New Hampshire Magazine December 2022

SEASON

Vice President/Publisher Ernesto Burden x5117 ernestob@yankeepub.com

Editor Rick Broussard x5119 editor@nhmagazine.com

Managing Editor Emily Heidt x5115 eheidt@nhmagazine.com

Managing Editor, Custom Publications Robert Cook x5128 robertc@yankeepub.com

Contributing Editor Barbara Coles barbaracoles@comcast.net

Art Director John R. Goodwin x5131 johng@yankeepub.com

Creative Services Director Jodie Hall x5122 jodieh@yankeepub.com

Senior Graphic Designer Nancy Tichanuk x5126 nancyt@yankeepub.com

Senior Graphic Production Artist Nicole Huot x5116 nicoleh@yankeepub.com

Advertising & Events Sales Director Jenna Pelech x5154 jennap@yankeepub.com

Sales Executives Josh Auger x5144 jauger@nhmagazine.com

Jessica Schooley x5143 jessicas@yankeepub.com

Operations Manager Ren Chase x5114 renc@yankeepub.com

Sales & Events Coordinator Paul Milone x5121 paulm@yankeepub.com

Business & Sales Coordinator Paula Veale x5110 paulav@yankeepub.com

Digital Operations Morgen Connor x5149 and Marketing Manager morgenc@yankeepub.com

Contributing Photographer Kendal J. Bush kendal@kendaljbush.com

Billing Specialist/IT Coordinator Gail Bleakley (603) 563-8111 x113 gailb@yankeepub.com

VP/Consumer Marketing Brook Holmberg brookh@yankeepub.com

VP/Retail Sales Sherin Pierce sherinp@yankeepub.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE GROU P An Employee-Owned Company

250 Commercial Street, Suite 4014 Manchester, NH 03101 (603) 624-1442, fax (603) 624-1310

E-mail: editor@nhmagazine.com Advertising: sales@nhmagazine.com

Subscription information: Subscribe online at: nhmagazine.com or e-mail customerservice@nhmagazine.com To order by phone call: (877) 494-2036

© 2022 Yankee Publishing, Inc.

New Hampshire Magazine® is published by Yankee Publishing, Inc., 250 Commercial Street, Suite 4014, 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 as sumes 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, Yankee Publishing, Inc.: New Hampshire Magazine disclaims all responsibility for omissions and errors. New Hampshire Magazine is published monthly, with the exception of Feb ruary and April. USPS permit number 022-604. Periodical postage paid at Manchester 03103-9651. Postmaster send address changes to: New Hampshire Magazine, P.O. Box 37900, Boone, IA 50037-0900

PRINTED IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

Imported by Marussia Beverages USA | Cedar Knolls, NJ | PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

THE GRANITE YMCA

The Y is more than a gym. It’s a leading nonprofit hat helps bring about lasting personal and social change. We are committed to helping you, your children, and your family learn, grow, and thrive.

Join today for more than a workout.

Join for a better us.

www.graniteymca.org

Giving the Gift of History

In the very early 20th Century, Concord’s railroad station greeted more than 30 passenger trains a day. A Concord Coach was displayed in the waiting room; a nod to the Capital City’s long-standing role as a center for cutting-edge transportation.

That mammoth, ornate station near the Merrimack River had been built in 1885, designed by the legendary Bradford L. Gilbert, who also designed New York City’s Grand Central Station. Photos and renderings of it reveal a four-storied complex of towering red brick rooted in native granite and surrounded by a complex of tracks and supporting structures.

By 1960, the station had been demolished and was being replaced by a shopping center and parking lot. Contrasting the glory of what stood before with the mundanity of what is now a Burlington Store and the sprawling strip mall on Storrs Street is one of the most fervent laments heard from our state’s preser vationist community.

Mid-century plans for urban renewal were intended to excite our economy, clearing the old to make way for the new. Even if we knew then what we know now, it might just not have been feasible to keep things as they were, but it’s hard to overlook what such an architectural treasure would have meant for Concord’s recent downtown overhaul. Like the carpet that “ties the room together” in “The Big Lebowski,” the railroad station could have made Concord’s preservation efforts into a priceless, essential part of the city’s future.

So I was both pleased and a bit bemused to learn another historic Concord structure, less humongous but equally symbolic of older times, has finally been both saved from the wrecking ball and stabilized until plans can be made for what to actually do with it.

The ingloriously named Concord Gasholder is a round, brick structure with a shingled roof that stands near I-93 and next to railway tracks that still run through Concord. It orig inally stored gas produced from coal and kept it under a massive “cap” that provided pres sure to supply it to homes for lighting and cooking. It was the state of the art for such systems at the time and gasholders were not

uncommon, but the conversion to modern fuels turned them all into hazardous eyesores. The majority have disappeared and only Concord’s building still possesses the original mechanism for holding and distributing the gas, making it into an object of great interest to ... hmm ... gas-holder historians, I guess.

I’m being unfair to make a point. One could argue (and many have) that the million-dol lars-plus required to preserve the gasholder is a frivolous expense, but “history” to a community is like old photos or heirlooms to a family. In a house fire or flood, it’s just those objects that we run back inside to save. Why? Because history is what we are made of. When we preserve it, we are actually preserving our sense of self, our shared realities and values.

Way back in 1976, Robert Vogel, then a curator for the Smithsonian, wrote a local businessperson to implore, “If you have any influence with the local utility, please do what you can to convince them that the circular gasholder house at the south end of town is a valuable historic resource and attractive visual element in the cityscape. It should not be demolished, as apparently they plan, but preserved and adaptively used.”

Plans for how the gasholder will bene fit the city or the neighbors are still being formulated, but it could become a pedestri an-friendly element in a redevelopment of that corridor and neighborhood. Or it might stand as the highly visible focal point of a new park or series of walking trails.

Christmas is our annual reminder of the importance of gifts and giving.Whatever hap pens next to the Concord Gasholder, I’m sure that citizens and tourists cruising by in their flying cars someday will be grateful that, way back in 2022, someone thought enough of them to purchase them such a lovely present.

YMCA of Downtown Manchester YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown YMCA of Concord YMCA of Strafford County YMCA of the Seacoast YMCA of Greater Londonderry*

*The Londonderry Y is open for child care, camp & programs only.

PHOTO BY LYNN CROW PHOTOGRAPHY

Contributors

Our Cuisine Crew: Our continuing series on new and exciting dining experiences in the Granite State was produced by our in-the-know crew of food writers:

Rony Camille is the son of Haitian immigrants and a freelance journalist based in Nashua who regularly covers food and culture for our sister publication, 603 Diversity.

Crystal Ward Kent is a longtime journalist and Seacoast food writer. She also penned this month’s Informer about New Hampshire’s connection to Polaris Dawn, SpaceX’s next space mission.

Susan Laughlin traveled the state with fork and pen in hand for 15 years as our food editor and now serves as a freelance photographer and, for the past two years, has acted as a scout for the James Beard Awards..

New Hampshire Magazine’s contributing photographer Kendal J. Bush took photos for part two of this month’s restau rant story “What’s Cookin’.”

Frequent contributor Brion O’Connor wrote this month’s First Person about his recollections of getting back to the ski slopes after an injury.

Seacoast author J Dennis Robinson, who wrote this month’s Informer, is an expert in New Hampshire history and culture.

The Explorers, photographer and writer team Joe Klementovich (left) and Jay Atkinson, produced this month’s feature story, “Explor ing the Seacoast by Skate & Sled.”

The feature story, “Sound and Vision,” was written by Robert Cook, whose byline has appeared in New England publications for 30 years.

Robert Ortiz took the portraits for “Sound and Vision.” Ortiz is a regular contributing photog rapher for our sister publication, 603 Diversity.

About | Behind the Scenes at New Hampshire Magazine

On the Cover, and the Man Behind the Camera

For over a decade, whenever we’ve wanted to showcase the beautiful life in New Hampshire, we’ve turned to Matthew Mead. The Concord photogra pher, stylist and writer has specialized in creative décor and lifestyle ideas for New England homes, gardens and entertaining for more than 25 years.

“I love the natural world and sharing the simple things that make every day beautiful,” says Mead, who produced this month’s cover and our “Living” department (page 76) on clever ways to decorate with cranberries.

Mead’s photos illustrate the new cookbook, “The Art of Pantry Cooking: Meals for Family and Friends” (Rizzoli International, publisher). Mead has also been busy turning his photography into abstract wall art and writing a novella about a seaside New England town in the 1950s.

Follow him on Instagram @matthewmeadstyle and Facebook

@MatthewMead, and keep an eye on future issues of New Hampshire Magazine to discover his new endeavors in 2023.

nhmagazine.com facebook.com/NHMagazine @nhmagazine

Send letters to Editor Rick Broussard, New Hampshire Magazine, 250 Commercial St., Suite 4014, Manchester, NH 03101 or email him at editor@nhmagazine.com.

Another Notch

In the article “Fall Foliage” by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers [October 2022], on page 14 under the heading: Route 3: Conway to Franconia Notch, the second paragraph reads “Turning left on Route 302, head into Franconia Notch.”

It should read head into Crawford Notch. (Franconia Notch is approximately 55 miles from Bartlett.)

Football Follies

I really enjoyed this story of a traditional Thanksgiving Day high school football game [November 2022], having watched some in New York where I grew up. I was wondering, though, why Manchester Central senior Schubert was followed down the field on his touchdown run by “a dozen bobbing golden Haverhill helmets.” Weren’t there only eleven players on a side?

Winchester on Her Mind

Thanks for the article on Winchester, N.H. [October issue] I was born in there in 1937.

I went to the elementary school and graduated from Hazen High School. I went to college and became a Registered Nurse! My dad worked at the A.C. Lawrence Leather Co. for over 30 years and retired from there. My grandfather worked at the box company — retired from there.

My high school years were great. We could go to the drug store and get a Coke and a bag of chips for 25 cents. We could go off on our bikes and be gone all day and our parents weren’t worried about us. I could walk down our little Main Street and know everyone I bumped into.

I go to Winchester as often as I can. I still have a friend there that I graduated high school with. Of course, on my way home, I have to stop at the Rustic Table for their chicken pot pie.

Winchester will always be my home — I only have good memories from there. I love your magazine.

—Carolyn J. Grenda, Merrimack

Editor’s note: While things have changed since those days, I bet they’ve changed a lot less in Winchester than in the rest of the world.

Maine Street?

I was just reading Barbara Rogers’ article “Winding Warner” in the November issue, and noticed a funny thing. On page 15, second column, last line in the top paragraph, it tells that, “… more than eight taverns and stores along Maine Street.” I suspect she meant “Main” Street and not Maine Street. I’ve surveyed in Warner many times and never knew they had a Maine Street, is this is not a typo?

Too late for the hard copy, but you could revise the online version if this is a typo that needs fixing?

—Steve Markens, Canterbury

—Richard P. Noonan, MD, Intervale

—Jack M. Rode, Whitefield

An Open Letter From CASA

In late October, Harmony Montgomery’s father was charged with the 5-year-old’s murder. The search for the missing little girl from Manchester made local and national news, and the outcome is heartbreaking. At the press conference announcing the charges, Manchester Chief of Police Allen Aldenberg became understandably emotional, and asked that we all honor Harmony’s memory by “[doing] something nice for a child today. Just take a few moments out of your day to say something nice to a child. Give him or her a hug, some special words of encouragement, give them an extra hug, or just simply tell them that you love them and will always protect them.”

You can put Chief Aldenberg’s words into action and help shape a future where children grow up in safe, loving homes where they feel important and know they matter. You can honor Harmony and all the children like her, the ones who will never get the love and the life that they deserved. How? By learning how to speak up for the children and youth who are ready and waiting for you to stand by their side and help ensure their future is safe, bright, and full of possibility.

Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Hampshire, or CASA, provides all the training and support that ordinary people need to do extraordinary things for children. As a CASA volunteer you get to know a child that has suffered abuse or neglect, and help them change their story by advocating for their needs and best interests in district and family court. It sounds daunting, but over 600 current advocates statewide would be the first to tell you that they are doing exactly this, and so can you. Visit www.casanh.org for more information.

— Marcia “Marty” Sink CEO and President of CASA of New Hampshire

Editor’s note: New Hampshire Magazine is a longtime supporter of CASA of New Hampshire. We are happy to publish this message of hope from CASA’s CEO, inspired by Aldenberg’s call to action.

Spot four newts like the one here 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, visit spotthenewt.com and fill out the online form. Or, send answers plus your name and mailing address to: Spot the Newt c/o New Hampshire Magazine 250 Commercial St., Suite 4014, Manchester, NH 03101

You can also email them to newt@nhmagazine.com or fax them to (603) 624-1310.

The November “Spot the Newt” winner is Michael Pomerantz of Campton. November issue newts were on pages 5, 15, 25 and 90.

Should I replace my tooth with a dental implant? You should replace your tooth if no treatment could save your tooth. Extracting your tooth should always be considered the last option.

I am Dr. Irina Adler, Board Certi fied Periodontist and Dental Implant Surgeon. A periodontist is a dental implant surgeon specializing in gum and jaw bone, the supporting struc tures of your teeth. A periodontist is a dental surgeon, not an oral surgeon. A periodontist is a surgeon of the teeth and is trained specifically to save the teeth or replace them with a dental

implant when necessary.

Saving a tooth, naturally, benefits the patient and results in improved care. Research shows that salvaging teeth that suffer from a gum and bone disease is the preferred initial therapy. Later, if the disease advances an implant replace ment may be necessary.

During my three-year surgical training following dental school, I was taught how to manage and maintain declining teeth using a variety of options. For instance, nonsurgical methods, such as scaling and root planing, are used to remove plaque and tartar. Various regenerative procedures are applied to encourage growth of lost gum and bone tissue to make teeth stronger. Or if the teeth have gotten loose, there are treat ments that stabilize the bite and control periodontal disease to delay tooth loss.

My practice is focused on dental implant surgery and on surgical thera py to save teeth. The care that I pro vide is not healthcare provider-driv en but patient-centric. I focus on each patient individually, their needs, their circumstances and the specific way a particular disease affects them. I believe that each patient deserves to be well informed about all possible therapies, their benefits and risks.

NEED A GOOD REASON FOR SPOTTING THE NEWT?

The prize is a gift certificate for $50 to use online at nhmade.com or at the New Hampshire Made Store, 28 Deer St., Portsmouth. New Hampshire Made is our state’s official promoter of products and services created here in the Granite State, and the online store and downtown shop are packed with delightful gifts and specialty foods made with Granite State pride. nhmade.com

The answer to the ques tion if your tooth should be replaced with a dental implant is to consult with a periodontal surgeon who is dedicated to saving teeth rather than pulling them out. Some times an implant may be necessary. But saving your real tooth is so much better when possible.

30 Canton St., Suite 12, Manchester, NH | (603) 668-6434 | nhdentalsurgery.com

Periodontist’s Perspective: Is implant the right choice for you?

603 Navigator

— Virginia Woolf

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

What’s Cookin’

FOOD DESTINATIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

There is always something new to experience at New Hampshire restaurants, with new places to explore, eat and drink. And sometimes, some of the long-standing food and drink spots situated in our state offer new experiences making a return visit feel like it’s the first time.

As part of our continuing series on Great Food Destinations, and to help you discover what’s new around our great state, we’ve asked three of our favorite food writers on the cuisine beat to recommend some new restaurants (or new offerings from old favorites) designed to both satisfy your appetite for dinner and inspire your appetite for adventure on the road to fine (and fun) dining.

We asked our reviewers to look in New Hampshire for their next great dining experience, and each of these “destinations” can be a new starting point for your own quest. We’ll continue this series for our next January/February issue and will also continue to compile our guide to what’s new and exciting in the online version of this story at nhmagazine.com.

Come along as we discover together and whet your appetite with three restaurants from around the state.

Breaking bread with Pavilion’s seasonal menu. The Wolfeboro restaurant’s mission is to elevate the farm-to-table dining experience.

PART 2 of our GREAT

series: Discovering and celebrating what’s new and exciting on the Granite State’s cuisine scene

Pavilion

Review

by Rony Camille

Five years ago, the Avery Building in Wolfeboro could have been torn down and replaced by a big box retail store. Today, it’s home to Pavilion, a restaurant dedicated to elevating the farm-to-table dining experience in the Lakes Region.

Centrally located in Wolfeboro’s historic district near Lake Winnipesaukee, Pavilion opened in 2020 with a goal of bringing sophisticated dining and warm hospitality to the Lakes Region, says owner Pat Cooke. It was named as a nod to Wolfeboro’s former grand Pavilion Hotel, built in the mid-1800s by Daniel Pickering and his son-in-law.

Preserving the property and paying attention to the details has paid off. For instance, one can find photos of the former hotel and a bar top made from a 150-year-old tree that “needed to come down,” Cooke says. “It’s all in the details, meaning people want a full experience. They want great service, they want great food, they want a beautiful environment. They want the whole thing ... and people respond to that,” she says.

And the hospitality continues next door at

their sister property, the Pickering House Inn: a small boutique hotel, celebrating its fifth anniversary by clinching national recognition as the “#1 Resort Hotel in the United States and New England” by Travel + Leisure Magazine.

With their husband-and-wife team of chefs — Jonathan Hudak and Aleks Chmielewska — at the helm, PAVILION works with local farms to bring in fresh, in-season ingredients to create culinary creations such as herb-roasted chicken and salmon deviled eggs. “Having really true fresh ingredients and a seasonally driven menu are key to a great dining experience,” Cooke says, adding, “[Our chefs] try to keep as much as possible immediately local and then drives a circle around New England.” This provides the amazing freshness of their offerings and inspires their seasonal menu items. “You just taste the difference,” Cooke says.

