’s 35th Anniversary Open House celebration weekend. Free. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., New Hampshire Antique Co-op, 323 Elm St./Rt. 101A, Milford. (603) 6738499; nhantiquecoop.com

12/5-3/27

Baby and Me Yoga Going a little stir crazy and need something to do with your baby? Her’s your chance. Rattlebox Studios is offering yoga classes for parents with children under the age of two on Wednesdays. You will be led through a series of asanas that promote strength and fitness while bonding with your child. $15. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Rattlebox Studios, 40 Thorndike St., Concord. (603) 731-4794; rattleboxstudio.com

Cirque Mechanics Enjoy incredible acrobatics and clowning at Cirque Mechanics’s “Pedal Punk.” $10-$40. Dec 6, 7 p.m.; Dec 7, 8 p.m.; Dec 8 1 p.m. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College, 4 E. Wheelock St., Hanover. (603) 6462422; hop.dartmouth.edu

12/7

12/15-12/16

Button Factory Open Studios This building might have been popular in the 1800s for its production of shoe buttons, but now it is becoming a popular spot for local artists to display their work. A wide variety of artists inhabit the building, including painters, sculptors, photographers, furniture makers, jewelers and instrument makers. Before you head out for the Portsmouth Holiday Parade, be sure to stop by the Open Studios event for one of the oldest and most anticipated holiday arts events on the Seacoast. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Button Factory, 855 Islington St., Portsmouth. (603) 433-6323; buttonfactorystudios.com

12/6-12/8

12/23-12/25 Holly Jolly Christmas Celebration For one of the coziest holidays of the year, you need a picturesque hotel tucked in the White Mountains. The Omni Mount Washington Resort is magical covered in snow and even more festive with their celebration of sleigh rides, snowshoeing, stories with Santa, holiday treats, movies and crafts during this celebration. You can even have your little ones tucked into bed by an elf on Christmas Eve, while you go partake in the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party in the Cave. Prices and times may vary. The Omni Mount Washington Resort, 310 Mt. Washington Hotel Rd., Bretton Woods. (603) 278-1000; brettonwoods.com

12/3

New England Quilts and the Stories They Tell Bundle up in a quilt of your own and listen to Pam Weeks weave heart-warming tales of service and tradition. Quilt history is full of its own myths and misinformation, and tells stories of world history, women’s history and industrial history. Weeks will discuss fashion fads, the Colonial Revival and quilt-making for Civil War soldiers. Participants are encouraged to bring one quilt for identification and/or story sharing. Free. 7 p.m., Gorham Public Library, 35 Railroad St., Gorham. (603) 466-2525; nhumanities.org/events

12/3

Gibson’s Book Club reads “Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man’s Fight for Justice” Take a break from the bitter cold and curl up with the monthly book by Bill Browder at this book club. Newcomers are encouraged and it is open to all. Free. 5:30 p.m., Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 South Main St., Concord. (603) 224-0562; gibsonsbookstore.com

Winter Solstice Celebration Celebrate the upcoming Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, with fun activities to welcome back the light. Events will include sledding (if there is snow), warm beverages around a bonfire and our infamous lantern parade. Bring your own lantern or build one there at a lantern building workshop the Saturday before the event. $3. 3 to 5 p.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia. (603) 366-5695; prescottfarm.org

12/31

Bob Marley The New England comedian has been on Leno, Letterman and Conan, and now he is returning to the Granite State. He is one of the hottest and most sought-after comedians in the country. Marley, a Maine native, uses observational and biographical material for his high-energy routines. He has been named one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch,” so don’t miss out. Tickets start at $39.50. 9 to 11 p.m., The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center, 39 South Main St., Plymouth. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com

12/31

Fireworks Summer isn’t the only season when Hampton Beach is set alight with fireworks. Bundle up on New Year’s Eve and hit the boardwalk for the town’s last oceanside lightshow of 2018. 8 p.m., Hampton Beach. 115 Ocean Blvd., Hampton. hamptonbeach.org

12/31

New Years Eve Masquerade Ball A mysterious masquerade to ring in the New Year. There will be a cash bar, a farm-to table-dinner and music by Club Soda Band. $75-$750. Grappone Conference Center, 70 Constitution Ave., Concord. See eventbrite.com for more information.

Find more events at nhmagazine.com/calendar, plus a guide to winter at nhmagazine. com/winter and a guide to the holidays at nhmagazine.com/holiday-guide-to-newhampshire. Submit events eight weeks in advance to Emily Heidt at eheidt@nhmagazine.com or enter your own at nhmagazine. com/calendar. Not all events are guaranteed to be published either online or in the print calendar. Event submissions will be reviewed and, if deemed appropriate, approved by a New Hampshire Magazine editor. nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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To Your Health

Understanding the good and the bad of alcohol BY KAREN A. JAMROG

ou might have heard the hype — and the conflicting reports — about the health benefits of alcohol. With party season upon us, it’s a good time to take a closer look at the risks and possible advantages of consuming alcoholic beverages. It might surprise you to know that, for many individuals, drinking alcohol can in fact help promote good health. Experts agree, however, that drinking in excess is never a good idea, and despite alcohol’s potential benefits, teetotalers should not feel compelled to change their drinking habits. “We don’t recommend on an individual basis or a population basis” that abstainers start drinking, says Jonathan Eddinger, MD, FACC, a cardiologist-lipidologist at Catholic Medical Center’s New England Heart and Vascular Institute in Manchester. People

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with certain conditions, such as pregnant women and individuals who have a personal or family history of alcoholism, should be especially careful to avoid drinking alcohol. Those who can safely imbibe should weigh alcohol’s potential risks with the benefits it can provide, particularly for the heart. “There is definitely a strong association between alcohol intake and cardiovascular mortality,” Eddinger says. Not all types of heart disease are equally influenced by alcohol, Eddinger says, but compared to abstainers, those who drink moderately — that’s no more than one drink per day for women or two for men — have a lower risk of a heart attack, possibly in part due to their tendency to have higher levels of HDL, the “good” type of cholesterol. When it comes to alcohol, more is defi-

nitely not better, though; the moderation rule of one to two drinks per day seems to be the sweet spot, with amounts beyond that corresponding with a rise in various ailments and death. “As you drink more alcohol, the risk for high blood pressure starts to increase,” Eddinger says. “And the biggest risk to drinkers as they imbibe more is for stroke. This is probably partly explained by high blood pressure driving stroke risk, but it is not as simple as that.” As studies have explored the good that alcohol can do for the body, much attention has focused on resveratrol, a compound that comes from grape skins and is plentiful in red wine. It’s true that resveratrol “has some really nice effects,” Eddinger says, given its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help keep blood vessels healthy. But most research suggests that resveratrol alone is not the key to the puzzle of how alcohol benefits health. For example, studies show that drinking nonalcoholic wine does not provide the same health advantages as consuming wine that contains alcohol. Plus,

More info

For more information, visit the American Heart Association at heart.org.

illustration by gloria diianni

Compared to abstainers, those who drink moderately — that’s no more than one drink per day for women or two for men — have a lower risk of a heart attack.