Pavilion 126 South Main St., Wolfeboro pavilionwolfeboro.com / (603) 393-0851

GREAT FOOD DESTINATION: NORTH OF CONCORD

Top: Chefs Jonathan Hudak and Aleks Chmielewska.

Above: Smoked salmon deviled eggs, with everything bagel spice, pickled red onion and dill.

Sol Southern Kitchen & Lounge Review

by Crystal Ward Kent

Opening a restaurant featuring Southern cuisine in northern New England may seem like an unusual direction to take, but for Neil Scibelli and partners, it was exactly the right move. Sol, located on State Street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, introduces guests to a broad range of Southern cuisine, including the spicy palate of Creole, the exotic blends of Floribbean, the French influences of Cajun, the hearty flavors of Appalachia and more.

We felt that there was a void in the marketplace for a restaurant of this type and that diners would embrace something different,” explains Scibelli. “We have made an effort to be true to Southern traditions throughout, from the décor to the menu. Our goal is to educate guests about these wonderful foods.”

Indeed, the menu provides helpful background about the South’s regional culinary differences, and offers a tempting array of choices from shrimp po’boys to gumbo, muffuletta, Low Country Chicken bog, and even frog legs, a Southern classic that

guests have embraced. When asked what he considers a signature dish, Scibelli responds, “Shrimp and grits. This dish has strong historical roots. African slaves brought their corn dishes to the South and married them to local foods, such as shrimp. When you eat this dish, you savor flavors steeped in history.”

The atmosphere is also a draw, as Sol offers several dining areas, each with its own theme. The attention to detail is everywhere, from the handmade farmer’s table in the main dining room, to the seating made from Mississippi church pews, and the burnt ash tables. Most striking is the New Orleansthemed upstairs bar and dining area with its red velvet ceiling, green chandelier and blue alligator print wallpaper. Another dining room features chalk art of jazz greats.

For a true taste of the South, Sol is an oasis of authenticity here in the Granite State.

Sol Southern Kitchen & Lounge 111 State St., Portsmouth portsmouthsol.com / (603) 319-8175

Weather permitting, Sol offers both inside and outside dining. Enjoying a meal together by the open French doors are Jack and Patti McTigue (left), with friends Ed and Margaret Carnahan.

Coastal North Carolina-style shrimp with smoky bacon, mushrooms, onion, garlic and bell pepper served over sharp Vermont cheddar grits

Ansanm

Review

by Susan Laughlin

New Hampshire’s Top Chef contes tant Chris Viaud of Greenleaf in Milford has dug deep to find his roots. Inspired by his experiences on the Food Network’s series last year, he is acting on lessons learned. Viaud traveled the country, working with a few of the other contestants in his season — mostly for charity events — and he also learned from established Haitian chefs including Alain Lemaire in Florida. As Viaud’s father, Yves and mother Myrlene immigrated from Haiti to Massachusetts in the late 70s, he grew up with his mother’s native cooking. It was time to appreciate it.

After a year and a half of featuring foods of his heritage through pop-up dinners at Greenleaf and finding favorable feedback from dinners, a decision was made. Viaud and family opened Ansanm — a very appropriate name, as it means ”together” in their native language. Although Chef Viaud is well known for fine cuisine with beautiful plating, this storefront restaurant will feature his mother’s recipes and her home-style cooking.

Haitian food is a combination of influences from Africa, Spain, Arabia and the indigenous Taíno that define Creole, plus a touch of sophistication from the French. After all, the country was a colony of France until 1804. Myrlene says the heart of Haitian cuisine starts with epis, a blend of parsley, garlic, scallions, bell peppers, cloves, habanero peppers, oil and lime juice. It is used as a marinade for meats and a flavoring agent in soups and stews ladened with Haitian root vegetables.

At Ansanm, typical meals consist of a choice of protein, such as a poule nan sòs Kreyòl (stewed chicken), rice and beans, fried plantain, and a slaw of cabbage, celery, carrot and onions with citrus juice called pikliz. Other dishes include legume (vegetable stew), joumou (squash- or pumpkin-based soup) and griot (fried pork), the national dish of Haiti. Viaud adds his creative twist with a fried chicken sandwich — something to recognize as American — but with Haitian spices, plus V.O. Griot, a shredded pork sandwich with smoked ham, pickled cucumber and a pikliz aioli, all in a housemade bun.

The small storefront space offers some seating along with a collection of Haitian

artifacts on shelves, native art dotting the walls and a Caribbean musical vibe. Asking whether Viaud will create artful presentations of these dishes, he replies, “This is basically a takeout restaurant, the presentation is in the flavor.” Come and see with your tastebuds the flavors of Haiti.

Ansanm

20 South St., Milford ansanmnh.com / (603) 554-1248

GREAT FOOD DESTINATION: GREATER NASHUA

Chris and his mother, Myrlene Viaud, serve up some favorites: chicken in a Creole sauce, fried pork with rice, beans, plantains and pikliz, and baked macaroni.

Top Chef contestant Chris Viaud knows how to take the heat in the kitchen.

A Visit to Historic New Castle

Exploring the town of today with an eye to the past

BY BARBARA RADCLIFFE ROGERS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY STILLMAN ROGERS

Still retaining the air of the prosperous little seafaring village that it was in the late 1600s, New Castle packs four centuries of history into less than a square mile. It’s New Hampshire’s smallest town, its easternmost and the only one completely on islands.

It’s also one of the most pleasant to explore, wandering along its narrow lanes and past houses dating from the 1600s and 1700s. Front doors often open directly onto the streets, as there is often no space for a dooryard.

Several historical “firsts” center around the fortifications at New Castle’s outermost point. Castle was the name for a fort, in this case referring to the “foure grete guns” installed on new earthworks in 1642 to defend Portsmouth Harbor. Even before a blockhouse was built there in 1666, four boats with a force of 40 men gave chase to the notorious pirate Dixie Bull, scaring

him off for good in the colony’s first naval engagement.

The fort became increasingly important in the French and Indian War and as Portsmouth Harbor became a major shipbuilding port. In 1692, the British Crown sent cannons and munitions, and the position was renamed Fort William and Mary in the monarchs’ honor. By protecting the harbor, the fort also secured the vessels being built in boatyards along the tidal waters of Portsmouth, Dover and Exeter.

Fort William and Mary continued to grow, as did unrest in the colonies, which were heavily taxed to pay for the British efforts in securing the Crown’s hold on Canada during the French and Indian War. By late 1774, the murmurings had risen to a point where the king prohibited the importation of gunpowder and military supplies to America — on December 13, Paul Revere rode to Portsmouth with the

word that more British troops were on their way to reinforce the fort.

Portsmouth patriots reacted quickly to liberate whatever munitions were held there, and 400 of them stormed the fort the following day. Despite musket fire, the local Sons of Liberty captured the fort and emptied it of 100 barrels of gunpowder and all the cannon and small arms they could carry away in gundalows. (It was hidden and later used in the Battle of Bunker Hill.) Although there had been other attacks on particularly troublesome local authorities, this was the first armed attack on a British garrison, the first military engagement of the Revolution.

The name was changed to Fort Constitution, the height of its walls doubled and the brick barracks added, serving through the Civil War. A larger fortification

New Castle, Portsmouth Lighthouse and Old Fort Constitution at the mouth of the Piscataqua River

of granite blocks was begun around the brick one, but it was never finished. The last military contingent left Fort Constitution in 1958, and in 1961 it was returned to the state as an historic site.

Also on Fort Point, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse was built in 1771 after Royal Governor John Wentworth told the Provincial Assembly, which was reluctant to spend the money, that “every future

expiring cry of drowning mariner upon our coast will bitterly accuse the unfeeling Recusant that wastes life to save a paltry unblessed shilling.” The 50-foot shingled wooden lighthouse, lighted by three copper oil lamps, was the first lighthouse in the American colonies north of Boston. In the summer, you can climb to its top on Sunday afternoons.

Fort Constitution was one of three in

New Castle and one of the seven built to protect Portsmouth Harbor and the naval shipyard. At the end of Wild Rose Lane is the abandoned Fort Stark, the site of earthworks during the Revolution and the War of 1812 and later a stone fort, before the present batteries were built in the early 20th century. Used in both World Wars, the magazines stand empty today, with grass growing from the cracked cement — gun emplacements have begun to slide down the crumbling cliff.

The third, Camp Langdon, began in 1909, used as an anti-aircraft battery in World War I and as the main garrison area for the four local forts in World War II. In 1963, it became a town park, known as Great Island Common. The jetty built by the military is now part of the park, which has a picnic area and sand beach.

We learned more about the island’s history at the New Castle Historical Society, a former church that has also served as the town’s library. Displayed there are pottery, bottles and other artifacts recovered from the wrecks of a schooner and the HMS Astraea, which sank in the Piscataqua

Atkinson Street to New Castle harbor

Sheehan Phinney is proud to welcome the Cook Little team to our roster of exceptional talent.

River. A painted theater curtain covering the entire back wall depicts the gates of Fort Constitution.

From a portion of a millstone in the museum’s yard, we discovered that some of the waters we had kayaked around New Castle were once part of two tidal millponds. The 8-to-12-foot tides made the ponds ideal for tide mills, which operated by swinging gates that were forced open by

the incoming tide and pushed shut by the outflow. The captured water, released slowly through a sluice and over a waterwheel, operated the mill. The millstone fragment was delivered to the Historical Society’s yard by an exceptionally high tide.

A kayak is a good way to explore these mill ponds, the smaller islands in the Piscataqua that make up New Castle, and the tidal estuary of Sagamore Creek. One of

the mill ponds lies directly across Route 1B from the Wentworth by the Sea. That hotel opens another chapter in New Castle’s, and America’s, history.

Portsmouth brewing magnate Frank Jones bought a small hotel in New Castle in the late 1800s, and enlarged it to become the Wentworth-by-the-Sea, one of the premier New England seaside resorts of the Grand Hotel era. In 1906, not long after the owner died, Judge Calvin Page, who managed Jones’ estate, was approached by President Theodore Roosevelt’s staff. They were looking for a place to house the delegates to peace negotiations to end the Russo–Japanese War.

Judge Page offered the hotel free of charge to all the delegates. The meetings would be held at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and delegates could be transported by launch directly between the two. It was a win-winwin: The peace treaty was signed, news coverage made the hotel world famous, and the president got the Nobel Peace Prize. NH

Get There

New Castle NH Historical Society (603) 436-4440 / newcastlenhhistoricalsociety.org

Wentworth by the Sea (603) 422-7322 / marriott.com

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse (603) 534-0537 / portsmouthharborlighthouse.org

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the historic Wentworth by the Sea is three miles from both the Strawbery Banke Museum and from the Odiorne Point State Park.

Military emplacements eroding into the sea at Fort Stark

PHOTO COURTESY WENTWORTH-BY-THE-SEA, A MARRIOTT HOTEL

603 Informer

“We forge the chains we wear in life.”

–Charles Dickens

A Charles Dickens Christmas

How publishing superstar James T. Fields convinced his most famous client to return to the United States

BY J DENNIS ROBINSON / ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN R. GOODWIN

Charles Dickens blew away his au dience. Starting in Boston in 1867, the British superstar gave dramatic readings of his popular novels, including “A Christmas Carol.” The sold-out tour was a critical and financial triumph — thanks to a boy from New Hampshire.

A rare portrait of a bright-eyed James T. Fields hangs unnoticed near a bank of computers in the Portsmouth Public Library. Born a few blocks away in 1817, Fields was a child when his father died at sea. He was raised by a strict and loving single mother in the city’s now historic and gentrified South End. Apprenticed to a Boston publisher, Fields soon exploded onto the literary scene.

His Boston firm, Ticknor & Fields, became the hub of literary New England, representing authors Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Henry David Thoreau, Oliver Wendell Holmes and Harriet Beecher Stowe. It was Fields who turned John Greenleaf Whittier, the Quaker poet, into a financially successful author. He convinced a shy, handsome and insecure Nathaniel Hawthorne to publish “The Scarlet Letter.”

First impressions

The famed novelist had been to the United States prior to the Civil War. He was not impressed. With his wife Catherine, Charles Dickens first set foot on American soil in 1842. He was already the author of five bestsellers including “Oliver Twist” and “The Pickwick Papers.” Dickens was then just 29. His arrival attracted a media frenzy from the moment his ship docked in Boston.

Among Dickens’ early admirers was James T. Fields, then the junior partner at what would become Ticknor & Fields. Both entrepreneur and poet, Fields joined a horde of fans hanging out at Dickens’ hotel the night of his arrival. The young publisher strained for a glimpse of the English celebrity.

That first night, Fields was little more than a stalker as he followed the novelist and a friend through the city streets and into a saloon. It was a “stinging” cold night with a full moon, Fields later recalled. Dickens was “muffled up in a shaggy fur coat.”

The more Dickens and his wife saw of America in 1842, the less they liked it. He became a stern critic of Southern slavery, earning himself many enemies. Tied to a strict schedule of readings, harsh travel conditions and too many social events, Dickens complained. “I can do nothing that I want to do, go nowhere I want to go, and see nothing that I want to see,” he told a friend.

Triumphant return

A quarter-century later — following the success of “David Copperfield,” “Great Expectations” and “A Tale of Two Cities” — Dickens was the most famous writer in the world. America had changed following the Civil War. So had Dickens. He was, by now, exhausted and legally separated from Catherine. Dickens had taken a new lover (who did not accompany him to America) and lost two of his 10 children.

James T. Fields, by this time, had become the exclusive American publisher of books by Dickens and other popular British writers. With effort and empathy, Fields

managed to convince his most famous client to return to the United States.

On stage, Dickens was better than ever. In an era before blockbuster films or rock concerts, he was the ultimate entertainment. The press called him “the Boz, the Inimitable, the Great Enchanter” who could mesmerize audiences with his dramatic readings. Dickens inhabited his fictional characters like no one before him. Crowds camped in frigid streets all night for one-dollar tickets that scalpers sold for $10.

The one-man show was without equal. Dickens stood alone behind a mahogany podium. He spoke without the aid of scenery, props, music, amplification or costumes. Each night he presented two of his novels condensed into a single hour. He became all the characters, his performance enhanced only by the raising and lowering of gas lamps.

A Christmas cast of one In December 1867, Dickens performed his abridged “A Christmas Carol.” Although written in 1843, this was the first live Ameri can performance by the author. In 76 shows in 18 cities, Dickens stepped onstage, introduced himself and launched into his act. In Springfield, Massachusetts, a critic wrote that Dickens “dazzles you with 20 personalities.”

The audience “sat fixed and speechless,” Fields later wrote following Dickens’ heart-rending performance of “A Christmas Carol.” In New York, although lame and suffering from a head cold and sore throat,

Above: James T. Fields (courtesy of Portsmouth Public Library)

At right: Celia Laighton Thaxter

For Christmas

by Celia Laighton Thaxter

“Thy own wish wish I thee in every place.

The Christmas joy, the song, the feast, the cheer, Thine be the light of love in every face That looks on thee, to bless thy coming year.

Thy own wish wish I thee. What dost thou crave?

All thy dear hopes be thine, whate’er they be.

A wish fulfilled may make thee king or slave; I wish thee Wisdom’s eyes wherewith to see.

Behold, she stands and waits, the youthful year!

A breeze of morning breathes about her brows; She holds thy storm and sunshine, bliss and fear, Blossom and fruit upon the bending boughs.

She brings thee gifts. What blessing wilt thou choose?

Life’s crown of good in earth or heaven above, The one immortal joy thou canst not lose, Is Love! Leave all the rest, and choose thou Love!”

he excelled at every reading. After Tiny Tim’s final “God bless us, every one!” there was a long silence, Fields reported. As if waking from a shared trance, the crowd exploded into shouts, sobs and applause.

During a 10-minute intermission, Fields was among the only visitors allowed in Dickens’ dressing room. The publisher had waited two decades, he said, to hear Dickens read his Christmas classic. And all day, Fields confessed, he had been afraid he might die five minutes before the theater opened and miss the show. “You have given me a new lease on life,” Fields told Dickens. Fields and his wife, Annie, were both superb writers. They lived in a narrow three-story house against the Charles River in Boston. Ralph Waldo Emerson called it “the ark out of the modern deluge.” Henry James said the Fields’ house was his “merciful refuge” from the world. Charles Dickens refused to stay in any other private home during his Boston visit. Celia Thaxter, New Hampshire-born poet of the Isles of Shoals, was invited to dine with the celebrated British novelist.

Dickens’ American lectures were lucrative but draining. Returning home, he launched a “farewell tour” with public readings throughout Great Britain in 1868-69. In ill health, but $2 million richer (in modern dollars), he began a new novel entitled “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” Charles Dickens died of a stroke in 1870, leaving the manuscript half finished and the mystery unsolved.

In 1871, James T. Fields retired from publishing to focus on his own writing and lecturing. He died 10 years later. A brilliant and important figure in American literature, Fields rarely gets the attention he deserves, even in his own hometown.

Which actors best captured the characters in the ubiquitous “A Christmas Carol?” Was it Bill Murray as Scrooge? Or maybe Vincent Price, Kelsey Grammer, Albert Finney, George C. Scott, Patrick Stewart, Mr. Magoo, Mickey Mouse, the Muppets or countless other actors? The award, James T. Fields would certainly agree, goes to Charles Dickens himself. And New Hampshire played a starring role in bringing this classic tale to the American stage. NH

J. Dennis Robinson is the author of a dozen nonfiction books, including a hardcover history of The Music Hall in Portsmouth. For his new mystery novel “Point of Graves,” visit jdennisrobinson.com.

Blips

Monitoring appearances of the 603 on the media radar since 2006

Life on the Edge

Majka Burhardt’s paths as a parent and professional climber are chronicled in forthcoming memoir

BY CASEY McDERMOTT

Majka Burhardt has spent decades scaling craggy, icy, bone-chilling peaks across the globe, from Namibia to New Hampshire to Nepal. And when she first started her jour ney to motherhood, she always envisioned that she’d be able to keep that going.

“I thought I was going to go to Patago nia and go climbing in Patagonia when I

was pregnant,” recalls Burhardt, who lives in Jackson. “It was a very effective way of the universe saying, ‘You’re not in charge on this one.’”

That push and pull — between her paths as a parent, a professional climber and a partner to her husband, also a professional climber — is at the heart of her forthcom ing memoir, “More: Life on the Edge of

Adventure and Motherhood,” due out in March 2023. Written as a series of letters to her two children, chronicling her “real-time self-talk” as she moves through pregnancy to early parenthood, the book is meant to provide the kind of literary outlet Burhardt craved during her own pregnancy.

“I didn’t want, ‘Here’s what to eat, here’s what not to eat,’” she says. “I wanted to have someone else’s raw, emotional journey.”

As raw and emotional as some of her “otherworldly” climbs have been, she’s learned they’re nothing compared to parenting.

“The climbing piece of it taught me, and teaches me, that I can do really difficult things,” she says. “But how things are diffi cult shows up differently for me while being a parent with young kids, and re-examining my own childhood, and then also trying to figure out how to be a parent while still wanting to be a climber.”

Part of what makes it possible for her to keep up with it all? Living here in New Hampshire.

“In some ways, I get to still be a profes sional climber because I can go climbing 10 minutes from my house,” she says. “If I had to travel two hours every time I needed to do that, that would be really hard, as a mom and someone who works full-time.”

The Burhardt children. The next generation of great climbers?

Professional climber Majka Burhardt

(Burhardt has been a climbing ambassador for the outdoor brand Patagonia since 2005 and also leads a nonprofit, Legado, that works with Indigenous and local com munities across the globe.)

Locally, you can catch her scaling Cathe dral Ledge, Pinkham Notch, Rumney and, in ice season, on “lots of frozen dribbles all over the place that are in places that don’t even have names.” And these days, you might even find her now-6-year-old twins tagging along.

“We climb with them and we also swim with them and bike with them and play soccer with them,” she says. “Trying to raise kids who are psyched to be outside is my priority. And if climbing is a part of it, that’s great — but it’s not our agenda.”

January 24, 2023

The Barn at Bull Meadow, Concord, NH

Award categories include residential construction, remodeling, interior design, landscape design, energy efficieny and more. 603-228-0351 · info@nhhba.com · www.nhcornerstoneawards.com

SPONSORED BY:

Speaking of outdoor sports: Bretton Woods has landed among SKI Magazine’s “Top 50 Resorts in North America.” Ranking as the No. 2 spot in the East (behind Smugglers’ Notch in Vermont), Bretton Woods earns praise as “a country club of a ski resort in the very best of ways,” featuring “a posh setting marinating in history (think ‘The Shining’ if things ended well).”

Seven Granite State spots landed on Yelp’s Top 100 New England Restaurants list for 2022. Top performers, according to the online review platform, include Ports mouth’s Elephantine Bakery, Seabrook’s Kong Thai, Martha’s Restaurant in Hampton Falls and Gusto Italian Café in Center Har bor. Horseshoe Café in Newmarket, Durbar Square Restaurant in Portsmouth and V’s Sandwich in Tilton also made the list. NH

yonezawa family, distillers since 1917

Akashi city - Hyogo product of japan

Imported by Marussia Beverages USA | Cedar Knolls, NJ | Please Drink Responsibly

Elephantine Bakery

A Return to the Slopes

Getting back to skiing, getting back my life

BY BRION O’CONNOR / ILLUSTRATION BY ANATOLIY GLEB

Years ago, my younger brother, Mike, was sporting a fun bumper sticker that simply stated “Skiing = Life.” At the time, Mike and his wife were living just outside Snowmass, Colorado, so I’m sure he had many like-minded folks nodding in agreement when they saw the “Skiing = Life” mantra plastered on the back of his burly pickup. But over these past few winters, I’ve come to see the adage in an entirely new light.

During the late winter of 2016, my left hip was failing, the inescapable result of my Peter Pan Syndrome. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a very active life, including more than 40 years on the slopes, the trails, on soccer pitches and in hockey rinks (actually on

the ice, not watching). But that comes with a cost. My older brother, Sean, a former doctor for the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team and a surgeon with Concord Orthopaedics, likes to remind me that our bodies — specifically our joints — were never meant to last forev er. At some point, the bill comes due for all that wear and tear.

That winter, I skied at least a dozen days, including a trip to the great resorts of Utah — my “last hurrah,” according to my wife, Lauri — before having that left hip replaced in late March. The idea was to give myself enough time to be ready for summer hockey camps, where I coach goaltenders, and completely recovered by the following winter and ski season. My post-op recu

peration was going exactly to plan by early June, thanks to a regular cycling regimen and a dedicated calisthenics routine. But a bizarre thing happened that summer: I started losing feeling in my feet.

My physical therapist, who was indis pensable in my rehab following hip re placement, recommended that I see a spine specialist. That doctor was so concerned that she instantly ordered an MRI. The next day, I was in a neurosurgeon’s office. The diagnosis was straightforward and sober ing: I had spinal stenosis — bony, arthritic growth — and a pair of herniated discs along my lower spine. Even I, an Average Joe, could see the proof on the computer screen. The spacious spinal column of my upper back disappeared as the films moved to my lower spine. And that crowded column was pressing on my spinal cord and the nerves that branched from it.

Weary of surgery — I had my right hip replaced in 2012, and revised in 2013 — I asked several doctors what my options were. I tried a tapered course of prednisone, a cou ple of cortisone injections and even a slew of chiropractic sessions. The goal was to knock down the inflammation, with the hope of relieving pressure on my nerves. But even my chiropractor, a mountain biking friend, confided: “I might be able to help if this is an alignment issue. But if it’s stenosis, you’ll need surgery to have that removed.”

The adjustments and injections helped but only briefly. By October, I wasn’t wor ried about ski season. I was far more con cerned about walking outside, dealing with winter’s promised allotment of ice, snow and slush. I knew I had to make a decision soon, and I knew my choices were limited.

During one late-stage consultation, a spine specialist at the New England Baptist

Hospital in Boston finally laid it out for me: “I can’t guarantee that you’ll get better with surgery. But I can guarantee that you won’t get better without it. But only you can decide what you want to do.” After the surgeon left the room, I lost it. I looked at Lauri and started bawling like a kid.

All my life, I’ve identified most closely with my physical persona. I was never a great athlete, but I was decent and relatively coordinated. Many of my most memorable moments came when I was active, explor ing my physical capabilities. Now all that was being taken from me.

“It’s OK,” said Lauri. “We’ll get through this together.”

On November 9, 2016, one of my brother’s partners, Dr. Russell Brummett of Concord Orthopaedics, opened up my back. The sur gery was, in short, a high-tech Roto-Rooter of my lower spine. Dr. Brummett cleared out the arthritic growth that had invaded three vertebrae, and the pain relief, thankfully, was almost immediate. But the effects of the nerve damage persisted.

“Recovery can take anywhere from six to 18 months,” Brummett told me. “Nerves can be finicky little buggers. You’re going to have to be patient.”

The following April, Lauri and I, along with my daughter Brynne, headed to Lin coln, to take my first post-operative turns at Loon Mountain. I couldn’t help but get my hopes up, but the reality was that I wasn’t ready. Not even close. My left side was still very weak, and even the short slide from condo to chairlift felt shaky. I lasted two runs. Exhausted, I went back inside, peeled off my layers, and promptly fell into a fitful sleep.

I woke up before Brynne and Lauri got back, and spent the next hour wondering if I had skied my last run. It was some thing I’d think about often over the next eight months.

The following December, Lauri and I visited Mount Sunapee. After my abbrevi ated session at Loon the previous spring, I was a bundle of nerves but optimistic. I’d done a fair amount of cycling, and felt my strength was good. But I had no idea what my balance and, more importantly, my pro prioception would be. I was still unsteady, but I felt better. Considerably better.

No, I wasn’t completely comfortable. My left leg, and left foot, still weren’t cooperat ing entirely with their counterparts on my right side. I took one spill when I crossed

my tips, because my left ski was lagging behind. But I felt like I was heading in the right direction. Riding on the chairlift with Lauri, I couldn’t contain myself.

“I’m just so damned happy to be out here with you,” I told my wife.

Then, January of 2020, Lauri and I drove north for a few days with Brynne and our eldest, Maddi, in New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley. Our first day out at Mount Cranmore was bitter cold, but the

girls were game. This is one of the reasons I love skiing. It challenges you, and in facing those challenges, you often find out what you’re made of. Just before we headed out into the bright, beautiful sunshine, I huddled with my wife and two daughters, pulling them all close.

“I love you guys,” I told the three most important people in my life.

We had a great day. I had to take a few extra breaks, as my endurance was still no match for my wife or my millennials. But I was out there, on the hill, feeling the edges of my skis underneath me and the cold, crisp mountain air filling my lungs. I could not stop smiling.

Mike’s bumper sticker was right. “Skiing = Life.” In that moment, at the Mount Cranmore lodge, hugging my girls, I could not have felt more content, and I could not have felt more alive. I was back skiing. Which meant I was back, period. NH

“I can’t guarantee that you’ll get better with surgery. But I can guarantee that you won’t get better without it. But only you can decide what you want to do.”

Where Christmas Trees Are Born

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARSHALL HUDSON

I’m sorting and counting Christmas tree seedlings and now have 25 stellar ones to make up a complete bundle. Starting the next bundle, I pull a seed ling from the overflowing bins and check to make sure it meets the criteria. The seedling is the correct species and age but is borderline for length and looks a little wussy, so it gets tossed into the cull pile, condemned to become compost instead of a future shimmering Christmas tree. I’m at the New Hampshire State Forest Nursery in Boscawen, and we are filling orders for tens of thousands of Christmas tree seedlings from professional growers all over New England. We are also filling orders for land owners purchasing a small number of trees for privacy border, windbreak, landscaping, or perhaps growing a few Christmas trees for their family.

This time of year, it is not uncommon to see truckloads of Christmas trees headed south on the interstate bound for sale at pop-up stands on town commons or in

store parking lots. The more ambitious tree hunter might seek out their tree from a cut-your-own farm where mini-forests of perfect, plain and Charlie Brown trees line up hoping to be chosen. All of these Christmas trees started from a humble seed, and likely at this nursery. This nurs ery grows roughly three million seedlings on 16 acres of seedbeds and sells 200,000 to 300,000 Christmas tree seedlings every year. Fifty different species are raised here. There are an additional 20 acres dedicated to seed orchards and testing areas. So, if you’ve ever wondered where Christmas trees come from … this is the place.

My day started following a vintage John Deere tractor pulling a “lifter” down a row of 3-year-old red spruce seedlings. The seedlings are about 8 to 10 inches tall, and we picked 3,000 of them in half an hour. In addition to the red spruce, by lunchtime we had also lifted red pine, balsam, fraser fir, hemlock and concolor

fir seedlings. Balsam is the most in demand species by Christmas tree growers this year, and we pick 12,000 of them. Concolor fir trees are a new variety gaining in popularity but not yet in high demand, so we need only 700 to fill the order.

The lifter straddles the row of trees, scoops beneath them, lifts them out of the ground and deposits them onto a vibrating rack. The rack shakes off all the dirt before spitting the seedling back out onto the ground. Field crew, including me, pick up the seedlings and untangle their interwoven root systems. The separated seedlings are then deposited into bins. Nearby native trees have spread their seeds on the wind, and hemlock and larch have mixed in with the spruce. This free-range hemlock and larch are also offered for sale, so we put them aside in dif ferent bins. There are six of us chasing the lifter, sorting the seedlings and loading them into bins. Two more carry the full bins to a pickup and drive them down the hill to the counting house. Somehow, those two manage to return with empty bins every time the six of us envision a break because our bins are full.

The work is dirty and bend-over tiring, but

Workers follow the vintage John Deere tractor lifting some of the hundreds of thousands of seedlings that are sold each year.

the camaraderie is warm and fuzzy. As we work, fishing stories and deer hunting tales are told. Magically, the fish grow longer and the deer gain weight with each successive story. A tin of homemade chocolate chip cookies appears, and the cookies quickly van ish. The weather is gray and dreary, the wind is cold, and occasionally light rain sprin kles us. This is ideal weather for lifting tree seedlings. If it were warmer or sunnier, the roots would be prone to drying out, leading to a higher transplant mortality. While it may not be ideal weather for the workers, neither humans nor seedlings are complaining.

After warming up and lunch, and with all the bins now bursting with tiny trees, we stop lifting and transition to counting. The six people lifting in the field have gotten ahead of the 20 people busy in the counting room. Counters are a dedicated mixture of full-time regular employees, seasonal employees, part-time employees and volun

teers. The urge to get dirty is strong, and it attracts volunteer gardeners, foresters and retired nursery employees who can’t resist the call and return every year to help with the seasonal rush.

In the counting house, the seedlings are sorted, pruned, counted, watered, bundled and bagged. The bags are sewn shut and put into cold storage. I try my hand at sew ing up a bag containing 200 seedlings and, although it looks easy, I ruin the bag on my first couple of attempts. Then I discover my instructor was left-handed and this is a right-handed machine. Although I’m right-handed, I was attempting it mirror image. A seasoned right-handed employee then zips the bags closed perfectly, seem ingly without effort. When I model his example, I stop ruining bags. He tells me of a first-time purchaser who showed up with a U-Haul truck anticipating filling it with his order of 100 trees, only to be handed

a bag the size of a pillow containing his entire purchase.

Seedling sales generally run from midApril to mid-May, but orders are taken as soon as the catalogs are mailed out in December. All orders are filled to the ex tent possible, but sometimes weather and growing conditions aren’t cooperative, and the available supply doesn’t meet the demand. Last year, the balsam and fraser fir seedlings sold out by early January. Other sources for Christmas tree seed lings are limited, and local growers like the stock produced at this nursery as it is native seed, not imported or transplanted from other sources, and therefore it is well adapted to the New Hampshire climate.

If you celebrate the holidays with a locally grown tree in your home, the chances are pretty good that it started life at this nursery. In 10 or 15 years, your tree may be one that I lifted or counted today. In 30 or 40 years, perhaps one of my lifted and counted tiny seedlings will be the star of the White House tree lighting ceremo ny. I better quit dreaming and get back to filling bundles. 1 … 2 … 3 … 4 … NH

The nursery facility and seedling sales are administered by the NH Division of Forests and Lands, which is part of the NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. For more information, including how to be added to the catalog mailing list, visit nh.gov/nhnursery.

The field crew gets dirty untangling the lifted seedlings’ interwoven roots and sorting and separating seedlings.

Above: The writer sews up a bag of 200 Christmas tree seedlings. Right: Nursery staff Billy Kuneluis in the drying room where the seeds are separated

First in the Nation?

New Hampshire law is clear: Our presidential primary must be the first. But does it matter?

It’s almost as much a tradition as the New Hampshire Primary itself: the national discussion about whether New Hampshire should continue to host the nation’s first presidential primary. Indeed, since 1980, nearly every four years there is some drama around whether New Hamp shire would or should continue to go first as it has done since 1916.

The 2024 version goes like this: Repub licans are keeping the New Hampshire tradition. That’s all voted on and set. Dem ocrats, meanwhile, formed a commission, looked long and hard at the lineup of states, and now appear they want to make some changes. Which changes exactly and whether New Hampshire would be first on their list won’t be announced until after the midterm elections. Things don’t look so good for Iowa, which botched their last caucuses, meaning that the half-century tradition of Iowa and New Hampshire leading the way is no longer, at least for the Democrats.

If that happens, it will be a big deal for the country and, if I may, a big deal for me

personally as well. I went to college in Des Moines because of the Iowa Caucuses and, shortly after, made my way to New Hamp shire where I have covered politics for two decades now. I am noting my bias for the status quo, however flawed it may be.

I say that as background to point out the following: I think about this topic a lot and the way everyone talks about the potential demise of the New Hampshire primary is wrong.

Nearly everyone from either party — and especially the national media — frame the story as whether New Hampshire “should” continue to hold the first primary and whether Democrats will strip away the state’s ability to hold the first primary.

Logistically, that’s hogwash.

New Hampshire law is quite clear that the state must hold the first presidential pri mary in the nation. Despite the talk and the headlines, there should be no doubt about that. No matter how ridiculously early the state will need to hold its primary, it will be the first primary.

The question isn’t about whether it’s first but whether it will matter.

The only say that the national parties really have on the issue is a technical one. They can decide how they will allow delegates to be counted for the process at the national conven tion, which formally nominates candidates.

The truth is that New Hampshire is so small and sends so few delegates to these conven tions that leaders in the state don’t really care if their convention vote counts as long as the New Hampshire primary vote happened.

So, if the national parties pick a different state to count first and New Hampshire holds an earlier election anyway, the major question is whether candidates will still show up and if the national media will still cover it as a thing. If everyone shows up and treats it as important, then it will be important, even it if is inherently not in the process.

While New Hampshire political leaders may see it has an obligation to never cede any point as it relates to the status of the primary, keeping it somehow important is where the focus should always be. NH

BY JAMES PINDELL / ILLUSTRATION BY PETER NOONAN

Yo, Christmas Tree

PHOTO AND INTERVIEW BY DAVID MENDELSOHN

Nigel Manley has been a farmer all his life. First in the U.K. and then at The Rocks for the past 32 years. He and his band roam the estate year-round, nurturing Christmas trees from delicate twigs through robust maturity to become well-pro portioned, healthy, conical specimens. Keswick, his dog, does his best to help. It’s a quiet, rewarding life, pretty much free from any drama. With the Whites as a backdrop, this North Country farm is the ideal place for fulfilling your quest for the perfect tree. So pack up the Volvo and point it toward Bethlehem. Begin a family tradition or just paint an indelible memory quite worthy of a nod from Norman Rockwell. Go on and have some fun, laughing all the way.