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beer and spirits seem to have the same healthful effects as wine. “The bulk of the data seems to suggest that it’s any type of alcohol,” Eddinger says. “There’s something about the alcohol itself it seems, and not just the resveratrol.” Research that probes the good and bad of alcohol consumption is complicated by a number of factors, including a reliance on self-reported data: People are not always honest about their drinking habits, and not everyone is aware of how their typical drink stacks up against recommended serving sizes. (A serving of wine, for example, should be only 5 ounces.) Lifestyle is also difficult to properly track, and it’s possible that people who, say, drink cocktails rather than beer or wine tend to have other habits that influence their health. And maybe patterns of alcohol use — the time of day people drink, for example, and whether they consistently drink in moderation or not — skew research results. The bottom line is that moderate intake of alcohol appears to be beneficial, but it isn’t entirely clear whether the health benefits are derived solely from drinking alcohol, or are influenced by lifestyle choices that accompany the drinking. But for sure, moderation plays a significant role. For people who have no complicating conditions, drinking the recommended amounts of alcohol lowers the risk of dying from a heart attack, but if alcohol intake exceeds recommended levels, Eddinger says, the likelihood of high blood pressure, stroke, cancer and death from non-heart attack related issues rises. So, before you raise a glass, consider alcohol’s risks as well as its benefits. NH

Cheers to moderation Drinking alcohol in moderation can be good for cardiovascular health, but before you break out the bubbly, keep in mind that “moderation” means one drink per day for women and two for men. Serving size counts, too, with recommended amounts coming in at 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. And don’t forget that the calories in alcoholic beverages can quickly add up, says Eileen Behan, RDN, a dietitian at Core Physicians. A glass of wine can boost your caloric tally for the day by about 120 calories, while a beer might cost you 150 calories and a shot of alcohol about 100. If you enjoy mixed drinks, which typically include some type of sweetener, the final calorie count will be significantly higher. Those who want to skip the alcohol but still reap the health perks of resveratrol, a much-publicized compound that is plentiful in red wine, can take in resveratrol’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by munching on blueberries, cranberries or peanuts. Alas, no one should expect that simply drinking moderately or eating berries is the key to all things health-related. Instead, consider “the whole package,” Behan says. “Are you smoking? Are you getting exercise?” Your overall lifestyle and daily habits are what matter most.

IMPACT Make a lasting impact for generations to come. Invest in New Hampshire PBS.

nhpbs.org/leadership

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“It’s a stage of life that presses people into some pretty intense spiritual reckoning.”

What’s Next?

Turning to faith or spirituality as we age BY LYNNE SNIERSON

s the sands in the hourglass drain faster, the existential queries get deeper. And harder. What is the purpose of life? Why are we here? What matters most? Are we alone or interconnected? What happens after I die? Is there an afterlife? “Those questions relative to what is the meaning of my life become front and center,” says Linda Lea Snyder, an interim United Church of Christ minister serving on the Southern New England circuit and currently based at the Hampstead Congregational Church. “Profound questions can pop up,” she continues. “There is the inclination to address the part of you that is human and what that means. What does it mean to be in this world and to journey through this life? The questions do become deeper as people grow older. I don’t know if it’s time, the proximity [to death] or if you’re thinking about your mortality. There can be a reawakening, or a finding, that wasn’t there before.”

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In the process of searching for answers, the doctrines and dogma of the organized religion in which one was raised and practiced devotedly for decades may no longer hold all the answers. These days, some seniors are searching, and they’re far more willing (and much more open than ever before) to embrace new or diverse paths as they travel along an individual spiritual quest. A Pew Research Center Survey in 2015 discovered that 40 percent of boomers — that’s four in 10 — have changed their faith. Just 38 percent attend a weekly religious service, but 45 percent say they practice mediation at least once per week, and those percentages are increasing. “Absolutely, yes, people are more open. We have values and we have beliefs and they bump up against life and they evolve,” says Lauren Smith, co-minister with her husband, Chris Holton Jablonski, of the Unitarian Universalist South Church in Portsmouth. “People do run up against ‘Oh,

my God. I am now 70 and I have to think about what my life means and what my legacy is. I have to think about what it means to be vulnerable.’ Those are all spiritually demanding experiences. It’s a stage of life that presses people into some pretty intense spiritual reckoning,” says Smith. “I would characterize it as something that comes with the threshold moments,” Smith continues. “This is a big threshold moment. These are the moments that naturally loosen people up. They wonder if what they are working with is adequate for the spiritual demands of their lives at this moment. That’s the moment where they naturally say, ‘Aha!’ Or maybe they’re just curious about it. They open up in ways to consider different things and reflect on the adequacy of the assumptions that they worked with in the past.” Priscilla Caldon Flynn is the founder and director of Yoga Sanctuary in Litchfield and is a certified Kripalu Hatha yoga teacher. The qualified spiritual mentor sees an awakening in her students, many of whom are blending and enhancing their traditions as they practice mindfulness, which is the peaceful mental state achieved by focusing on an awareness of the present moment. “I have students who are Jewish, Catholic, Buddhist, Unitarian, and are of all different faiths, or they’re agnostic and even atheist. I don’t have any Muslims that I know of, but I’d be thrilled if I did,” she says. “They’re all here to incorporate mindfulness into their individual belief system. They’re also very interested in the practice of meditation. Older people are definitely looking at their relationship with the Divine, however they define or conceptualize it, in newer or perhaps more expansive ways.” There are also plenty of boomers who wish to remain true to the religion they’ve