I have a degree in agriculture from Reading University in England. I grew up on a market garden with a small shop for plants and vegetable sales. I worked on various farms including dairy, pigs, beef cattle, and vegetable truck farming.

The Society for the Preservation of NH Forests owns the land: The Christmas tree farm consists of 30 acres [of the total] 1,400 acres.

It was donated in 1978 by two of the grandchildren of John Glessner, a Chicago industrialist who brought about the partnerships to create International Harvester. He became a member of The Forest Society in 1903, only two years after the organization started.

One of the stipulations of the donation was that the fields always would have a crop in them, hence the Christmas Tree Farm.

It takes six to 10 years for a tree to reach maturity. Frasers take longer to get to a point where they are ready.

Every tree is pruned every year regardless of size. So, all 32,000 are touched in some way.

Deer are not usually a problem up here. Mice can girdle the tree seedlings, so we keep weeds away from their bases and mow the grass short. In this way, predators like kestrels, crows, foxes and coyotes can easily find and eat the rodents.

You do cut the tree yourself. We provide the saw and then you drag the tree to where it is baled, and then you load the tree.

I think you can bring your family donkey along for this part and hitch him up. Not sure if the insurance would cover that though. Give us a little notice, and we can check it out.

Once you get the tree home, if it has been cut and stored for more than eight hours, re-cut the trunk, taking about ½ inch off and t hen put water in the house.

Do not put over a hot-air duct, next to a radiator or a wood s tove. Any of these things will make the life of the house tree notice ably reduced.

Last season, we cut about 6,000 trees. As far as prices go, “Cut Your Owns” last season were around $55. All of the money goes back into supporting conservation, as The Forest Society owns the farm.

We have people come from as far as Florida to annually join their extended family at the farm and to enjoy the holiday together.

We also have a group of people that always order large trees each season. They are always fun to help load. Try to imagine a 14-foot tree on top of a small car.

Christmas

Trees

Explained,

Briefly

How did we come to a place where millions of homes across the nation are exposed to tree sap, fire hazards and countless tiny pine needles stuck into the nap of the carpet once a year? Blame the ancient Egyptians, the Druids or the Vikings, as all contributed to the fertility rites symbolized by the triangular household evergreen, but the local angle is our state’s “Mother of Holidays” Sarah Josepha Hale, (who is more famous for helping make Thanksgiving into a national celebration). When Hale edited her immensely popular Godey’s Lady’s Book in the mid-19th century, a recurring topic of interest was the Victorian society of our former colonizers in Great Britain. A December 1850 illustration in Hale’s magazine depicting Royals Victoria and Albert at Windsor Castle with a flock of children surrounding a decorated tree became a sort of Victorian meme in American households, planting the seeds for the modern Christmas tree, ranging from fresh, cut-your-own specimens to the pink tinsel monstrosities of the mid-20th century.

of FACES NEW HAMPSHIRE 2022

New Hampshire’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.

Photography is by Kendal J. Bush unless otherwise noted.

The FACE of PHOTOGRAPHY

KENDAL J. BUSH

Agood portrait looks natural yet polished. A great portrait is both of those things, and it captures the person’s essence and personality — this is exactly what photographer Kendal J. Bush consistently delivers for her clients. Readers of New Hampshire Magazine will likely recognize her name, as Kendal is a frequent contributor, covering everything from professional portraiture to theater. During Kendal’s impressive career in video, photo journalism and freelance photography, she worked for numerous publications, NBC, CBS and the National Geographic Channel, earning awards and traveling around the world, from under the ocean in the Galapagos to the top of an Alaskan mountain — all with camera in hand. She combines those years of experience with a sense of humor, a love for the arts and a laid-back attitude that instantly puts people at ease. Whether you’re an experienced model or dread the thought of appearing in front of a lens, Kendal excels at helping you relax so you look your very best.

KENDALJBUSH.COM ■ (603) 345-3686

The FACES of FIREARM SAFETY & EDUCATION

JAKE AND TERRYANN BOWEN MANCHESTER FIRING LINE

This is the sixth consecutive year that Manchester Firing Line has been named the Face of Firearm Safety and Education! It’s far more than just a place to shoot — it’s a welcoming family business filled with friendly faces on a mission to educate and raise awareness of firearms and the responsibility that comes with ownership. This veteran-owned company run by husband-and-wife team, Jake and TerryAnn Bowen, offers an impressive array of events, services and a gun store. From youth and beginner classes to advanced instruction for the most seasoned professionals, educators and personal instructors offer you confidence and knowledge — on and off the range. It is a place to go for date night, parties, team-building outings, marriage proposals and more. It continues to grow, and now offers walk-in firearm engraving. You’ll be in good hands with a staff comprised of prior law enforcement, military and NRA-certified professionals. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, this multiple award-winning, state-of-the-art range has something for you.

The FACES of TAX LAW

STEVE BURKE AND JOHN RICH MCLANE MIDDLETON

For over 100 years, McLane Middleton has been a preeminent law firm representing businesses and individuals in all aspects of tax law. Led by John Rich and Steve Burke, the team of 11 tax attorneys provides clients with creative and individually tailored solutions that are specially designed to help them achieve their business and financial objectives. McLane Middleton assists clients with sophisticated tax planning strategies including integrating personal and estate tax planning with business taxes, transaction planning, employee benefits, employee stock ownership plans, executive compensation planning and state and federal tax audits.

Attorney Rich is admitted to practice in New Hampshire. Attorney Burke is admitted to practice in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Both attorneys are ranked by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers.

The FACES of FINANCIAL PLANNING

NICHOLE D. RAFTOPOULOS AND GEORGE RAFTOPOULOS THE NVEST GROUP

Whether you own a business or are looking at your personal finances, navigating through today’s financial world can be a daunting task. Inflation fears, market volatility and rising interest rates, to name a few, are factors that have a major impact on your business and your personal financial plans. The Nvest Group of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Kennebunk, Maine is a conglomerate of financial companies helping individuals and business owners through the web of financial decisions. Nvest Financial is an independent registered investment advisor whose fiduciary financial planners bring the most advanced strategies to help individuals and families manage their portfolios and financial affairs. Nvest 401(k) manages retirement plans such as 401(k)s for business owners and their employees and provides much-needed education for people to maximize their employer’s retirement plan. ROI Cubed is a consulting firm working with business owners to develop and align their business plans with their long-term exit goals. We lead with integrity and compassion to empower you to take the proper steps toward your financial independence. We take a team approach and it is our commitment to provide you with an unparalleled client experience and exclusive personal attention.

Securities offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Nvest Financial, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser, are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network. Business consulting services offered through ROI Cubed are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth. TWO INTERNATIONAL DR., SUITE 110, PORTSMOUTH ■ (207) 985-8585 ■

The FACE of CONCIERGE MEDICAL AESTHETICS

ERICKA MCCARRON, RN ABOUT FACE MEDICAL AESTHETICS

In 2011, About Face Medical Aesthetics emerged as the premier luxury medical aesthetic practice in New Hampshire.

Ericka McCarron, RN, founder and owner leads a team of providers with over 25 years of combined expertise in the aesthetic medical field.

About Face offers an expansive portfolio of innovative nonsurgical aesthetic services including facial rejuvenation, fat reduction, body contouring, anti-aging skin renewal and hair restoration.

The cornerstone values of About Face include the ability to consistently deliver its patients an elevated aesthetic experience, while providing treatment in a discreet, safe clinical environment.

Ericka is a co-founding member of AMPNH, The Aesthetic Medical Providers of NH, a non-profit organization comprised of multidisciplinary providers. She and AMPNH members are dedicated to supporting fellow providers, educating the public and assisting lawmakers to shape the highest standard of care within the industry, ensuring patient safety throughout New Hampshire.

The FACE of MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

ANGELA B. MARTIN DEVINE MILLIMET

As co-chair of our firm’s Mergers and Acquisitions Practice Group, I am involved in many of our firm’s M&A deals. I thrive on structuring an M&A transaction that is perhaps the most important financial decision of a client’s lifetime. In doing so, I can appreciate the many sacrifices of long days, missed family time, financial risks and lessons learned while building their business. One of my greatest professional pleasures is to see my clients reap the financial rewards of a lifetime of hard work. The successful closing of a transaction represents not only the end of a very long and eventful chapter in their lives, but also the beginning of a new one.”

111 AMHERST ST., MANCHESTER 64 NORTH MAIN ST., SUITE 302, CONCORD 30 PENHALLOW ST., PORTSMOUTH DEVINEMILLIMET.COM

The FACE of LOCAL HEALTH PLANS

KATHRYN (KATE) SKOUTERIS HARVARD PILGRIM HEALTH CARE

As the vice president of the New Hampshire market for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, a Point32Health company, and in her prior roles as a health system administrator, an attorney and a New Hampshire state regulator, Kate Skouteris has displayed a passionate interest in improving the quality and access to health care across the Granite State. She’s been an integral part of many health equity initiatives in our communities, most recently working together with other New Hampshire organizations, local hospitals and the New Hampshire Medical Society to launch a mobile clinic, which will provide preventive services, screenings and health education to residents in northern New Hampshire. As the leader of New Hampshire’s local non-profit health plan, Kate and her team help support members accessing and receiving preventative care that’s part of their health coverage. And, when care is needed for services beyond medical care, they are committed to helping connect members to high-quality, cost-effective, local providers. “At Harvard Pilgrim, we’re your neighbors working in your New Hampshire communities to guide and empower healthier lives for everyone.”

HARVARDPILGRIM.ORG

The FACE of POPULATION HEALTH

SALLY A. KRAFT, MD, MPH VICE PRESIDENT OF POPULATION HEALTH AT DARTMOUTH HEALTH

Dr. Sally Kraft leads a team of individuals from across the organization, all with different specialties and all are dedicated to improving the health of our communities both inside and out. “We are woven in to the fabric of our communities and when we engage through community partnerships, we can begin to tackle the other issues that affect health, like access to safe homes, nutritious food, and transportation,” says Dr. Kraft.

Dartmouth Health is committed to improving total health, which means providing healthcare to our patients and investing in our communities to make our population healthier. Sally is currently working with community leaders, researchers, clinicians and educators to launch the Center to Advance Rural Health Equity. As she explains, “We must work in partnership with those in the community, learning together how we can keep people safe, healthy and make sure that everyone can get the care they deserve. I am thrilled to collaborate with community partners to advance the work that we are all doing for vulnerable populations.”

Sally’s team supports Dartmouth Health’s role as an anchor institution to employ the most responsible business practices in its sustainability efforts, purchasing, hiring and investment policies. “Our goal is to improve the health and well-being of people in their communities and to support health and prosperity, locally,” says Dr. Kraft.

Together with the wisdom of our community partners we can successfully tackle health challenges of our times so everyone in our community has the opportunity to live their healthiest life.

The FACE of COSMETIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE DENTISTRY

BRYAN HOERTDOERFER, D.D.S. HOERTDOERFER DENTISTRY

I’m in the business of creating vibrant and beautiful smiles,” says Dr. Bryan Hoertdoerfer. “My patients want to look their best, and I have the privilege of providing cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry that restores teeth and boosts confidence.”

Hoertdoerfer Dentistry provides family-friendly dental care to the greater Manchester, New Hampshire, area. Along with his experienced dental team, Dr. Hoertdoerfer and his staff proudly offer same-day, precision-based Cerec crowns, ZOOM whitening, veneers, bridges, partials, dentures, fillings and general hygiene care. Each visit includes the use of state-of-the-art technology and adherence to the strictest safety protocols to best serve the needs of their patients.

For sports fans, knowing that Dr. Hoertdoerfer has served as the cosmetic and reconstructive dentist to the Boston Bruins, and continues to create custom-fitted mouth guards for several Bruins and other NHL players gives you one more thing to smile about!

The FACE of LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSING EDUCATION

EILEEN GLOVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM OF NEW HAMPSHIRE/RIVER VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAMS

When the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) needed to swiftly create licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs to meet the needs of healthcare facilities across the state, Eileen Glover took on the challenge. A nursing faculty member and department head of River Valley Community College’s Allied Health programs, Glover and her colleagues understood the need for an agile and cost-effective approach that could be offered in multiple regions of the state without duplicating overhead. Glover led in developing high-quality curriculum designed to be offered at campuses across CCSNH, extending opportunities for New Hampshire residents in a field with critical needs for LPNs for patient care positions. Glover and her colleagues hope not only to increase the pipeline of nurses, but also broaden it to include under-represented groups in healthcare roles. “As our state becomes more diverse, so too should the healthcare workforce,” Glover said. Now in its third year, CCSNH’s programs are anticipated to graduate 100 new LPNs annually and provide career ladders for current and future nurses. 26 COLLEGE DRIVE, CONCORD CCSNH.EDU

HAMPSHIRE

The FACES of M&T Bank

M&T BANK

Providing over 120 years of financial service to New Hampshire. Our business may have a new name, but our commitment to our customers and our community remains unchanged. This is not just where we do business, this is where our over 190 employees have chosen to work, live and raise their families. We strive to make a difference in people’s lives. Our team is driven to help, encourage and enable our customers and communities to thrive. Founded in 1856, we care deeply about those we serve and we pride ourselves on giving back to our communities. We support local organizations by volunteering our time and reinvesting in our community. We are invested in driving change by adapting to the needs of our neighbors, finding new solutions for lending, offering Multicultural Banking and sharing the Research & Insights we learn along the way. We empower our people. We encourage diversity, equity and inclusion with our suppliers and our employees. We are always looking for people to grow their careers and future with M&T.

Left–Right: Valerie de Pinquertaine, Todd Ferrucci, Kathleen Wagner, Timothy Wade, Mary Leclair, Caroline Mellone, Steve Hinchee, and Deb Mcgovern

The FACES of ORTHODONTICS

DR. WILLIAM MEHAN & DR. PAUL JOHNSON III MEHAN AND JOHNSON ORTHODONTIC

The office of Mehan and Johnson Orthodontics has been serving the greater Manchester community since 1977. Dr. Paul Johnson III joined Dr. Mehan in 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 by serving wonderful patients, friends and colleagues in the Greater Manchester community.” He has built a reputation for kind, gentle care, and taking his time to obtain optimal treatment outcomes and beautiful smiles that his patient’s deserve.

Dr. Johnson has served as president of the Greater Manchester Dental Society and president of the New Hampshire Association of Orthodontists. Initial consultations are always complimentary, and Dr. Johnson will give patients the opportunity to meet the team, learn more about orthodontics, receive a complete initial exam, and find out which treatment options will best meet your needs.

PHOTO BY MATTHEW LOMANO

The FACES of DENTAL IMPLANT EXPERTS

NH ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

As the leading experts in dental implants and wisdom teeth in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, Doctors Moavenian, El-Ounsi, Reich, Schonfield, Fahmy, Bean, Dyrkacz, Courtney, Ahson, and Kim are committed to providing safe and compassionate care to our patients. Our early adoption of 3D digital imaging and computer aided planning software allows us to reduce the number of appointments and treatment time needed for dental implants. We can often place dental implants at the time a non-savable tooth is removed. We pride ourselves on availability and are always happy to accept new patients. Oral surgery problems are often urgent, and we go the extra mile to accommodate emergencies. We are also certified to provide your choice of local or general anesthesia. The doctors of NHOMS are Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and on staff at hospitals in Nashua, Manchester, Exeter and Beverly, Massachusetts.

OFFICES IN NASHUA, MANCHESTER, CONCORD, DOVER, EXETER, SALEM AND NORTH CONWAY (603) 595-8889 ■ NHOMS.COM

The FACES of WATER TREATMENT

CHRISTINE FLETCHER

SECONDWIND WATER SYSTEMS, INC.

The 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 thirty years of experience in treating the region’s top water health issues including arsenic, radon, bacteria and emerging contaminants such as PFOA. Eighty 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.

The FACES of ADVANCED SURGICAL CARE

SURGICAL SERVICES AT ELLIOT HEALTH SYSTEM

When healthcare treatment includes surgery, patients can depend on the surgical staff at The Elliot to provide the latest in high-quality care in a safe, compassionate and comfortable environment. Our staff of board-certified surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and surgical technologists are expertly trained to provide the most up-to-date, technologically advanced and comprehensive surgical care. Our surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive, laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgeries using the latest in healthcare technology. “We span a wide variety of surgical specialties and treat both pediatric and adult populations. Our care includes thoracic, vascular, orthopaedic, trauma and general surgeries, as well as pediatric surgery. The care we provide is leading-edge in our industry to ensure our patients receive the best treatment possible,” said Beverly

Vice President of Surgical and Procedural Services for Elliot Health System.

Primeau,

Left to right: Bryan Lawless, MD, Elliot Orthopaedics; Rajan Gupta, MD, Elliot General Surgery – Trauma; Elizabeth Soukup, MD, Elliot Pediatric Surgery

The FACES of BARIATRICS AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

The providers of Southern New Hampshire Weight Management offer life-changing treatment options for individuals who are seeking help managing obesity and its related conditions. Dr. Robert Catania, Dr. Ellie Chuang and Megan DeSantis, PA-C, offer expert care to patients who are overweight or experiencing obesity at their practice at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center’s West Campus in Nashua. “We work together as surgeons, endocrinologists, advanced practice providers, registered dieticians and behavioral health specialists to support our patients in finding a treatment that will work best for them,” says Dr. Catania. “Obesity is very treatable, and as a multidisciplinary team, we are proud to offer patients options to treat this chronic disease and its underlying conditions.” Services include medical and surgical weight management, nutritional guidance and education, peer support groups, exercise programs in conjunction with the YMCA of Greater Nashua and mental health counseling. As a nationally accredited program, Southern New Hampshire Weight Management meets the highest patient safety and quality standards.

The FACES of AFFORDABLE HOUSING

SHEEHAN PHINNEY BASS & GREEN

For more than 25 years, Sheehan Phinney has represented developers in the creation and preservation of affordable multi-family housing communities throughout New England. We consider ourselves lucky, and are grateful for the opportunity to assist our wonderful clients in their mission to bring affordable housing to New Hampshire. To our clients, thank you for allowing Sheehan Phinney be part of your mission to help build communities, create opportunities and improve the lives of so many more deserving citizens of New Hampshire. Your work is the cornerstone of our future. Without affordable, stable housing, people cannot prosper and contribute to our society. In addition, we all know that lack of affordable housing is a barrier to economic growth, because, simply put, employers need employees. Like you, we understand that the stigma and associated barriers that accompany almost every affordable housing development. Unfortunately, there are still too many people who, while they may applaud the programs in general, do not want it in their communities. Thank you again for never being deterred or stifled in your drive to create not just places to live, but homes for the residents of New Hampshire.

Left to right: Sue Manchester, Greg Chakmakas, Valerie April, and Margaret Probish

Seated: Ken Viscarello and Chloe Golden Not pictured from the Affordable Housing Team: Peter Beach

The FACES of TITLE PROFESSIONALS

ROSELYN J. LANGIANESE

SUMMIT TITLE

Summit Title has been providing residential and commercial real estate closing services in NH, MA, and Southern ME for 13 years under the leadership of Roselyn Langianese. Her invaluable experience and guidance are the key to Summit Title’s strategic planning, growth, and thriving success in an ever-changing industry. Shannon Kennedy stacks the business development division with highly motivated, trained talent, who strengthen community relationships, and conduct smooth closings that make the buying and selling home process a pleasant experience. Cheryl Megan consistently raises the bar on delivering excellent service to our partners and clients by way of information protection, streamlined processes, and improvements that offer a variety of solutions with innovative technology to consumers. The heart of our business relies on the commitment of our dedicated team. We are proud to be “Your Closing Resource.”

The FACES of NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

UPTON AND HATFIELD

The lawyers of Upton & Hatfield have decades of experience counseling small- and medium-sized New Hampshire businesses in all matters from formation to growth to sale. We also have highly specialized experience representing nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations in matters involving formation, governance, and operations and during times of change. Members of our team have held leadership roles on nonprofit boards, run nonprofit organizations and small businesses, and have served in other executive roles. Our experience is broad, varied, and practical. Our counsel is fully nuanced to the needs of New Hampshire’s business and nonprofit community.

CONCORD, (603) 224-7791 ■ PETERBOROUGH, (603) 924-3864 ■ PORTSMOUTH, (603) 436-7046 UPTONHATFIELD.COM

Left to right: Todd C. Fahey, James F. Raymond, Peter W. Leberman and Madeline K. Osbon

Left

The FACES of QUALITY EARLY EDUCATION ADVOCATES

WORLD ACADEMY

Founded in 1980, World Academy developed a progressive educational paradigm placing students’ needs first, unlike traditional education models. Gary and Kathy Nelson established a mission to serve children and their unique families by recognizing individuality, diversity and equity. Many people have impacted its growth, beginning with 38 students to now over 500 ranging from infants through grade 8. Past and present staff members have collaborated to keep this model responsive and relevant. Teachers, many there for over 20 years, guide the school and are empowered to stay on the cutting edge of their curriculum, ensuring students are gaining meaningful knowledge without gaps. Through innovation, teachers capture opportunities for students to thrive and flourish at their own rates, through their own interests, performing years ahead of their peers. The school functions with transparency unusual for educational institutions. Teachers, many with their own children attending, have a vested interest in ensuring quality as consumers, as well. Customer service is a longstanding trademark as administrators are consistently accessible to make sure everyone is served. Accredited by NEASC, they only answer to their families and have the freedom to make timely decisions effectively in the best interest of their students. Planning for the future, the school has established an endowment for perpetuity, providing a “world of opportunity” for generations to come.

Left to right: Sam Wingate, Director of Admissions; Angela Hehir, ECE Director; Marie Kirk, Director of Marketing and Advancement; and Erik Congdon, Athletic Director

to right (seated): Kathy Nelson, President and Owner; Dr. Lisa Dias, Head of School; Jessica Labbe, Assistant ECE Director; Brooke Shaw, Executive Administrative Assistant

The FACES of EXCEPTIONAL CATERING

THE WHITE APRON

Jay and Liz Curcio are proud owners of The White Apron, an off-premise catering company as well as the Seacoast’s newest venue, MILA by The White Apron in Downtown Exeter, New Hampshire (opening by the end of 2022). Together, they share the same keen eye for fresh, beautiful food coupled with impeccable service. Founded in 2004, they have built their reputation on striving to exceed the standards of their many discerning clients. The talented culinary, service & sales team at The White Apron & MILA, have helped them become the premier catering company in the Seacoast area and beyond. Whether it be a corporate event, fundraiser, or an elegant wedding with multiple moving parts, the process for the team is simple — to make great food and to provide great service every time.

(603) 617-3555 ■

The FACE of KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN

NINA HACKEL DREAM KITCHENS

It 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.

Exploring the Seacoast by skate & sled

A winter’s day with friends, through Portsmouth and Rye

BY JAY ATKINSON | PHOTOS BY JOE KLEMENTOVICH

Writer Jay Atkinson (left) encourages Chris Pierce as he pushes his daughter Kaya on an ice sled at Puddle Dock Pond in Portsmouth.

The steep narrow hill rose from the scrub pines and frozen marsh grass that fringed the beach. As we hiked along, I realized we were trekking over a massive bunker and gun emplacement that helped protect the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard during World War II.

The concrete bunker had been reinforced with earthworks, and over the past 80 years, a crop of small trees and shrubs had taken root there. The inland side of the gun emplacement was angled sharply downward, forming a nearly vertical pitch with a few broken rocks and ragged bushes jutting up from the snow.

Before long, I was seated on the crest of the hill, legs extended downslope, my boot heels raised a few inches above the glistening snow pack. Below me was a sort of homemade luge run, a narrow depression in the snow that extended for approximate-

ly 45 yards, doglegging to the left about three-quarters of the way down, and studded with rocks and tufts of wilted bracken.

A few moments earlier, my longtime rugby teammate, Chris Pierce, had executed a glissade from this spot and barely avoided a disaster, skimming past the large red boulder at the conclusion of the run. From the top of the hill, it looked like a gravestone.

After Piercey got to his feet, his 12year-old son Willem followed, zooming down like a pocket rocket. He went flying off the hard, packed snow, going airborne for a couple yards, then touching down for a split-second before catching air a second time. Piercey grabbed Willem at the bottom of the slope, pulling him away from the big rock.

Jackson Spellman and Mike Zizza were next. Both rugby players and frequent co-conspirators on our sketchy adventures, Jackson and Mike shot down the slippery

Mike Zizza, Kaya Pierce, Jay Atkinson and Kristi Spellman hike in Odiorne Point State Park in Portsmouth.

Mike Zizza and his daughter Sofia exit a World War II-era bunker at Ordione Point State Park.

Above: Chris Pierce poses beside an ethereal piece of graffiti in the park.

track without incident. Then I took my place at the top of the run.

“Are you doing it?” Piercey yelled.

I nodded. “Yeah.”

Making the sign of the cross and kissing the fingertips of my right hand, I pushed myself over the crest of the bunker and went flying downhill.

Four hours earlier, I had rendezvoused with Mike and his 26-year-old daughter, Sofia, on the historic 10-acre campus of Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth. Our first planned activity was an outing at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond.

It was 17 degrees beneath a corrugated gray sky when Piercey, his wife, Tanya, Willem and 15-year-old daughter, Kaya, pulled up beside us, followed by Jackson and his wife, Kristi “Stitches” Spellman, and then Joe Klementovich, our “spiritual advisor” and photographer. We hadn’t all been together for a while and formed a line to hug it out.

“Whew. I’m exhausted,” I said, making Kristi laugh.

The tidy lodge on the edge of the parking lot contained a skate rental area, ticket counter and sparklingly clean bathrooms and floors.

“This is not the kind of hockey rink I am used to,” I said to Mike, who also grew up playing the sport. “The floors are dry, and it doesn’t reek of urine.”

Tickets for non-members were $12 for a 90-minute session, and we milled around in the well-lit space, lacing up our skates and trading friendly insults. I caught Piercey’s eye, and he raised his eyebrows and grinned at me.

Tanya, Piercey, Willem and I had been skating and playing hockey outdoors all winter. But Kaya Pierce wasn’t able to join us on those backyard rinks and frozen ponds. A determined outdoor enthusiast and athlete, Kaya, who has cerebral palsy, is proficient at snowshoeing, hiking and adaptive cycling and skiing. Over the past couple years, she’d also tried her hand at open water swimming, completing an abbreviated first leg of our annual DIY Backcountry Triathlon in Rumney, New Hampshire. The event is held in late September when the water in Stinson Lake is quite cold.

But Kaya wasn’t able to ice skate, and that sent Piercey searching for a remedy. He discovered that Labrie Family Skate is in partnership with Northeast Passage (NEP), a nonprofit organization located at the Uni-

versity of New Hampshire. NEP is dedicated to creating a “barrier-free world” for people with disabilities, especially athletes. NEP’s program in Portsmouth would enable Kaya to use adaptive skating equipment, including a sit-down recreational ice sled.

Our whole gang took to the ice at the same time, kicking things off with the sort of frictionless motion that we’d been chasing all winter across various surfaces.

By 10 a.m., the temperature had risen

to 22 degrees and the clouds drifted away, revealing a glassy blue sky. The ice at Puddle Dock Pond gleamed with a mother-of-pearl finish, and the clack of our skates echoed across the narrow rink as we exited the lodge. The S-shaped rink was surrounded by a white fence like at a racetrack and hemmed in by a cluster of skeletal trees.

When Mike and I first walked into the lodge earlier that morning, a friendly young woman at the counter said the 10 a.m. skate

Mike and Sofia Zizza skate across the rink at Puddle Dock Pond.

would be lightly attended, and since our session was being cut a little short to prepare for an ice show, the skate rental fees were being waived.

So we had free rein over the ice, sharing the rink with a dozen other people, including a young family, a middle-aged couple wobbling along hand in hand, and a few kids in youth hockey jerseys wheeling around the ice, exhaling plumes of condensation.

An all-round athlete like his parents, Willem is an eager student when it comes to new sports. After a couple laps, I got my legs under me and Willem fell in alongside as we circled the rink. I’d been skating with him at our friends Bob and Mandi Bishop’s backyard rink, focusing on a few basic principles. Standing by the fence, we returned to the training rubric that I’d provided — Willem with the heels of his skates tipped together to form a V, a deep knee bend with a pro-

truding “monkey butt,” and a straight back with his head up, looking down the ice.

I’d also taught him the “robot” arm swing, alternately coming straight out from behind his hip with his gloved fist rising almost to chin level. Our skates crunching into the ice, I moved out in front keeping my body low, and took several “long and strong” strides, picking up speed.

Twenty yards down the rink, I slowed down and watched Willem zip down the

ice, extending his front leg and pushing off the inside edge of his rear skate. He went past me, whizzing along like a great blue heron flying up from a sheet of open water. It reminded me of my son Liam at that age, swooping over the ice on Phillips Pond with his cousins, a lifelong skill that, once acquired, is always cherished, never forgotten.

Pulling Kaya on the ice sled, Piercey caught up, lifting his chin toward Will to acknowledge his progress.

“That’s money,” I said.

Nearby, Sofia was using her dad as a comic foil while making an irreverent video for her social media. Insisting that she never did that sort of thing, the University of South Carolina graduate handed over her phone. In the video, Mike is skating with an uncertain look on his face, lip syncing his lines with a preadolescent girl’s voice dubbed over his.

Skating beside Sofia, Mike said, “Am I too old to be here?” in that high-pitched voice.

“What?” said Sofia.

Mike threw his hands up.“Does it look weird that I’m here?”

“No, not at all.”

Mike looked into the camera. “Am I higher than these little b******?” he asked. A

broken lobster trap and fishing rod embedded in the frozen beach

The group hikes past a heap of lobster traps.

“You look amazing,” Sofia said.

When Tanya came by with the sled, I took over, pulling Kaya around the rink while inserting my inane commentary to make her laugh. I soon discovered that the ice sled was different from the steel-runner Radio Flyers of my youth. On Kaya’s sled, the runners were like the blades of a hockey skate, sharpened to create an “inside” and “outside” edge on each side. Going at a good clip, I made an abrupt turn to the left, causing the right-side runner to rise off the ice.

Kaya let out a scream.

Just before the sled capsized, I took a quick step to my right, leveling Kaya out again. “I just did that to see how you’d react,” I said, grinning at her.

“No you didn’t,” she said, and we laughed.

Circling the rink, we came across Kristi, holding the edge of the perimeter fence and stepping daintily along in her rental skates. A former Miss Teen Dance America and classically trained dancer, Kristi has a wry, understated manner that jibes with my per-

sonality. When it comes to quirky outdoor excursions, she and I had our own spinoff series entitled “The Misadventures of Kristi and Jay.”

“I figured you for a skater,” I said.

“I haven’t skated since I was 11,” Kristi said. “The water doesn’t freeze where we live.”

“Bend your knees more,” I said. “Lower your center of gravity a bit. For crissakes, you’re a ballet dancer.”

After a couple minutes, Kristi was gliding along. “You got this, Stiches,” I said.

Suddenly, she caught an edge and went down like she’d been shot. “You’re definitely getting the hang of it,” I said, helping her up.

While I was taking my turn pulling Kaya, her mother was intent on skating laps, whipping past us with a blissful look on her face. Tanya Koning Pierce was an All-American in soccer at Ithaca College in upstate New York, while Piercey was an Academic All-American in wrestling. Taking up ice hockey as an adult is difficult, but Tanya had

turned herself into a pretty good player over the past few winters. Piercey, on the other hand, barrels around the ice like a rodeo clown when we play hockey on the Bishops’ backyard rink.

I spend a lot of time outdoors with the Pierces engaged in all sorts of activities. Mostly we go with the flow, the Zen practitioners of tricky conditions and terrible weather. But the zeal with which Tanya and Piercey track their data makes the CIA look like slackers. Though living in the moment, they catalog everything their gadgets will allow: calories burned, respiration, heart rate; how cold, how far, how fast, how long; the per second shadings of available light, the depth of the water, the thickness of the ice, even how they felt about it all, the “mood ring” of exalted consciousness expanding into a gestalt that tallies up every drop of sweat expelled over a lifetime spent sallying over the uneven terrain of the hinterlands.

Slowing down, Tanya skated over to Kaya and me, gliding along with her right foot

Mike Zizza treks across the icy jetty extending across the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth.

slightly forward. “Want me to take another turn?” she asked.

“Sure,” I said, handing over the rope attached to the sled. “We had a million laughs. I kept track.”

From Strawberry Banke, we drove in a caravan to Odiorne Point State Park in nearby Rye. The 135-acre seaside park is located at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, the shoreline running southward from the jetty. For centuries, this stretch of territory had been the summer gathering place of the local Abenaki, a respite from the harsh New England winters and a haven of sustainable fishing, including an abundance of mussels and clams.

In 1660, settler John Odiorne moved his family to this location with the spit of land remaining in the family for generations. With the second World War on the horizon, the existing homes and other structures were torn down, and the coastline was fortified as part of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s defenses. Fort Dearborn, as it came to be known, was named for Revolutionary War Major-General Henry Dearborn and occupied by the 22nd Coast Artillery Regiment for the duration of the war. In 1961, the federal government transferred 137 acres of the fort to the state of New Hampshire, limiting its use to recreational pursuits.

After we’d begun traveling over the bunker that had once contained two 16-inch Mark IIMI ex-Navy guns, Piercey decided to slide down the rear slope, and the others followed.

Now, I inched forward on my backside and dropped into the narrow luge run, plummeting down the slope. The snow was hard and slick, but I could feel an occasional rock through the seat of my Gore-Tex pants. Accelerating quickly, my lower body was vibrating upward when my heel caught a low, broken off branch to the left of the trail.

Immediately, I sprang into the air, tumbling sideways from hip to shoulder, my field of vision bouncing from the sky to the ground to the forest, as if Alfred Hitchcock had thrown a movie camera off of Mount Rushmore. My head was pointed downhill and, closing fast on the boulder, I used some voodoo body English to correct myself in midair. Twisting around, I got my boot heels pointed downslope just in time, moving at terminal velocity.

The reddish boulder loomed large, coming straight at me in VistaVision. A split-second before reaching the bottom, I managed to throw my hip out to the left, swinging my feet that way as I scraped along the rough edge of the boulder and jerked to a halt. Mike and Jackson and Willem were agog, staring at me like I’d fallen out of an

airplane with a martini in my hand.

I made a “safe” sign with my arms. “No injuries,” I said.

Piercey leaned over the boulder, grinning. “I got it on video,” he said.

After coming around the bunker to explore the darkened, graffiti-covered interior, we looked out through the slit in the concrete wall at the Atlantic Ocean just 30 yards away. The guns housed in this facility were never fired during World War II, but were manned 24/7 for the duration, scanning for German U-boats and other enemy vessels.