illustration by victoria marcelino

-Lauren Smith

HUNT COMMUNITY practiced throughout life, but at this stage desire to examine and experience it from a new vantage point. Rabbi Jeremy Szczepanski of Temple Israel in Manchester says, “I have found in my rabbinate that at different life stages people have different life perspectives. There tends to be a good number of seniors who in many ways are experiencing a spiritual rebirth and a renewed sense of curiosity about their religion and their Jewish identity, and they want to see what it is that their tradition has to offer now.” He adds that he’s known more than a few people who, “as they start to realize that the day is growing long, as it were,” begin to wonder if there’s more beyond this life and what our traditions may have to say about it. A lot of them, he says, are “very surprised to find out that there is a theology of the afterlife in Judaism.” Though resurrection is at the center of Christianity, even the deeply devout ask some of the same provocative questions when confronting a serious diagnosis or contemplating the end of life. Marc Guillemette, the director of the Office of Catholic Identity at Catholic Medical Center, notes that even though many find great comfort in the prayers and rituals of their youth, “They still wonder, ‘Where is God in all of this?’ They will ask, ‘Is there an afterlife? Am I going to see God? Am I going to see those who have gone before me?’ Those kinds of questions come up and they certainly become more important.” The most recent Pew Center research, which was released in October, found that 66 percent of people 50 and older now believe in at least one of four so-called “New Age” tenets of reincarnation, astrology, psychics and the presence of spiritual energy in physical objects like mountains, rivers or trees. “There is a much greater belief in reincarnation because so many people are so conscious,” says Caldon Flynn. “When I first started as a yogi, this idea was considered radical but now it is much more mainstream and is much more accepted.” Her sage advice is to let go of the fear and allow the faith. “A lot of people have been through a great deal of anguish during their lives, but it’s all going to be all right,” she says. “The more the consciousness is raised, the more we realize it’s all going to work out. I like to joke and say I don’t want to spoil the ending, but it’s all going to turn out just fine.” NH

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nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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603 LIVING

LOCAL DISH

Shaker Magic By Susan Laughlin

The history of the Shaker movement lives on at Canterbury

Shaker Raised Squash Bread

I was leafing thorough an old cookbook and found between the pages a handwritten recipe from the Shakers at Canterbury Village. It had been given to me years ago on a visit to the village, long before the Shaker Table (now only used as a teaching facility) became their eponymous commercial restaurant. I had spied beautiful golden loafs of bread being shuttled across the lane and, after inquiry, Chef James Haller gave me the recipe. He and Chef Jeffrey Paige both worked in the kitchen at the Creamery restaurant and summed up their time at the village with “Cooking in the Shaker Spirit.” It is loaded with many other recipes rich in cream, butter and flour, the hallmarks of farm-fresh cooking. Find a version of this bread at The Café, located in the horse barn at the village (open seasonally).

1 1/2 tablespoons instant yeast 1 stick butter 3/4 cup sugar 1 cup milk

Shaker raised squash bread Below: Two Shaker sisters at work making butter in the creamery

Christmas at Canterbury December 8 and 15, 3 to 8 p.m., $18

The events include a 19th-century magic show, toy trains, cookies, cider and a visit from Father Christmas. Candlelight tours are offered on the following evenings: Dec. 6-9, 1314, 6:30 to 8 p.m., $12 Purchase tickets at shakers.org. 106

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

1 can pumpkin (16-ounce can) or 2 cups of freshly roasted pumpkin or buttercup or butternut squash 3 eggs 2 teaspoons salt

and mix until stiff. (Can also be mixed by hand with a wooden spoon.) Dump the dough onto a flat surface, and knead for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, adding the last cup of flour and more flour as necessary. Transfer dough to a warm area and allow to double in size, about 2 hours. Punch the dough down and divide into two balls. Place in buttered bread pans or make small balls for rolls in a shallow pan — an 8-inch cake tin works well.

In a saucepan, heat the sugar, butter, salt and milk until the butter is just melted. Add the pumpkin and eggs and pour into a stand mixer bowl, mixing if necessary to get the mixture smooth.

Proof again until dough has almost doubled in size.

Slowly add 5 cups flour mixed with the yeast to the mix in a stand mixer

Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes for bread or 30 minutes for rolls.

photo courtesy canterbury shaker village

6 cups all-purpose flour

603 LIVING

DINE OUT

Good Eats OUR GUIDE TO FINE DINING

White Mountain Cider Co. 207 Route 302, Glen (603) 383-9061, ciderconh.com Restaurant open daily at 5 p.m. Market opens daily at 7:30 a.m.

photo by susan laughlin

Cider and More

They take beverages seriously at White Mountain Cider Co. in Glen, from the classic Negroni to the creative Spanish Main with pisco, amaro and muddled apple and orange. Pictured here is their cider-tini, featuring their own freshly pressed cider. The restaurant, in an 1880s farmhouse, is attached to their market where apples are used for cider, cider donuts and apple pie — all made in-house. Also find a nice selection of house-made food condiments and an assortment of sandwiches and “hand pies,” including a pork and sweet potato tourtière for $6.

Chef and owner Teresa Stearns keeps the restaurant’s evening menu fresh and local with surprises at every turn. Appetizers include a butternut tostada, fried calamari with fall root vegetables and skillet roasted beets. Dinner has the usual suspects, but they’re dressed to perform. Cinnamon and chili braised beef must be the antidote to winter ($30). The casual-fare menu, which includes the Cider Mill burger and Morroccan grilled chicken sandwich, is not available on Saturday. You can close out the evening with their own cider donuts dolloped with ice cream and laced with caramel sauce.

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

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DINE OUT

Our restaurant listings include Best of NH winners and advertisers along with others compiled by the New Hampshire Magazine editorial department. Listings are subject to change from month to month based on space availability. Expanded and highlighted listings denote advertisers. For additional and more detailed listings, visit nhmagazine.com.

Cotton H

AMERICAN 75 Arms St., Manchester; (603) 622-5488; cottonfood.com; $$–$$$$ L D (

The Crown Tavern H

GASTROPUB 99 Hanover St., Manchester; (603) 218-3132; thecrownonhanover.com; $$ L D b

Cucina Toscana

H Best of NH

$ Entrées cost less than $12 2018 Editor’s Picks B Breakfast H Best of NH L Lunch 2018 Reader’s Poll D Dinner $$$$ Entrées cost b Brunch more than $25 $$$ Entrées cost between ( Reservations recom$18 and $25

mended

$$ Entrées cost between $12 and $18

New – Open for one year or less

MERRIMACK VALLEY 900 Degrees H

ITALIAN 427 Amherst St., Nashua; (603) 821-7356; cucinatoscananashua.com; $ L D ( 98

The Foundry

AMERICAN/FARM-TO-TABLE 50 Commercial St., Manchester; (603) 836-1925; foundrynh.com; $$-$$$ D b

Giorgio’s Ristorante

MEDITERRANEAN 707 Milford Rd., Merrimack; (603) 883-7333; 524 Nashua St., Milford; (603) 673-3939; 270 Granite St., Manchester; (603) 2323323; giorgios.com; $$–$$$ L D (

Surf Restaurant H

NEW AMERICAN 2 Pine St., Exeter; (603) 772-5901; theexeterinn.com; $$$–$$$$ B L D b (

Taj India

SEAFOOD 148 Fleet St., Portsmouth; (603) 373-8500; franklinoysterhouse. com; $-$$$ D

INDIAN 967 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 606-2677; 47 E. Pearl St., Nashua; (603) 864-8586; tajindia.co; $–$$ L D

Tuckaway Tavern H

AMERICAN/TAVERN 58 Rte. 27, Raymond; (603) 244-2431; thetuckaway. com; $–$$ L D

Tuscan Kitchen H

ITALIAN 67 Main St., Salem; (603) 952-4875; 581 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth; (603) 570-3600; tuscan-kitchen.com; $$–$$$ L D b

Villaggio Ristorante

ITALIAN 677 Hooksett Rd., Manchester; (603) 627-2424; villaggionh.com; $–$$ L D (

PIZZERIA 24 Calef Hwy., Brickyard Sq., Epping; (603) 734-2809; 50 Dow St., Manchester; (603) 641-0900; 900degrees.com; $–$$$ L D

Granite Restaurant

NEW AMERICAN 96 Pleasant St., Concord; (603) 227-9000; graniterestaurant.com; $$–$$$$ B L D b (

SEACOAST

1750 Taphouse

Grill 603

PIZZERIA 24 Calef Hwy., Brickyard Sq., Epping; (603) 734-2809; 50 Dow St., Manchester; (603) 641-0900; 900degrees.com; $–$$$ L D

AMERICAN TAVERN/PIZZERIA 170 Rte. 101, Bedford; (603) 488-2573; Facebook; $-$$ B L D

AMERICAN 168 Elm St., Milford; (603) 213-6764; grill603.com; $–$$$ L D b

Angelina’s Ristorante Italiano H

STEAKHOUSE 149 Hanover Street, Manchester; (603) 644-2467; hanoverstreetchophouse.com; $$$–$$$$ L D (

ITALIAN 11 Depot St., Concord; (603) 228-3313; angelinasrestaurant.com; $$–$$$ L D (

Barley House Restaurant H

TAVERN/AMERICAN 132 North Main St., Concord; (603) 228-6363; 43 Lafayette Rd., N. Hampton; (603) 3799161; thebarleyhouse.com; $–$$ L D

The Bedford Village Inn & Tavern H

NEW AMERICAN/TAVERN 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford; (603) 4722001; bedfordvillageinn.com; $$–$$$$ LD(

The Birch on Elm

NEW AMERICAN/TAPAS 931 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 782-5365; Facebook; $–$$ L D

Buba Noodle Bar

VIETNAMESE 36 Lowell St., Manchester; (603) 232-7059; Facebook; $-$$ LD

Buckley’s Great Steaks

STEAKHOUSE 438 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack; (603) 424-0995; buckleysgreatsteaks.com; $–$$$$ D (

Campo Enoteca

ITALIAN/MEDITERRANEAN 969 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 625-0256; campoenoteca.com; $$–$$$ L D

Canoe Restaurant and Tavern

AMERICAN 216 S. River Rd., Bedford; 935-8070; 232 Whittier Hwy., Center Harbor; (603) 253-4762; magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com/canoe-restaurant-and-tavern $$-$$$ L D (

Consuelo’s Taqueria

MEXICAN 36 Amherst St., Manchester; (603) 622-1134; consuelostaqueria.com; $ L D

The Copper Door H

AMERICAN 15 Leavy Dr., Bedford; (603) 488-2677; 41 S Broadway, Salem; (603) 458-2033; copperdoorrestaurant.com; $$–$$$ L D (

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nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Hanover St. Chophouse H

Halligan Tavern

AMERICAN 32 West Broadway, Derry; (603) 965-3490; halligantavern.com; $–$$ L D

Mediterrano H

TURKISH/MEDITERRANEAN 24 Henniker St., Hillsborough; (603) 680-4319; mediterranoo.com $ L D

Mint Bistro

FUSION/JAPANESE/SUSHI 1105 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 625-6468; mintbistronh.com; $$–$$$ L D b (

MT’s Local Kitchen & Wine Bar

AMERICAN 212 Main St., Nashua; (603) 595-9334; mtslocal.com; $–$$$ L D

New England’s Tap House Grille H

TAVERN 1292 Hooksett Rd., Hooksett; (603) 782-5137; taphousenh.com; $–$$ L D b

O Steaks & Seafood H

900 Degrees H

Atlantic Grill

SEAFOOD 5 Pioneer Rd., Rye; (603) 433-3000; theatlanticgrill.com; $$$$$ L D

Bali Sate House H

INDONESIAN 44 High St., Somersworth; (603) 740-3000; Facebook; $LD

Black Trumpet Bistro

INTERNATIONAL 29 Ceres St., Portsmouth; (603) 431-0887; blacktrumpetbistro.com; $$–$$$$ D (

Carriage House H

AMERICAN 2263 Ocean Blvd., Rye; (603) 964-8251; carriagehouserye. com; $$-$$$ D (

CAVA

TAPAS 10 Commercial Alley, Portsmouth; (603) 319-1575; cavatapasandwinebar.com; $–$$$ L D

Chapel+Main H

NEW AMERICAN 83 Main St., Dover; (603) 842-5170; chapelandmain. com; $$–$$$ D (

Cornerstone Artisanal Pizza & Craft Beer

STEAKHOUSE/SEAFOOD 11 South Main St., Concord; (603) 856-7925; 62 Doris Ray Court, Lakeport; (603) 524-9373; magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com; $$–$$$ L D

PIZZERIA 110 Brewery Ln., Portsmouth; (603) 294-0965; cornerstonepizzaandbeer.com; $–$$ L D

Red Blazer

CR’s the Restaurant

AMERICAN 72 Manchester St., Concord; (603) 224-4101; theredblazer. com; $–$$$ L D b

AMERICAN 287 Exeter Rd., Hampton; (603) 929-7972; crstherestaurant. com; $$-$$$ L D (

Republic H

Cure

MEDITERRANEAN 1069 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 666-3723; republiccafe.com; $–$$$ L D

NEW AMERICAN 189 State St., Portsmouth; (603) 427-8258; curerestaurantportsmouth.com; $$-$$$ L D (

Revival Kitchen & Bar H

Durbar Square

AMERICAN 11 Depot St., Concord; (603) 715-5723; revivalkitchennh. com; $$–$$$ D (