Mike and I were a couple feet apart, watching the little breakers rolling up on the beach. “Imagine being in one of those German bunkers on D-Day as the allies hit the beach,” I said in a quiet voice. “Just knowing that your cause was totally in the wrong.”

Mike nodded, gazing out to sea.

Emerging from the bunker, I spotted Kristi hiking along the beach, following the rest of the group back to the trailhead.

Earlier, when we’d arrived at the boat launch parking lot, Willem had bolted from the car and gone rock hopping over the rough icy surface of the jetty, with the gray-green Atlantic Ocean to his right and the Piscataqua River on his left. Piercey went scrambling after him, and Kristi, Tanya, Mike and I mounted the jetty and began following the two Pierces when Kristi cried out.

Jay Atkinson warms his hands enough to make a few notes.

The jetty was made from brownish-green blocks of granite, each the size of a small car, jumbled here and there with dark crevasses between them. Somehow Kristi had managed to step into a pothole, breaking through the thin coat of ice and immersing herself in freezing cold seawater to the knee.

Kristi looked at me and laughed. “How did that happen?” she asked.

Ninety minutes later, the two of us were walking along the snowy edge of the beach. Kristi was favoring her half-frozen right leg. And with the burst of adrenaline from my glissade ebbing away, my left hip felt jammed into my socket, causing me to march up and down like a marionette.

“All we need is a little drummer boy,” I said. “And we could hobble along with bandages wrapped around our heads playing the fife and waving the colonial flag.”

Kristi and I share a lot of alternative lifestyle ideas — for example, I’ve been waiting two years for her to develop a new vegan protein powder that will raise my skein of crazy activities to the next level.

So, hindered as we were, she told me about her “guru” from India who’d recently sorted out an issue with her back. As we entered a trail that cut through the woods, Kristi showed me a photo of the portable sauna that she’d recently purchased online — without mentioning it to Jackson.

Expecting to see a linen closet made of Norwegian wood, I glanced down at Kristi’s sleek little head sticking out of a gray plastic bag that was the size of a washing machine and had an orange zipper running down the front.

I doubled over laughing. “Get out of town with your alien sauna,” I said.

In the parking lot, Piercey said he’d completed a 3-mile hike with such-andsuch a calorie burn, etc. “That’s pretty good,” I said. He looked down at his GPS, and said, “You only did 2.65 miles.”

Twenty minutes later, we reconvened in downtown Portsmouth at the Green Elephant, a vegetarian bistro and bar featuring Asian cuisine and local beers. Last summer, my son Liam and I had

stopped there on our way back from a minor league baseball game in Portland, and were impressed with the quality of the food and service.

It was late afternoon, and the narrow space of the restaurant was filled with low winter light, as well as the aroma of Thai spices wafting out from the kitchen. The 10 of us occupied a long table along the left-hand wall, where I was subjected to some comic skepticism from the assembly.

“Who let the vegan pick the restaurant?” said Jackson, snickering behind his menu.

“Hey, I’m on your side — the only vegan who ever threw a punch,” I said.

“But did you connect with it?” Piercey said. Mike laughed. “He connected with that head-butt in Philly,” he said, hearkening back to a rugby match several years earlier.

But soon our food and local beers had arrived and, amidst the friendly clatter of the restaurant, we began passing around the pad thai, panang curry, dumplings and Thai ginger noodles.

Piercey hailed me from across the table. “Good call,” he said. NH

PHOTO BY THOMAS MISSERT

At the Green Elephant vegetarian bistro and bar in Portsmouth: a hot meal after a long cold day outdoors.

S UND

VISI N AND

To borrow a lyric from Joni Mitchell, these producers are “stoking the star-maker machinery” of the music industry right here in New Hampshire.

Great music often reflects the vibe and energy of the place and community where it is created and shared. This is certainly true of the New Hampshire music scene, which is constantly in motion and striving to perfect a multitude of sounds across many genres such as rock, folk, country, jazz, classical, hip hop, and rhythm and blues. We talked with three New Hampshire music producers to get their thoughts on where the Granite State’s music scene could be headed next.

By Robert Cook / Photography by Robert Ortiz

t

ARocking Horse Studio in Pittsfield, owner Brian Coombes just finished an ambitious, operatic concept album, titled “Circus of Wire Dolls,” with his band, Rocking Horse Music Club.

It is filled with progressive rock and that melds with other music to produce a distinc tive sound and reflects the ever-changing, evolving New Hampshire music scene. A British reviewer noted that Rocking Horse Mu sic Club succeeded by mashing up progressive rock with glam, folk and ’80s new wave to make the album more progressive, Coombes says, but when they first conceived the concept album, they were tinkering with styles, saying, “Let’s write a Roxy Music song or a Cars song.” The experiment expanded to include other artists (like Taylor Swift, says Coombes) un leashing their creativity in the process.

Coombes’ eclectic range (he’s a multi-instrumentalist who favors the keyboards) and his desire to record all kinds of music created by artists throughout the Granite State keeps things exciting and unpredictable. He sees New Hampshire’s increasing diversity as a driver that is bringing music from other cultures to bear and add new tones and styles to his inventory.

He recently recorded a Ukrainian-American folk singer and songwriter, Andriana Gnap, who performs her own material as well as traditional Ukrainian material. Andriana’s family history is similar to what is happening to millions of Ukrainian residents who have been forced to flee their country as its war with Russia continues.

Coombes explained that when Ukraine was invaded in World War II, some of her family ended up on the Russian side, but Gnap’s grandmother became a forced laborer in Nazi Germany as a young girl and ended up being a housekeeper for a prosperous Germany family. When trouble came to their town, the family took her with them. Gnap’s grandmother eventually came to America. Now Gnap is making music in New Hampshire that reflects her cultural roots, and she is making a name for herself.

Gnap just received a New England Music Award nomination in the World Music category for 2022. Coombes also has been nominated for the ninth time as producer of the year and won once in 2015.

Since opening his studio full time in 2007, Coombes says he has recorded more than 14 hard drives full of music from just about every genre on his Pittsfield hilltop inside a nondescript barn building that was specially

designed and built to produce the best recording conditions.

Coombes says the best way for a music scene to evolve is when new music and artists are introduced into it and inspire like-mind ed musicians to experiment, borrow and incorporate. He notes that as more people from African countries, Afghanistan, Ukraine and others call New Hampshire home, their cultures and musical traditions will have an impact. Meanwhile, New Hampshire’s young er and up-and-coming artists are picking up on those vibes and are open to culling new sounds, he says, creating the perfect mix for a healthy, vibrant music scene.

“I hope that we can continue to evolve,” says Coombes. “The roots run deep here in New England, the world continues to get smaller, and communications from online sources continue to grow. You might see shifts as the state becomes more diverse and more musical styles are introduced. I continue to learn new things from everyone that walks in here.”

It’s one exciting musical journey for him as an artist and producer — a career with a number of twists already under his belt. Coombes was one of the founding members of Tristan Park in 1986. He had just graduated from high school when that band signed a recording deal with a British label, toured and recorded in Europe.

“Then that ran its course, and we all got a bit older,” Coombes says. He worked in the software industry in New Hampshire for about 10 years, but he never completely “outgrew” his youthful passion. The whole time he was at LillyWorks Software in Hampton, his colleagues knew he was a musician who took vacations to go on European tours. “It was a startup company, and they thought it was cool,” he recalls.

He started a recording suite in his basement in Manchester, and as it became more serious, he and his wife decided to move to the country and create a proper recording environment. “I was just thinking it would be a sophisticated recording studio, but I was still going to work,” he says, but he decided to open his recording studio after the company went through some changes that led to downsizing. He was drawing on some old music connections, and when he and his wife recorded an album in 2003 with Chris Difford of Squeeze, that inspired the couple to make the move and create the studio.

“For me as a music professional, I look back at the time I spent in the software

industry and wonder where I could have been,” says Coombes. “It set the ground work and provided the funding to get this off the ground, and I have no regrets.”

When he and Michelle, his wife of 26 years, moved to Pittsfield, they hired a Boston builder to design a state-of-the art studio in the barn. “Our neighbors just assumed we were going to have horses, but when the cinderblocks arrived, they knew it would be something different,” he recalls.

“The band Genesis had a studio in Surrey called the Farm, and our layout was almost modeled after that,” says Coombes, adding that he once produced an album at the Genesis studio in 2017 for Dale Newman, a former roadie for Genesis who went on to manage that studio and to perform there.

Coombes has had to evolve as a studio

PHOTO COURTESY THE RED PARKA PUB

Brian Coombes in his Pittsfield Rocking Horse Studio

producer as the music industry has evolved.

“When we started, artists were producing CDs. Now artists are doing mostly digital, and CDs are starting to make a comeback. We are producing EPs and singles, for the most part,” says Coombes. “The attention span of the average listener these days is more conducive to that.” In fact, he often recommends that artists do not put out all of their songs from a recording session at once, but release them gradually to cater to that narrow attention span.

“My own band, Rocking Horse Music Club, just released a 22-song, 90-minute rock opera,” says Coombes. “My audience happens to be people my age and older. I wouldn’t recommend that approach for country or pop artists,” he says.

Rocking Horse Studio continues to be

busy. “We are recording six days a week. We have a lot of ongoing projects. The studio could be booked for five to eight days for recording and mixing a different project. They could be 10 to 15 projects at the time,” Coombes says.

They record artists of all genres, but focus on singer/songwriters who need full band arrangements, tapping his own skills and inventory of talent. Rocking Horse Music Club was formed from that process, and they have performed a number of special events such as the Best of NH hosted by New Hampshire Magazine.

Coombes says they record a lot of New Hampshire artists who play acoustic, indie rock and some country projects. There are also fusion recording sessions with artists like Kenwood Dennard who

plays in the group Brand X.

One project that Coombes is very excited about is their work with Jim Sampas, who is the executor of the Jack Kerouac estate in Lowell, Massachusetts Coombes’ love for American literature, stemming from the BA in English and American Literature he earned at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell, fuels his enthusiasm.

“Jim has written music and adapted Kerouac’s prose and made them into lyrics,” says Coombes, who notes that Rocking Horse Music Club’s latest album was inspired by a writer that both he and Kerouac admired: Thomas Wolfe, who wrote the novel, “Look Homeward, Angel” in 1929. Such literary influences go way back: Tristan Park’s last al bum in 1998 included two 10-minute songs that were based on Theodore Dreiser’s novel, “An American Tragedy.”

In spite of the changes and the years lost to COVID-19 restrictions, Coombes continues to be very optimistic about the state of New Hampshire’s music scene.

“The fact that we are busier than ever with a wide range of different artists from different ages, I would say the creative output is stronger than it’s ever been. In my 17 years, I have never worked with a more diverse group of artists. People in their 50s and 60s and teenagers. And they are all expressing themselves with their unique music,” he says.

During the pandemic when artists could not perform, they spent more time focusing on their art and writing more songs, he says. The ability to record music and distribute music via digital apps is good, because it makes it easier for more people to express their creativity, but they still need a studio to refine their work, says Coombes.

Recently, The Becker Sisters from western New Hampshire enjoyed using the conservatory grand piano at his studio to enhance their classical vocal and piano music.

While the local music scene in the Concord area is still dominated by jam bands, Coombes says he is seeing his share of artists who want to integrate drums, keyboards and vocal arrangements into hip hop records and other newer sounds.

“Most of the young artists who come to work with us want to create good songs and make them sound good. No one is trying to invent the next trend,” says Coombes, and that’s good. “If you are a forward-thinking, open-minded musician, that is where you are going to find it.” →

Ruby Shabazz and Bill Fee

For more than 20 years, Ruby Shabazz and her life partner and musical collaborator, Bill Feehan, have entertained Granite Staters throughout southern New Hampshire with their brand of hip hop and R&B. They also help their fellow musicians hone their desired sound at Fenetic Music Studio in Nashua.

Hip hop has always resonated with Shabazz and Feehan more than any other musical genre, and they are pleased that it is gaining momentum with more New Hampshire music fans today.

“We grew up on it. It speaks to us, and it speaks to our soul,” says Shabazz. “It is music about the culture and the struggle.”

During the summer months, Shabazz and Feehan perform at multicultural downtown festivals held in Nashua, Manchester and Concord. They also play any number of gigs at select pubs and restaurants throughout the region, performing at the two most recent Best of NH parties held at Shaker Village in Canterbury.

They attribute some of their success to their willingness to incorporate other types of music with hip hop, such as soul and rock, to make the music more accessible to more listeners, but being true to themselves as musical artists is always paramount, Shabazz says. “When Bill and I both said, ‘Let’s get back to our roots and be more of ourselves,’ people could see that and appreciate the authenticity. People see you are having a good time and they are having a good time,” she says.

Through their dedication to the craft and love for hip hop, the couple have helped create a community of like-minded artists and hip hop fans in New Hampshire, a movement that keeps growing with young and older listeners alike.

They opened Fenetic Music Studio in Nashua in 2012, producing a lot of hip hop and R&B music and providing a base as they perform all over the Granite State.

“We do a lot of coordinating with downtown festivals in Nashua, Manchester and Concord and area pubs,” says Shabazz. Feehan adds, “With organic hip hop, a lot of it pulls from the soul samples from the ’60s and ’70s, so when we work with a live band we can weave in the new soul samples and transpose it and revamp it to make it more exciting.”

The couple, who plan to wed in April after being together for 25 years, believe New Hampshire’s hip hop music scene is ready to take off. “It is growing and being cultivated

right now. It is definitely becoming more diverse and inclusive,” says Feehan. “It is all over New Hampshire. We just did a show with Modest Man in Keene and played a rap night at Shaskeen in Manchester with DJ Myth.”

Feehan and another local artist, Cody Pope, were recently nominated for New England Music Awards for Hip Hop Act of the Year and Rising Star of the Year — the first time that two New Hampshire artists have been so nominated. “It validates what we are doing on a larger scale,” says Feehan. Winners were to be named at a ceremony on November 30 (after this issue went to press) at Patriots Place near Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

At their Nashua studio, Feehan, who performs as Fee the Evolutionist, and Ruby Shabazz works with keyboard players, bassists and drummers who play in rock bands, wedding bands, jazz bands and other genres.

“We are looking to work with more musicians as well,” Shabazz says, noting that interested musicians can contact them via email at feetheevolutionist@gmail.com.

When the couple perform together, their joy is evident and infectious. It’s a chemistry that comes from how well they complement one another as performers and as a couple in real life.

Feehan says they have worked with 40 different artists in their studio over the past year. They also enjoy collaborating with engineers in other studios. “We’re big on collaborations and the community in general,” says Feehan. “We are only as strong as the music community.”

One of those collaborations resulted in a songwriting award nomination for work they did with Ski Beatz, who produced Jay-Z. Feehan, performing as Fee the Evolutionist, worked with Ruby Shabazz, Professor Lyrical and producer Ski Beatz on the song, “Ain’t No Love” that can be acquired on Apple Music, Amazon and other streaming platforms.

Although famous for its competitive turf battles between East Coast and West Coast crews, collaboration is really at the heart of hip hop as a musical genre, and it’s at the very center of everything that Feehan and Shabazz have done since they met on the campus at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell 25 years ago. Shabazz, 44, is originally from Roxbury, Massachusetts, and Feehan, 50, grew up in North Chelmsford. Their love of hip hop and R&B drew

them together as creative partners and later as a bonded couple.

They performed and produced hip hop and R&B music in the Greater Boston area and around Lowell for the first five years before they moved to Nashua. They, and other hip hop artists, began to set out to build a movement in southern New Hampshire, and now they believe they have succeeded.

The two have made many albums together, including “One Love” and other albums that were put on vinyl with a group named X Cal.

They believe hip hop reached a turning point in New Hampshire when they and other artists improved production values and made the music more accessible to the audiences. “It also changed when we decided to be more of ourselves,” Shabazz recalls. Feehan agrees, but adds, “You need to kind of push your ego aside. And you have to do what you love to do, but you can do it in such a way that people respond to it as well.”

Feehan believes New Hampshire has a gold mine of talent that is embracing hip hop like never before. They have learned that if artists are emotionally committed to their musical form and that love reaches the audience, good things happen.

Shabazz believes that Nashua and New Hampshire can become a place where national hip hop and R&B artists will want to perform during their tours as word spreads about its popularity here. Bringing local and national fan bases together generates a great ripple effect, says Feehan. “Their fans become your fans, and our fans become more fans.”

They love it when they see both younger and older members in the audience and appreciate it when fans linger. “As long as you’re talented and relatable, kids want to be able to shake your hands, talk to you and exchange social media,” says Feehan.

The isolation of recent years fueled people’s desire to get outside and be together and that urge further fuels hip hop’s popularity in the Granite State, says Shabazz. “With the pandemic, there was a lot of social consciousness going on. With different cultures coming up with different music, food, dancing, people appreciate it and they want to know more about their cultures, their struggles and their celebration,” Shabazz explains.

In the end, they are doing what they love to increase the love for everyone. “If the scene thrives, we have more places to play and more places to go and just enjoy ourselves,” Feehan says. “If you love your craft, the fan base will grow organically.”

Bob Lord’s PARMA Recordings in North Hampton marked a milestone this fall when they produced “Amplify,” their 1,000th album, that was released on PARMA’s label, Navona Records. It was made for All Classical Portland in Oregon and represents another masterful classical music recording for Lord and his team.

“We’re really proud of this project. We hope it is just the beginning of a movement to larger projects like this,” Lord says.

As the founding member of the Seacoast progressive rock band Dreadnaught, Lord developed a strong love for classical music that led him to create PARMA Recordings and Navona Records in 2008. He believes

there are many more listeners out there who are ready to fully appreciate and embrace classical music as he has. It is just a matter of making it more accessible and casting it in a different light.