Stella Blu

TAPAS 70 East Pearl St., Nashua; (603) 578-5557; stellablu-nh.com; $$–$$$ D

Epoch

SEAFOOD 207 Main St., Nashua; (603) 595-9293; 99 Bow St., Portsmouth; (603) 334-9855; surfseafood. com; $$–$$$$ D b

NEPALESE/HIMALAYAN 10 Market St., Portsmouth; (603) 294-0107; durbarsquarerestaurant.com $-$$ L D (

Ember Wood Fired Grill

AMERICAN 1 Orchard St., Dover; (603) 343-1830; emberwfg.com; $$$$$ D b (

Franklin Oyster House

Galley Hatch

AMERICAN/SEAFOOD 325 Lafayettte Rd., Hampton; (603) 926-6152; galleyhatch.com; $–$$ L D

Goody Cole’s Smokehouse

BBQ 375 Rte. 125, Brentwood; (603) 679-8898; goodycoles.com; $–$$ L D

Green Elephant H

VEGETARIAN 35 Portwalk Place, Portsmouth; (603) 427-8344; greenelephantnh.com; $–$$ L D

Holy Grail Restaurant & Pub

IRISH PUB 64 Main St., Epping; (603) 679-9559; holygrailrestaurantandpub.com; $–$$ L D

Hop + grind H

BURGERS 17 Madbury Rd., Durham; (603) 244-2431; hopandgrind.com; $–$$ L D

Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café

SEAFOOD 150 Congress St., Portsmouth; (603) 766-3474; jumpinjays. com; $$$–$$$$ D (

Laney & Lu Café H

VEGETARIAN & VEGAN/CAFÉ 26 Water St., Exeter; (603) 580-4952; laneyandlu.com; $–$$ B L D

Library Restaurant

STEAKHOUSE 401 State St., Portsmouth; (603) 431-5202; libraryrestaurant.com $$$–$$$$ D b (

Lobster Q H

SEAFOOD/BBQ 416 Emerson Ave., Hampstead; (603) 329-4094; lobsterq.com; $–$$$ L D (

Martingale Wharf

AMERICAN/SEAFOOD 99 Bow St., Portsmouth; (603) 431-0901; martingalewharf.com; $$–$$$ L D

Mombo

INTERNATIONAL 66 Marcy St., Portsmouth; (603) 433-2340; momborestaurant.com; $$–$$$ L D (

Moxy

TAPAS 106 Penhallow St., Portsmouth; (603) 319-8178; moxyrestaurant.com; $$–$$$ D (

Oak House

AMERICAN 110 Main St., Newmarket; (603) 292-5893; oakhousenewmarket.com; $–$$ L D b

Otis

AMERICAN 4 Front St., Exeter; (603) 580-1705; otisrestaurant.com; $$–$$$ D

Revolution Taproom and Grill GASTRO PUB 61 North

Main St., Rochester; (603) 244-3022; revolutiontaproomandgrill.com; $-$$ LD

Ristorante Massimo

ITALIAN 59 Penhallow St., Portsmouth; (603) 436-4000; ristorantemassimo. com; $$-$$$ D (

Row 34

SEAFOOD 5 Portwalk Place,

NH OUT Stories_DG DINE

Portsmouth; (603) 319-5011; row34nh.com; $-$$$ L D b (

Shalimar India H

INDIAN 80 Hanover St., Portsmouth; (603) 427-2959; shalimarindia.com; $-$$ L D

Shio H

JAPANESE 2454 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth; (603) 319-1638; shiorestaurant.com; $-$$ L D

Smoke and Cream

BBQ 44 Market St., Somersworth; (603) 841-5901; smokeandcreamnh.com; $–$$ L D

Garwood’s

AMERICAN 6 North Main St., Wolfeboro; (603) 569-7788; garwoodsrestaurant.com; $–$$ L D (

Hart’s Turkey Farm

AMERICAN 233 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith; (603) 279-6212; hartsturkeyfarm.com $–$$ L D

Hobbs Tavern & Brewing Co.

BREWPUB 2415 White Mountain Hwy., West Ossipee; (603) 539-2000; hobbstavern.com; $–$$ L D

Squam Lake Inn

7/29/05

10:01 AM

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MONADNOCK 21 Bar & Grill

AMERICAN 21 Roxbury St., Keene; (603) 352-2021; Facebook; $–$$ B L D

Alberto’s Restaurant

ITALIAN 79 Antrim Rd., Bennington; (603) 588-6512; albertosnh.com; $–$$ D (

Bantam Grill

ITALIAN 1 Jaffrey Rd., Peterborough; (603) 924-6633; bantam-peterborough.com; $$–$$$ D (

Sonny’s Tavern

NEW AMERICAN 328 Central Ave., Dover; (603) 343-4332; sonnystaverndover.com; $–$$ D b

AMERICAN/FARM-TO-TABLE 28 Shepard Hill Rd., Holderness; (603) 968-4417; innkitchen.com; $–$$$ D (

NEW AMERICAN 297 Main St., Walpole; (603) 756-3320; bellowswalpoleinn.com; $$ L D (

Surf Seafood H

Kathleen’s Cottage

Chesterfield Inn

Bellows Walpole Inn Pub

SEAFOOD 99 Bow St., Portsmouth; (603) 334-9855; surfseafood.com; $$–$$$$ D

IRISH PUB 90 Lake St., Bristol; (603) 744-6336; kathleenscottagenh.com; $–$$ L D

AMERICAN 20 Cross Rd., West Chesterfield; (603) 256-3211; chesterfieldinn.com; $$-$$$ D (

Three Chimneys Inn

Kettlehead Brewing H

Cooper’s Hill Public House

AMERICAN 17 Newmarket Rd., Durham; (603) 868-7800; threechimneysinn.com; $$–$$$ LDb(

Tinos Greek Kitchen H

GREEK 325 Lafayette Rd., Hampton; (603) 926-5489; galleyhatch.com; $$–$$$ L D

Tuscan Kitchen H

ITALIAN 67 Main St., Salem; (603) 952-4875; 581 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth; (603) 570-3600; tuscan-kitchen.com; $$–$$$ L D b

Vida Cantina

MEXICAN 2456 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth; (603) 501-0648; vidacantinanh.com; $–$$ L D

The Wellington Room

NEW AMERICAN 67 Bow St., Portsmouth; (603) 431-2989; thewellingtonroom.com; $$$–$$$$ D (

LAKES

Bayside Grill and Tavern

AMERICAN 51 Mill St., Wolfeboro; (603) 894-4361; baysidegrillandtavern.com; $–$$ L D