The Grammy-winning Navona Records’ goal is to provide listeners with a fresh taste of today’s leading innovators in orchestral, chamber, instrumental and experimental music as well as prime pieces of classic repertoire. Lord explains that, while their focus is on classical music, they also work with jazz, folk and electronic music artists.

A new project that has captured Lord’s heart is Leonard Bernstein’s recently uncovered “Music for String Quartet.” Navona Records is working with mem-

bers of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) to record and release this music that Bernstein composed in 1936 at age 18 while attending Harvard University. Artists Lucia Lin, Natalie Rose Kress, Danny Kim and Ronald Feldman will perform the music for PARMA Recordings that will be released by Navona Records in 2023.

“It’s a rare event indeed to present a premiere of any type by a great master of Bernstein’s stature, much less to have something completely and totally unheard composed by the man himself as part of it,” reads a statement released by PARMA in October. “We’re honored to be the stewards of this historic project.”

“People know this piece has been discovered, but what they don’t know is that it has not been recorded before,” says Lord.

PARMA had been working with BSO violinists Lucia Lin and BSO Music Librarian John Perkel, who brought this project to Lord to produce.

Great music is a constant that flows out of PARMA Recordings and Navona Records. In addition to the classical and jazz music artists that Lord produces, he also enjoys working with celebrated authors like his friend Dan Brown. Lord’s studio produced Brown’s “Wild Symphony” children’s book, which Bob said is just amazing because “it is having an impact on listeners all over the world.”

Bob explained the book is coupled with a symphonic work and an app that can be accessed by scanning a QR code in the book. Each page plays the musical track with the associated animal on that page, Bob said. The music was recorded by the Navona’s Records’ orchestra that they operate in Croatia as part of the Zagreb Festival Orchestra. The book and the album were released in 2020. MGM Studios is currently turning Brown’s book into an animated feature film.

Lord’s experimental rock band, Dreadnaught, which has also served as the house band of The Music Hall’s Writers on a New England Stage series for 17 years, is a passion for him, but he says he loves working in the studio even more. He notes that, as a producer, just “knowing that you are doing something that has the potential to last a very, very long time” is very gratifying. He believes the Bernstein’s recordings are a good example.

The creativity and the energy that Lord experiences as producer here in New

Bob Lord at The Music Hall in Portsmouth

Hampshire is a reflection of the Seacoast music scene, he says. Even looking back to when he started Dreadnaught as a University of New Hampshire student in 1996, Lord believes the Seacoast artists have always striven to bring together different sounds and influences to create exciting music. And Portsmouth is currently blessed with so many venues where musicians can play for attentive audiences, from the Press Room and The Music Hall Lounge to Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club and 3S Art Studios. He says when you have that much activity happening in those larger venues and places like the Stone Church in Newmarket and the smaller coffee houses that are perfect for bands and singer/songwriters who are just starting out, wonderful things usually happen.

In a singular way, Lord has always had a finger on the pulse of the Seacoast music scene. “I am the only person who has ever been a musician, running a music company, chairing the board [of The Music Hall’s board of directors] and someone who has been on stage performing for an audience,” he says. And, he notes, there contin ues to be a tremendous musical confluence of new and up-and-coming artists that are homegrown to more world-class musicians who want to play in Portsmouth. “Right now, there is more great music being created here than there are outlets for it to be shared and experienced.”

And, with the continued business growth, population growth and diversity of cultures that are finding homes in the Seacoast region, Lord says, “All of these factors will fuel the Seacoast music scene for a long time.”

That said, in many ways, the current Seacoast music scene is not that different than the one that flourished 30 years ago. Dreadnaught is now 26 years old and the band just released “Northern Burner.” In 2021, Lord released a solo album, “Playland Arcade” (named for Hampton Beach’s famous arcade) containing musical odes to such attractions as Fry Doe and Skee Ball.

“Capturing the crazy stuff in your head before it evaporates is really important,” Lord says.

With Dreadnaught, the band performed so many gigs that it didn’t always have time to really hone its sound and focus on songwriting. As Lord’s love for

classical music and modern music blossomed, he enjoyed working in the studio more and more and helping fellow artists perfect their sound. Since 2008, he has developed a laser focus to help bands and artists realize their potential. “I can help people achieve their vision,” he says.

One of his most memorable gigs with Dreadnaught was when they opened for The Who’s late bassist John Entwistle in Portland, Maine, in 2001. Entwistle was one of Lord’s heroes, and he always admired the way The Who combined classical music with rock when they made “Tommy.” The Who is currently touring with a symphony orchestra, which is now common for many contemporary artists.

Lord believes the New Hampshire music scene is benefitting from the ease of creating homegrown music via digital technology with apps like Spotify, Apple and YouTube, in spite of the downsides in terms of revenue. “Digital music has cut the revenue stream in albums,” he admits, but he adds, “It has opened up this world where you can skip and jump from style to genre and create.”

Listeners’ ability to do the same also enables more people to embrace more different musical genres today than before. This development is removing the stigma that has dogged traditional classical music for a long time, he believes.

The willingness of musicians to mix and meld various musical genres to create their sound gives the New Hampshire scene more life and vibrancy than it has ever known. Musicians should never hesitate to capture whatever they hear inside their heads, says Lord.

“Artistic bravery and doing what you feel and think is artistically right is the most important thing,” Lord says. “There is no secret code. The only thing that is holding you back is the fear that you will make yourself look like an ass.” And the best way that music fans can nurture their local music scene is to go out and listen to live music. “We can’t do what we do in a vacuum,” he says.

Lord takes it as his vocation to help artists realize their vision. As a result, he says that everyone that he has ever worked with have become like members of an extended family.

“I am a steward of their art, and I take that responsibility very seriously,” says Lord. NH

Hot Granite State Music

Just in time for the holiday season, here is some great new music made right here in New Hampshire for your listening enjoyment:

ROCKING HORSE STUDIO, PITTSFIELD

Andriana – Songs from Home Andriana blends original and traditional Ukrainian folk music with modern touches, including her beautiful vocals and orchestral arrangements. andriana.org

Rocking Horse Music Club –Circus of Wire Dolls

A 96-minute, genre-defying concept album/opera from the house band at Rocking Horse Studio, Circus of Wire Dolls blends elements of progressive rock with glam, folk, alt-country, new wave, gospel and jazz fusion. Features guest appearances by Chris Difford (Squeeze), Greg Hawkes (the Cars), David Cross (King Crimson), Caroline Carter (Miss NH), Evelyn Cormier (American Idol) and many others.

rockinghorsemusicclub.com

FENETIC STUDIO, NASHUA

Ruby Shabazz – Love is Enough bit.ly/LoveisEnough

Fee the Evolutionist ft. Ruby Shabazz –Ain’t No Love bit.ly/FeeTheEvolutionist

PARMA RECORDINGS, NORTH HAMPTON

All Classical Portland – Amplify Parma Recordings’ 1,000th album navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6456

Dreadnaught – Northern Burner open.spotify.com/album/2kCRkKYMCpmoc6xxNjzLBx

Bob Lord - Playland Arcade open.spotify.com/album/3TZggGneWK9FmzUd7JTIie

FOR MORE MUSIC, check out our vinyl music picks in the Holiday Gift Guide, on page 88.

603 Living

“It has been an unchallengeable American doctrine that cranberry sauce, a pink goo with overtones of sugared tomatoes, is a delectable necessity of the Thanksgiving board and that turkey is uneatable without it.”

— Alistair Cooke

FOOLPROOF CENTERPIECE > A bed of cranberries on a vintage ironstone platter makes the perfect foundation for a foolproof centerpiece. Top with festive pomegranates and red pears and intersperse with sprigs of ivy and eucalyptus.

Crimson Tidings

Clever ways to decorate with cranberries

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW MEAD

Nothing is more traditional to a New England Christmas then the cranberry. Mixed into breads, simmered into sauce, or strung on string to garland a tree, the cheerful red cranberry is a presence at holiday time and one that musters the color and joy of the season in one ruby-red package.

While not a commercial crop here in New Hampshire, the cranberry does grow in the marshy bogs of the Granite State. The low-growing evergreen shrub produces bright red berries, which Native Americans used for medicinal purposes, dyeing fibers and food. Today’s wild cranberries are best left as pre-winter feasting for birds, deer and brown bears. To gather your own, simply visit local stores or farmstands for fresh berries to mix into all kinds of holiday decorating projects.

The early colonists came to experience firsthand the plentiful cranberries that grow in New England and turned them into a fall harvest staple. The durable berry is easy to preserve and can last for months in cool temperatures and stores easily in the freezer.

Since the earliest Christmas celebrations in the colonies, families have gathered around a bowl of cranberries to create simple and inexpensive décor for the tree and the mantel. This year, we expand the concept to spread the spirit of the cranberry all through the house.

CRANBERRY SWIZZLE

STICK> Add holiday panache to any party beverage with a swizzle of tart cranberries. To make your own, thread fresh berries on a bamboo skewer. Freeze to make them frosty cold, and then slip into club soda, champagne or your favorite mixed cocktail.

TOWERING DISPLAY > Cranberries make great anchors for cut flowers on this three-tiered stand. Fill glass jars with berries, add water and blooms.

CRANBERRY WREATH > Make a mini wreath with cranberries threaded on broken toothpicks and placed into a foam wreath form. Display in a cool but not freezing, place.

RUSTIC GARLAND > Brilliant cranberries look like holiday jewels strung on fishing line with a sewing needle to garland a dining room chandelier.

HOLIDAY PUNCH > A quick cranberry orange cocktail will please a holiday crowd. Two cups each over ice and chilled fruit, lemon lime soda, cranberry juice, orange juice, vodka. Mix and serve.

Where to get fresh cranberries

Brookdale Fruit Farm / 41 Broad St., Hollis (603) 465-2240 / brookdalefruitfarm.com

Tendercrop Farm at the Red Barn / 123 Dover Point Rd., Dover (603) 740-4920 / tendercropfarm.com

The Local Grocer / 3358 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway (603) 356-6068 / nhlocalgrocer.com

BERRIES AND GREENS WREATH > Add a lively jolt to a traditional green wreath with a mix of botanicals and leaves and a final flourish of cranberries.

’tis the season

FOR THE GAME LOVER

For your loved ones who prefer a gift that’s a little bit more hands-on, give them the gift of a locally made game. — Robert Cook

The Gundalow Game

The Gundalows of Portsmouth are steeped in history as the once-mighty workhorses that transported goods and passengers to several Seacoast cities and towns for more than a century. Now there is a board game that allows players to experience life as the captain who has to navigate those choppy business waters.

Created by Kevin Trainer, a geologist from Kittery, Maine, The Gundalow Game challenges players to get the best deals they can in Seacoast ports in places like Dover, Exeter, Newmarket and Durham on goods like bricks, granite, lumber and textiles and sell them in other ports. Gundalow captains can also pick up passengers and drop them off for $5 apiece. Players earn Victory Cards for dropping off the most goods and passengers.

Trainer says there is also an element of business arbitrage to buy low and sell high. Unlike Monopoly, which can be lengthy, Trainer says the Gundalow Game takes about an hour to play. It is also an actual board game in the traditional sense with dice. ebbtidegames.com

LITE4NITE

Pickleball is all the rage throughout New Hampshire. Inspired by the success of his illuminated golf balls, NITELITE, Corky Newcomb of Tuftonboro and owner of LITE4NITE, recently created illuminated pickleballs that glow in the dark, allowing players to enjoy their matches under the stars.

According to LITE4NITE’s website, the players, lines and nets are all illuminated. The illuminated pickleballs also give players another healthy benefit — they naturally eliminate exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun and allow play in a cooler temperature. LITE4NITE pickleballs are very durable — players have never broken any of the games during testing. lite4nitepickleball.com

Brainstorm Puzzle Co.

At Brainstorm Puzzle Co. in Dover, designers Briana and Jason don’t just create handcrafted, colorful puzzles, they create individual works of art that their customers can assemble piece by piece and have a blast doing it.

The couple captures many of the most popular places in New England and national parks and transforms them into whimsical puzzles that enlighten and delight. The designers share their puzzle-making philosophy on their website, brainstormpuzzleco. com. Among their creations are a Ski New England puzzle, Acadia National Park and 62 U.S. National Parks. They all sell for $30 each and make great gifts.

“Each of our puzzles manifests from many hours of detailed, in-depth research and synthesizing our two unique artistic styles. We love to travel and take in the beauty of the outdoors, and we put that same joy into each of our products so it can be shared with you.” brainstormpuzzleco.com

Our curated selection of New Hampshire shops and gift ideas for (almost) everyone on your list

FOR THE PROUD GRANITE STATER

Here comes the shameless plug! Our New Hampshire Magazine online store debuted earlier last year, and it’s filled with New Hampshire-themed items. Gift ideas (all for under $40) include cutting boards, coasters, photo frames, totes, calendars, wooden signs and more. Here are a few of our favorite New Hampshire-made items that can be found at store.nhmagazine.com — Emily

Old Hancock Suncatchers

These suncatchers were handpressed from recycled glass using a centuries-old technique by Chris Salmon of the Old Hancock Glassworks, which is located in a historic glass-making region of southern New Hampshire. Each piece has a unique character not found in machine-made glass.

Wooden Night Lights

These beautiful night-lights were fabricated in Dublin, New Hampshire, by master woodworker Dan Hill. In his career, Hill has built elegant rolltop desks, as well as the casings for historical clock replicas that were commissioned by a museum. Hill creates the night-light shade designs on a computer and then carves them with a specialized laser. The resulting images are highly intricate, detailed and delicate. Each shade consists of four pieces of wood held together with interlocking finger joints (no glue). The front panel illustration is different than the two complementary side-panel designs, and each night-light casts a warm, relaxing glow.

Ox Pond Press Wooden Signs

These signs by Ox Pond Press in picturesque Bethlehem, New Hampshire, are made from knot-free and kiln-dried white pine purchased from local lumber mills.

Heidt

FOR THE FOODIE: GIFT BASKETS

A visit to one of these local shops comes with (delicious) rewards for the gift-giver. — Emily Heidt

Head to Angela’s Pasta and Cheese Shop in Manchester around lunch, order any one of their daily specials, and start your shopping on a full stomach. This Best of NH winner for “Best Specialty Shop” and “Best Gourmet To Go” sells a variety of imported and fresh pastas, cheeses, deli meats, wine, bread and many other unique items. Customize your own basket to meet your specific needs or grab a hand-picked basket with products from the finest purveyors of specialty foods. angelaspastaandcheese.com

This one’s for you, breakfast lovers. Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill has been a family favorite for over 80 years. They offer a variety of gift basket combinations, like the pancake sampler, taste of maple or the family feast, which includes enough pancake mix to feed all of your friends and family, and a side of syrup and maple spread to top it all off. You can order your basket online, but we recommend stopping by in person to enjoy the view, food and history while you eat and shop. pollyspancakeparlor.com

The Granite State Candy Shoppe in Concord has an abundance of treats for every sweet tooth. For everything from gourmet chocolates to candies to fudge and a variety of maple products, stop by their shop and get a few goodies for yourself and a few for someone on your Christmas list. They offer their own gift baskets, or you can assemble one yourself. granitestatecandyshoppe.com

Feel good about supporting local agriculture — and find great gifts — at Tendercrop Farm at the Red Barn in Dover. All year long, they offer a number of handmade items, such as soaps, dried flower arrangements, wreaths, gift baskets, candles and more. Plus, around the holidays, the top floor of the barn is dedicated to even more gift ideas and festive décor. You can also stock up on produce, cheeses, coffee, jams, syrups, dips … basically whatever you need for either edible gift-giving or party-hosting. Plus, if you’re wiped out after a day of shopping, take home one of their prepared food items for a tasty and simple dinner. tendercropfarm.com

Pressed for time? Zeb’s General Store will do the work for you, drawing on their decades of experience to craft a custom gourmet gift basket. You can do this over the phone (or order premade baskets online), but we suggest you walk around this North Conway favorite. That way you can pick out a treat for yourself, like something from the 80-foot candy counter or the store’s own kettle corn. zebs.com

On The Vine in Exeter is the definition of delicious and has been feeding Granite Staters since 2006. As an independent gourmet grocery store, they have worked hard to develop relationships with exceptional vendors to bring you the finest-quality products available. They offer a range of seafood, produce, bakery items, beer, wine, gifts and more, all perfect options for a holiday gift basket. They are most well known for their butcher shop, so don’t forget to stop by and pick up something for dinner or for your Christmas dinner table spread. otv.rocks

MORE

CULINARY CONCOCTIONS

– ALL IN ONE PLACE

If you are looking for more local products to add to your gift baskets or for stocking stuffers, New Hampshire Made has all of your needs covered. With a boutique store in Portsmouth and a member directory available online (nhmade.com) that brings multiple vendors together under one roof, the organization increases awareness of and demand for New Hampshiremade products through the power of a “New Hampshire Made” state brand identity program. Executive Director Jessi Edgecomb says, "Your support of locally owned businesses, artisans and farmers contributes to the character of our communities and to the state's economic diversity. Live Free and Buy Local whenever and wherever you can."

Here are a few of Edgecomb’s tasty recommendations that are as good to give as to receive.

Dessert sauces are always a delectable addition to any treat, but the hot fudge and caramel sauce from Van Otis will surely level up any dish. Add either to ice cream, brownies or just to eat with a spoon. The possibilities are endless.

Located in a rural New England setting close to the banks of the Blackwater River, Blackwater Mustard Co. products are made with quality ingredients with no emulsifiers or preservatives. Discover or keep enjoying this local legend by ordering all eight flavors online, and finding out which events the company will be attending next. All of their varieties are gluten-free except for the Chocolate Stout, the Everyday Cafe & Pub, Beech wood and the Tuckerman Varieties.