Burnt Timber Tavern H

BREWPUB/TAVERN 96 Lehner St., Wolfeboro; (603) 630-4186; burnttimbertavern.com; $–$$ L D

Canoe Restaurant

AMERICAN 232 Whittier Hwy., Center Harbor; (603) 2534762; 216 S. River Rd., Bedford; 935-8070; magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com/canoe-restaurant-and-tavern $$-$$$ L D (

Corner House Inn

AMERICAN 22 Main St., Center Sandwich; (603) 284-6219; cornerhouseinn.com $$ L D b (

Crystal Quail

AMERICAN 202 Pitman Rd., Center Barnstead; (603) 269-4151; crystalquail.com; $$$–$$$$ D (

Faro Italian Grille

ITALIAN 7 Endicott St., Laconia; (603) 527-8073; faroitaliangrille. com; $–$$ D (

BREWPUB 407 West Main St., Tilton; (603) 286-8100; kettleheadbrewing.com; $–$$ L D

PUB 6 School St., Peterborough; (603) 371-9036; coopershillpublichouse.com; $-$$$ L D

Lemongrass

Del Rossi’s Trattoria

ASIAN 64 Whittier Hwy., Moultonborough; (603) 253-8100; lemongrassnh.net; $–$$ L D

ITALIAN Rte. 137, Dublin; (603) 5637195; delrossis.com $$–$$$ D (

Local Eatery

BREW PUB 222 West St., Keene; (603) 355-3335; elmcitybrewing. com; $–$$ L D

FARM-TO-TABLE 21 Veterans Sq., Laconia; (603) 527-8007; laconialocaleatery.com; $–$$ D (

Mise en Place

ITALIAN/AMERICAN 96 Lehner St., Wolfeboro; (603) 569-5788; miseenplacenh.com; $$-$$$$ L D (

The New Woodshed

AMERICAN 128 Lee Rd., Moultonborough; (603) 476-2700; newwoodshed.com; $–$$$ D

O Bistro at the Inn on Main

AMERICAN 200 North Main St., Wolfeboro; (603) 515-1003; innnewhampshire.com/our-bistro; $$–$$$ D

O Steaks & Seafood H

STEAKHOUSE/SEAFOOD 11 South Main St., Concord; (603) 856-7925; 62 Doris Ray Court, Lakeport; (603) 524-9373; magicfoodsrestaurantgroup. com; $$–$$$ L D

Osteria Poggio

Elm City Brewing H

Fireworks

Fox Tavern

TAVERN 33 Main St., Hancock; (603) 525-3318; hancockinn.com $-$$$ L D (

Fritz the Place To Eat

AMERICN 45 Main St., Keene; (603) 357-6393; fritztheplacetoeat.com; $–$$ L D

The Grove

AMERICAN The Woodbound Inn 247 Woodbound Rd., Rindge; (603) 532-4949; woodbound. com; $$–$$$ B L D b (

The Hancock Inn

AMERICAN 33 Main St., Hancock; (603) 525-3318; hancockinn. com; Prix fixe, $48.; $$–$$$$ D (

The Hungry Diner

FARM-TO-TABLE 9 Edwards Ln., Walpole; (603) 756-3444; hungrydinerwalpole.com; $–$$ B L D

Pasquaney Restaurant and Wild Hare Tavern

Kristin’s Bistro H

Tavern 27

TAPAS/PIZZA 2075 Parade Rd., Laconia; (603) 528-3057; tavern27.com; $–$$ L D (

Wolfe’s Tavern

NEW ENGLAND TAVERN 90 N. Main St., Wolfeboro; (603) 5693016; wolfestavern.com; $$–$$$ BLDb(

Visit www.nhmade.com for a list of the state’s finest specialty foods

ITALIAN/PIZZERIA 22 Main St., Keene; (603) 903-1410; fireworksrestaurant.net; $–$$ D (

ITALIAN 18 Main St., Center Harbor; (603) 250-8007; osteriapoggio.com; $$–$$$ D (

AMERICAN Inn on New Found Lake, 1030 Mayhew Turnpike, Bridgewater; (603) 744-9111; newfoundlake.com/restaurant-tavern; $$–$$$ D (

Take Pride in N.H.

CAFÉ 28 Washington St., Keene; (603) 352-5700; kristinsbistroandbakery.com; $–$$ B L

Luca’s Mediterranean Café

MEDITERRANEAN 10 Central Sq., Keene; (603) 358-3335; lucascafe.com; $$–$$$ L D (

Nicola’s Trattoria

ITALIAN 51 Railroad St., Keene; (603) 355-5242; Facebook; $$$–$$$$ D

The Old Courthouse H

NEW AMERICAN 30 Main St., Newport; (603) 863-8360; eatatthecourthouse.com; $$–$$$ L D b (

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603 LIVING Papagallos Restaurant

DINE OUT

Tillie’s

ITALIAN/MEDITERRANEAN 9 Monadnock Hwy., Keene; (603) 3529400; papagallos.com; $–$$ L D (

AMERICAN 9 Court St., Keene; (603) 354-3214; Facebook; $–$$ L D b

Pearl Restaurant & Oyster Bar H

AMERICAN 18 Water St., Peterborough; (603) 924-4001; waterhousenh.com; $-$$$ L D b (

ASIAN 1 Jaffrey Rd., Peterbrough; (603) 924-5225; pearl-peterborough.com $$–$$$ D (

Pickity Place

FARM-TO-TABLE LUNCH 248 Nutting Hill Rd., Mason; (603) 878-1151; pickityplace.com — A historic and lovely place to lunch. Fresh, local ingredients are used, including herbs grown in the onsite gardens. There are only three seatings offered at 11:30 a.m., 12:40 p.m. and 2 p.m. $$ L (

Piedra Fina

LATIN 288 Main St., Marlborough; (603) 876-5012; piedrafina.com; $–$$ L D (

The Pub Restaurant

AMERICAN 131 Winchester St., Keene; (603) 352-3135; thepubrestaurant.com; $–$$ B L D

Restaurant at Burdick’s

FRENCH 47 Main Street, Walpole; (603) 756-9058; burdickchocolate. com; $–$$$ L D b (

The Stage H

AMERICAN 30 Central Sq., Keene; (603) 357-8389; thestagerestaurant. com; $-$$ L D

Thorndike’s & Parson’s Pub

AMERICAN/PUB The Monadnock Inn, 379 Main St., Jaffrey; (603) 532-7800; monadnockinn.com; $–$$$ D (

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Waterhouse

DARTMOUTH/ LAKE SUNAPEE

Appleseed Restaurant

AMERICAN 63 High St., Bradford; (603) 938-2100; appleseedrestaurant.com $-$$ D

Base Camp Café

NEPALESE 3 Lebanon St., Hanover; (603) 643-2007; basecampcafenh. com; $-$$ L D

Bistro Nouveau

AMERICAN The Center at Eastman, 6 Clubhouse Lane, Grantham; (603) 8638000; bistronouveau.com; $–$$$$ L D (

Candela Tapas Lounge H

TAPAS 15 Lebanon St., Hanover; (603) 277-9094; candelatapas.com; $$-$$$ D (

Canoe Club Bistro

AMERICAN 27 South Main St., Hanover; (603) 643-9660; canoeclub. us; $–$$ L D (

Coach House

AMERICAN 353 Main St., New London; (603) 526-2791; thenewlondoninn.com/the-coach-houserestaurant;$ $–$$$$ D (

Farmer’s Table Café

Oak and Grain H

FARM-TO-TABLE 249 Rte. 10, Grantham; (603) 863-9355; farmerstablecafe.com; $–$$ L D

PRIX FIXE Inn at Pleasant Lake, 853 Pleasant St., New London; (603) 5266271; innatpleasantlake.com; D (

Flying Goose Brew Pub H

The Old Courthouse H

BREW PUB 40 Andover Rd., New London; (603) 526-6899; flyinggoose.com; $–$$ L D

AMERICAN 30 Main St., Newport; (603) 863-8360; eatatthecourthouse.com; $-$$$ L D b (

Jesse’s Steaks

Peyton Place

AMERICAN/SEAFOOD 224 Lebanon St., Hanover; (603) 643-4111; jesses. com $–$$ D (

Latham House Tavern

TAVERN 9 Main St., Lyme; (603) 795-9995; lathamhousetavern.com $–$$ L D

Lou’s Restaurant H

AMERICAN 30 South Main St., Hanover; (603) 643-3321; lousrestaurant.net; $-$$ B L D

Market Table

FARM-TO-TABLE 44 Main St., Hanover; (603) 676-7996; markettablenh.com; $–$$ B L D b

Millstone at 74 Main

AMERICAN 454 Main St., Orford; (603) 353-9100; peytonplacerestaurant.com; $$ D (

Phnom Penh Sandwich Station

VIETNAMESE 1 High St., Lebanon; (603) 678-8179; phnompenhsandwiches.com; $-$$ L D

PINE at the Hanover Inn H

AMERICAN 2 South Main St., Hanover; (603) 643-4300; hanoverinn. com/dining.aspx; $$$–$$$$ B L D b (

Revolution Cantina H

CUBAN AND MEXICAN 38 Opera House Square, Claremont; (603) 504-6310; Facebook; $-$$ L D b

Stella’s Italian Kitchen

AMERICAN 74 Newport Rd., New London; (603) 526-4201; 74mainrestaurant.com; $–$$ L D b

ITALIAN 5 Main St., Lyme; (603) 7954302; stellaslyme.com; $–$$ L D

Molly’s Restaurant H

Suna

AMERICAN 11 South Main St., Hanover; (603) 643-4075; mollysrestaurant.com; $$–$$$ L D b (

AMERICAN 6 Brook Rd., Sunapee; (603) 843-8998; magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com; $$–$$$ D (

Murphy’s

Taverne on the Square

AMERICAN 11 South Main St., Hanover; (603) 643-4075; murphysonthegreen.com; $$–$$$ L D b (

AMERICAN 2 Pleasant St., Claremont; (603) 287-4416; claremonttaverne. com; $–$$$ L D

603 LIVING

DINE OUT

Tuk Tuk Thai Cuisine

THAI 5 S. Main St., Hanover; (603) 2779192; tuktukthaicuisine.com; $–$$ L D (

NORTH COUNTRY Bailiwicks

AMERICAN 106 Main St., Littleton; (603) 444-7717; bailiwicksfinerestaurant.com; $-$$$ L D (

The Beal House Inn

PUB 2 W. Main St., Littleton; (603) 444-2661; thebealhouseinn.com; $$-$$$ D

Biederman’s Deli & Pub H

DELI/PUB 83 Main St., Littleton; (603) 536-3354; biedermansdeli. com; $-$$ L D

Black Cap Grill

PUB 1498 White Mt. Hwy., North Conway; (603) 356-2225; blackcapgrille.com; $-$$ L D

The Burg H

PIZZA 8 Back Lake Rd,. Pittsburg; (603) 538-7400; Facebook; $ D

Chang Thai Café

THAI 77 Main St., Littleton; (603) 444-8810; changthaicafe.com; $-$$ L D

Chef’s Bistro

NEW AMERICAN 2724 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway; (603) 3564747; chefsbistronh.com; $-$$ L D

Deacon Street Martini & Whiskey Bar

AMERICAN 32 Seavey St., Conway;

(603) 356-9231; deaconst.com; $$–$$$ D

Delaney’s Hole in the Wall

AMERICAN/ASIAN 2966 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway; (603) 356-7776; delaneys.com; $–$$ L D

Gypsy Café H

INTERNATIONAL 111 Main St., Lincoln; (603) 745-4395; gypsycaferestaurant.com; $–$$ L D

Horse & Hound Inn

The Little Grille

Shannon Door Pub

AMERICAN/INTERNATIONAL 62 Cottage St., Littleton; (603) 444-0395; thelittlegrille.com; $–$$ L D

PUB Rte. 16 and 16A, Jackson; (603) 383-4211; shannondoor.com; $-$$ L D

Shovel Handle Pub

Margarita Grill

PUB 357 Black Mountain Rd., Jackson; (603) 383-8916; shovelhandlepub.com; $-$$ L D

MEXICAN Rte. 302, Glen; (603) 3836556; margaritagrillnh.com; $–$$ L D

Max’s Restaurant and Pub

AMERICAN Snowvillage Inn, 36 Stewart Rd., Eaton Center; (603) 447- 2818; snowvillageinn.com; $$-$$$ D (

May Kelly’s Cottage

AMERICAN/TAVERN 205 Wells Rd., Franconia; (603) 823-5501; horseandhoundnh.com; $$–$$$$ L D (

IRISH PUB 3002 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway; (603) 3567005; Julykellys.com; $–$$ L D (

Horsefeathers

Moat Mountain Smokehouse H

AMERICAN/FARM-TO-TABLE 139 Main St., Jackson; (603) 383-9341; thompsonhouseatery.com; $$-$$$ L D (

BREW PUB 3378 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway; (603) 356-6381; moatmountain.com; $–$$ L D (

Inn at Thorn Hill

Rainbow Grille & Tavern H

Jonathon’s Seafood

SEAFOOD/AMERICAN 280 East Side Rd., North Conway; (603) 447-3838; jonathonsseafood.com; $–$$$ L D (

The Last Chair

AMERICAN/BREW PUB 5 Rte. 25,Plymouth; (603) 238-9077; thelastchairnh.com; $-$$ L D

Libby’s Bistro & SAaLT Pub

NEW AMERICAN 115 Main Street on Rte. 2, Gorham; (603) 466-5330; libbysbistro.org; $$–$$$ L D (

AMERICAN/TAVERN 609 Beach Rd., Pittsburg; (603) 538-9556; rainbowgrille.com — Serving a variety of comfort food from seafood to ribs. The tavern serves appetizers, hearthbaked pizzas and more. $–$$ D (

Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub

STEAKHOUSE 3 Station St., Glen; (603) 383-4344; redparkapub.com; $–$$ L D

Rustic River

AMERICAN 5 Main St., North Woodstock; (603) 745-2110; rusticriverrestaurant.com; $-$$ L D

Schilling Beer Co.

BREW PUB 18 Mill St., Littleton; (603) 444-4800; (603) 444-4800; schillingbeer.com; $-$$ L D

AMERICAN 13 South Main St., Plymouth; (603) 536-9099; sixburnerbistro.com; $-$$ L D

Thompson House Eatery H

AMERICAN 2679 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway; (603) 3562687; horsefeathers.com; $–$$ L D AMERICAN 40 Thorn Hill Rd., Jackson; (603) 383-4242; innatthornhill. com; $$–$$$$ D (

Six Burner Bistro

Tony’s Italian Grille & Pub

ITALIAN 3674 Rte. 3, Thornton; (603) 745-3133; $$ L D (

Vito Marcello’s Italian Bistro

ITALIAN 45 Seavey St., North Conway; (603) 356-7000; vitomarcellositalianbistro.com; $$-$$$ D

The Wayside Inn

EUROPEAN 3738 Main St., Bethlehem; (603) 869-3364; thewaysideinn.com; $$–$$$ D (

Woodstock Brewery H

BREW PUB Rte. 3, North Woodstock; (603) 745-3951; woodstockinnnh. com; $–$$ L

Visit nhmagazine.com/food for more listings or to sign up for the monthly Cuisine E-buzz for food news and events.

Experience Pickity Place Seed-to-Table Dining

December Menu

Dip: Pepperjack Soup: Posole Salad: Rainbow Carrots and Quinoa Bread: Savory Rolls Entrée: Chicken with Smoked Ham and Gouda over Potato Cakes — or— Entrée: Winter Vegetable Cassoulet Side: Freshest Available Dessert: Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Have a Pickity Day!

Visit us at 248 Nutting Hill Rd. in Mason, NH 03048 • 603-878-1151• Pickityplace.com nhmagazine.com | December 2018

111

Ask Ms. Moose

Do your holiday questions burn hotter than a yule log doused in lamp oil? BY ADI RULE Dear Ms. Moose: My relatives have been declining my special homemade fruitcakes for years, citing allergies. When I asked what they were allergic to, Aunt Hetty pointedly replied, “Cat,” referring to one minor incident of pet hair contamination in 1993. Last year, things came to a head. I had a little too much wassail and ended up stuffing a whole fruitcake into my face, through rivers of tears, in front of my entire family. I promptly swelled up like an inflatable lawn Santa. Turns out I’m the one with the allergies. Now the secret’s out that I never taste-tested my own work. My question is: Should everyone still get a fruitcake this year? — Hoisted On My Own Pecan Dear Hoisted: Not only should your ungrateful relatives continue to receive your yearly homemade treat, you’ve found a new party trick! Dear Ms. Moose: My mate and I and our two offspring have just moved to the Granite State from another planet. Our neighbor filled us in on the basics: Wear flannel, stock up on firearms and ammo in case of a house invasion by a rabid bear, and answer any question we don’t understand with, “That’s OK. We’re all set.” With the holidays coming up, what should we do to fit in even better? We’re pretty sure the neighbors are watching. — New In Town Dear New: Pull the curtains. 112

nhmagazine.com | December 2018

Dear Ms. Moose: My niece is appearing as one of the Sugar Plum Shareholders in her ballet school’s 5-hour, avant-garde performance of “The Nutcracker.” I sewed 30 tiny business suits and donated a fax machine for the set. Do I actually have to go to the performance? — Uncle Philistine

the birds and squirrels get their winter treats once the greenery’s tossed out into the snow. My husband agrees — only he’s not into squirrels and birds. He loves coyotes. Now he’s insisting on adorning our tree with snowflakes made from raw hamburger. Won’t it start to stink? — Meaty Christmas and Rancid New Year

Dear Uncle: You should have shot down that first request for donations. (“I’m sorry, I’m simply swamped sewing sequins for the kindergarten’s production of ‘Hanukkah On Ice.’”) Now it’s too late. Get a good seat, take pictures, and tell your niece she’s got a great future both on stage and in corporate America.

Dear Meaty: Let your husband have his experiment. The cats will solve your problem for you.

Dear Ms. Moose: When should I put up the strings of lights that I found at the transfer station treasure house last spring and spent the summer untangling? When should I take them down? —Bargain Finder Dear Bargain: Follow this rule of thumb: Flip-flops put away, string lights OK! Why take them down at all? Keep your lights up year-round to avoid set-up hassle next season. Plus, that festive feeling will always be only one switch flip away — even in August! Dear Ms. Moose: I’m ecologically minded and enjoy decorating for the holidays with strings of popcorn and dried fruit. The cats and I like to watch

Dear Ms. Moose: Could we just skip all the holidays this year and move directly into the dead of winter? — Sick of All the Hoopla Dear Sick: I’ve got a better idea. Book your flight to the Caribbean. Just like New Hampshire, only more coconuts. Readers: Are you fans of a certain holiday elf who sits on a certain shelf? Then you’ll love Newt in the Fruit™. Perched atop a bowl of apples this festively colored little amphibian will watch over your household day and night, silently judging everyone’s behavior and dispensing household justice. Forget “naughty and nice” and all that North Pole stuff. This is New Hampshire. Those deemed “annoying” might find their in-laws snowed in for a prolonged holiday visit, but those declared “tolerable” may be rewarded on New Year’s Day with a blaze-orange hat under their pillow. NH

illustration by brad fitzpatrick

603 LIVING

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