Laurel Hill gourmet jams and jellies contain no hidden extras, such as artificial colors or flavorings. Many of the ingredients used come directly from local farmers markets, which are a great source for excellent-quality local produce grown without the use of pesticides.

Popular flavors include Perfect Peach Jam, Pino Grigio Wine Jelly, Marvelous Multi Berry Jam and 19 Crimes Wine Jelly.

The original CAMP MIX is an all-in-one seasoning mixture of garlic, onion, black pepper, salt, white pepper and celery salt. Spud Fixin' CAMP MIX is a mild blend of seasonings that has tasty possibilities for every style of potato you might prepare. Honey-Cinnamon CAMP MIX is a mouthwatering blend of brown sugar, honey solids and cinnamon that is great on or in apple pies or on top of fruits. The Lemon Pepper CAMP MIX is a special blend of garlic, onion, black pepper and more that was created for those who enjoy a slight “lemony” taste in some of the foods we eat.

The Soup Ladies’ all-natural, easyto-make soups and pasta salads are the perfect gift for the cook in your life. The Quinoa Medley has the perfect blend of vegetables and grains, but with the addition of chicken, turkey or tofu makes for an even more satisfying meal. Just add water, dressing and a couple of stirs to the No Cook Pasta Salad, and you have a simple meal ready to go. The Split Pea is delicious on its own but tastes even better with diced ham, pancetta or chicken. It also goes perfectly with a slice of toasted bread on the side.

IT'S THE VINYL COUNTDOWN

On post-apocalyptic-themed movies and telelvision shows, there usually isn't a lot of popular music being enjoyed by the survivors. This is, no doubt, because they were too heavily invested in digital formats and streaming — all of which were toast after the first electromagnetic pulse from the fatal nuclear device or alien craft. Meanwhile, just about any old pawn-shop Victrola could still be playing your vinyl album collections with a simple needle and amplyfying cone. Rock 'n' roll may never die, but your MP3 player surely will, so why not gift friends with permanent copies of their favorite record albums?

You don't really have to wait until the End of the World as We Know It (thanks R.E.M.) to appreciate the vinyl format. Below are some of our editor's picks for artists/albums, each with a local hook to make them the ideal (and most enduring) gifts of music, reflecting the unique influences of the Granite State. All these albums can be found in local vinyl stores or (ironically) online.

NONLOCAL INSPIRATON a real magazine only for real rock fans

Aerosmith: Honkin' on Bobo

This record might have slipped by even some ardent fans of N.H.'s most famous band (born on Lake Sunapee), but it contains their rawest and most passionate roots music, shot through with Steven Tyler's harmonica (aka Bobo).

Tom Rush: Merrimack County

The title song on this album of music from one of America's most seminal folk-rock artists is an ode to his experience growing up in Concord, New Hampshire. And every song on the album is a touch of balm for the worldweary soul.

Okkervil River: Silver Gymnasium Okkervil River is a proto-indy band formed by Will Sheff, who grew up in Meriden. The Silver Gymnasium (which is mapped musically and visually by this strong concept album) illuminates an actual place in his hometown and, apparently, his heart.

While there's nothing exactly "New Hampshire" about it, the revival of Creem as a print publication arrived with this defiant (and hopeful?) cover image that we here at New Hampshire

Long Live Rock 'n' Roll!

Long Live Magazines!

The Shaggs: The Philosphy of the World

There's been enough said about the girl band that Frank Zappa once called "Better than the Beatles." So stop yapping and start listening — or trying to listen — to some of the strangest, yet undeniably clas sic, garage-rock sounds to ever emerge from the Granite State (extra points for finding a copy of their "live" album taped at Fremont Town Hall).

Shaw Brothers: Anything

The Shaw Brothers are the musical equivalent of a local vintage of wine that could only be produced by the unique terroir of our rocky, coasty, mountainy, historical state. Their entire catalog is memorable and worthy to have on hand, postapocalypse, but try Something Special (above) for your introduction.

Mandy Moore: In Real Life

Mandy Moore has long ago left her Granite State life behind (for the most part), but she has become so much more than was predicted in her early pop-star years (see "This is Us") that we have to give her props and recognize her latest album is pretty darn good by any standard. Mandy makes us proud to be, like her, from here.

VINYL OUTLETS

Great local places to shop for vintage (or fresh) vinyl around the state include:

Pitchfork Records & Stereo, Concord Bad Art, Littleton

Skele-Tone Records, Rochester Chris's Nostalgia Shop, Whitefield Crackskull's Books & Café, Newmarket Music Connection, Manchester Bull Moose, Portsmouth and Salem Revolution Records, Conway Newbury Comics, Salem and Manchester

discover connie converse

A sad but lovely (and way too short) career in song

Some say New Hampshire's Connie Converse was the first modern singer-songwriter. She wrote and performed her bright and curious songs on her acoustic guitar in the mid-1950s, migrating to Greenwich Village during the early beatnik/folk movement, but she never became famous and then disappeared in 1974. Her songs can finally be rediscovered on several albums available on vinyl or digital.

Elizabeth Eaton Converse was born in Laconia in 1924 and raised in Concord, attending Concord High School, where she graduated as valedictorian. She recorded songs and appeared on TV as "Connie" but never found the success she sought. After her 50th birthday, she sent letters to friends saying she wanted to make a fresh start, packed her belongings into a VW Beetle and was never seen again.

In recent years, her music has been rediscovered, republished and performed by a new generation of musicians, entranced by her sweet, sad and haunting songs of personal love, loss and heartbreak. There have been a number of tribute nights featuring her music for a growing cult audience and generating an album of interpretations by upand-coming performers. So there's renewed interest in this unique and early contributor to the singer/songwriter genre who may have just arrived on the scene a little bit too early, then vanished. Too bad she isn't around to appreciate it (or is she?).

How Sad, How Lovely

This album of Connie Converse's songs was released in 2009 and then reissued in 2015 by Squirrel Thing Records, where it received some good reviews and brought her story to light. The songs are remastered from her orignal reel-to-reel recordings.

Connie's Piano Songs

Only one of the songs on this album, "Vanity of Vanities," was recorded by Converse (in her New York apartment in 1956). The rest are from sheet-music manuscripts for piano she left behind, performed by vocalist Charlotte Mundy and pianist Christopher Goddard.

Vanity of Vanities: A Tribute Album

As Converse's music has been rediscovered, it has also been reinterpreted by a new legion of fans in the music business. This compilation features such luminaires as Laurie Anderson and Jeff Tweedy, who perform her plaintive and soulful ballads with contemporary elan.

Lost for decades, Connie Converse's music is now widely available.

NEW HAMPSHIRE GREETING CARDS

They don’t call them “greeting cards” for nothing. Who wants to be “greeted” by another piece of email? If you want to send a proper holiday hello (or thank you) to the many special people in your life, avoid the e-card fad and stick with real paper and ink. — Emily Heidt

Cards for a Cause

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of NH sells beautiful cards designed by local artists, students and photographers that come blank or personalized. Proceeds help abused and neglected children in New Hampshire. casanh.org/greeting-cards

Artful Greetings

Hundelrut Studio in Plymouth makes delightful holiday and Christmas-themed cards with intricate line art and amusing sentiments that speak volumes. Remember, you can’t string up e-cards over the fireplace or cut them up the next year to make gift tags. hundelrutstudio.com

Support your local stationer! These wonderful, colorful shops are filled with great products, including unique holiday greeting and thank-you cards. →

Mailed From Bethlehem

Since the 1960s, the post office in the small town of Bethlehem, New Hampshire, has postmarked holiday mail with a special stamp picturing a star over, well, the town of Bethlehem. Once you’ve purchased (or made) your cards, head up to this beautiful place to put that perfect finishing touch on your annual greetings.

Gus & Ruby Letterpress

The owners of Gus & Ruby Letterpress have an honest-togoodness letterpress from the late 1800s on which they craft outrageously beautiful one-ofa-kind paper creations. Their lovely, welcoming store also offers a large range of paper products, stationery, holiday cards and more. They’re located at 29 Congress St., Portsmouth. gusandruby.com

Steele’s Stationers

Steele’s Stationers opened way, way back in 1871, making it the oldest business in the Monadnock area. It’s located in the historic Anderson building, which still has the original tin ceiling and wood floors. It seems a fitting place to shop for fine stationery and greeting cards. Steele’s is located at 40 Main St., Peterborough. steelesstationers.com

Black’s Paper Store

Located in lovely downtown Wolfeboro, in addition to paper goods, Black’s also sells locally made items such as Winnipesaukee Chocolates — just in case you wanted to get in other holiday shopping (or buy a treat for yourself). blacksgiftsnh.com

Holဴdays

Maker’s Mark Mistletoe Spiced Christmas Punch

Ingredients:

1½ par ts Maker’s Mark® 46 Bourbon

¾ par t DeKuyper® Peachtree®

Schnapps Liqueur

2 par ts orange juice

1 splash grenadine

Garnish: Orange wedges

Build over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a half-moon orange slice on the rim.

Ingredients:

12 ounces Basil Hayden’s® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

6 ounces sweet vermouth

6 ounces black tea

12 ounces fresh apple cider

8 ounces fresh lemon juice

4 ounces simple syrup

½ ounce Angostura® Bitters

24 ounces club soda

6 cinnamon sticks

17 apple slices

Garnish: Freshly grated cinnamon and nutmeg

Add first seven ingredients to punch bowl and stir. Top with club soda. Carefully place ice into the punch bowl and garnish with apple slices and freshly grated cinnamon and nutmeg.

Sipsmith Negroni

Ingredients:

1 par t Sipsmith® London Dry Gin

1 par t sweet vermouth

1 par t Campari®

Garnish: Orange peel

Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with large ice cubes. Garnish with an orange peel.

Legent Manhattan

Ingredients:

1½ par ts Legent® Bourbon

½ par t sweet vermouth

¼ par t Luxardo® Maraschino Liqueur

2 dashes Angostura® Bitters

Garnish: Orange peel

Combine all ingredients into mixing glass with ice. Stir 10-15 seconds until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh, high-quality ice. Express the orange peel over the drink and then place in the glass as garnish.

Black Barrel Old-Fashioned

Ingredients:

1½ par ts Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila

1 par t simple syrup

½ par t Amaro Liqueur

2 dashes bitters

2 dashes orange bitters

Garnish: Orange peel

Combine simple syrup, Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila, amaro and bitters. Add ice and stir. Strain over fresh ice and garnish with an orange peel

Rye Hot Toddy

Ingredients:

1 par t Knob Creek® Rye

1 bar spoon honey

1 large lemon peel

1 ounce hot water

Prepare a mug by rinsing it with boiling water and pouring the water out. Add the honey (or sugar) and the lemon peel, pour in an ounce of hot water and stir until the sweetener has dissolved. Add Knob Creek® Rye, and top off with more boiling water.

Holဴdƀys

Hendrick’s Cranberry Fizz

1800 Café Cristalino Hendrick’s Cranberry Fizz

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

1 part Hendrick’s Gin

1 part Hendrick’s Gin

2 parts cranberry juice

2 parts cranberry juice

1 part sparkling wine

1 part sparkling wine

Garnish: Cucumber slices, mint sprig and cranberries

Garnish: Cucumber slices, mint sprig and cranberries

Combine all ingredients in a highball glass filled with cubed ice and lightly stir. Garnish with cucumber slices, mint sprig and cranberries.

Combine all ingredients in a highball glass filled with cubed ice and lightly stir. Garnish with cucumber slices, mint sprig and cranberries.

Monkey Shoulder Piña Colada

Ingredients:

2 parts Monkey Shoulder

2 parts Coco Lopez

3 parts pineapple juice

¾ part lime juice

3 dashes angostura bitters Pinch of salt

Garnish: Pineapple fronds and wedge

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Add a dash of sugar syrup to taste. Pour into a tall glass. Garnish with a pineapple leaf and chunk.

Ingredients:

1½ ounces 1800 Cristalino Tequila

1 ounce espresso or bold cold brew coffee

1 ounce coffee liquor

1 teaspoon vanilla syrup

Garnish: Coffee beans and orange twist

Add all ingredients in a shaker. Shake with ice, strain and garnish with three coffee beans and an orange twist.

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

1½ ounces Mozart Chocolate Cream Liqueur

3 ounces whole milk

1 ounce gingerbread syrup (or 1–1½ teaspoons gingerbread spice)

Decoration: Whipped cream, cinnamon, cocoa powder

Garnish: Gingerbread

Heat the milk and gingerbread syrup. Pour into a double-walled glass or any glass suitable for serving hot drinks. Add Mozart Chocolate Cream Liqueur and stir well. Top with whipped cream, cinnamon and cocoa powder. Garnish with gingerbread.

Bushmills on the Rocks

Ingredients:

1 ounce Bushmills Original Whiskey

3 ounces ice cubes

Relax by the fire this holiday season. Just pour over ice and Enjoy!

Snowfall Spritz

Ingredients:

1 ounce Grainger’s Deluxe Organic Vodka

1 ounce St. Elder Natural Elderflower Liqueur

1 ounce pomegranate juice

4 ounces sparkling wine

Combine all ingredients and serve over ice in a wine glass

COCKTAILS FOR THE Holဴdƀys

Maple Old -Fashioned

Maple Old -Fashioned

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

2 ounces WhistlePig PiggyBack 100% Rye Whiskey

2 ounces WhistlePig PiggyBack 100% Rye Whiskey

¼ ounce WhistlePig Barrel Aged Maple Syrup

¼ ounce WhistlePig Barrel Aged Maple Syrup

3-5 dashes of your favorite bitters

3-5 dashes of your favorite bitters

Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

2 ounces Tito’s Handmade Vodka

1 ounce coffee liqueur

1 ounce espresso

½ ounce simple syrup

½ ounce creamer, optional

Kraken Hazelnut Coffee

Ingredients:

2 ounces Kraken Black Spiced Rum 94 proof 8 ounces hot coffee

1 ounce hazelnut liquor

Garnish: Whipped Cream

Garnish: Fresh orange peel

Garnish:

Fresh orange peel

Combine all ingredients in a rocks glass over ice, and garnish with a fresh orange peel.

Combine all ingredients in a rocks glass over ice, and garnish with a fresh orange peel.

Garnish: 3 espresso beans

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with espresso beans.

Add all ingredients and stir. Garnish with whipped cream.

Editor’sChoice

HOLIDAY EVENTS FOR DECEMBER

December 3

Portsmouth Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting > Head to Market Square for music and a tree lighting, followed by a hometown holiday-themed parade. This event will illuminate your night and ignite your Christmas spirit with a visit from the jolly star himself, Santa. To help others and spread holiday cheer, bring a nonperishable food item to donate to volunteers walking through the parade with shopping carts for the city’s annual food drive. This event is a part of Vintage Christmas. Free. 5 p.m., Downtown Portsmouth. cityofportsmouth.com

December 3-4, 10-11

NH Gingerbread House Festival > You know the NH Home Builders can build houses of wood, wait until you see what they can do with gingerbread. Over 25 handcrafted gingerbread houses will be on display (and given away). There will also be a People’s Choice Award decided by you. In addition to the homes, there is a hot chocolate station and Santa’s Workshop where you can make your own paper gingerbread house to take home. $5-$15. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., NH Home Builders Association, 119 Airport Rd., Concord. (603) 969-7077; nhgingerbread.com. New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event.

Wednesdays – Sundays, November 16-January 15

LaBelle Lights at The Links > There’s a festive feel in the air with the magical display of lights in Derry. More than 500,000 twinkling lights light up the night at The Links at Labelle Winery. The outdoor light display is a walking tour along designated paths through the golf course. Sweet and savory snacks, and warm nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at LaBelle Market, and Americus Restaurant offers a heartier fare for a meal before or after your walk. $8-$16. 4:30 to 9 p.m., LaBelle Winery, 14 Rte. 111, Derry. labellewinery.com

November 24-January 1

Gift of Lights > Remember when your parents used to stuff 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 2 million LED bulbs light up 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 sights around them. $30-$60. 4:30 to 9 p.m. daily, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 1122 NH-106, Loudon. (603) 783-4931; nhms.com

December 1-11

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-$15. Times vary, Wright Museum of World War II, 77 Center St., Wolfe boro. (603) 948-5504; wolfeborofestivaloftrees.com

PHOTO COURTESY WILL ZIMMERMAN, CITYOFPORTSMOUTH.COM

Editor’sChoice

December 1-23

“A Christmas Carol” at the Palace Theatre > Watch your favorite Charles Dickens Christmas novel come to life on the stage at the Palace Theatre. Follow the story of Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve, accompanied by lively song and dance, actors from all over the country and a live orchestra. Don’t miss out on a chance to see an old miser forever changed by holiday joy. $25-$46. Times vary, The Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. (603) 668-5588; palacetheatre.org

December 1-18

4th Annual

NH Jingle Bells Winery Tour > Winery

Tour participants will have the opportunity to visit seven festive wineries throughout New Hampshire over the course of five weekends ending on December 18th. This is a self-guided tour through New Hampshire wine country. The self-guided traveling tasters will have from November 19th through December 18th to receive a wine (or spirits at winery/distillery locations) tasting at each location accompanied by light hors d’oeuvres (available on weekends only). Along with the tastings, festivities will include a unique holiday ornament from each winery, music and a Holiday Spirit contest. The Holiday Spirit contest will feature the seven wineries and how they best display their holiday cheer. $40-$75. Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., locations vary. (603) 659-2949; Facebook. New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event.

December 3-4

33rd Annual Christmas in Strafford Craft Fair >

Local artisans and craftspeople from all around Strafford will be safely opening up their homes and studios this holiday season. There will be over 15 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. Times and locations vary. (603) 664-5787; christmasinstrafford.com

Editor’sChoice

December 2

Christmas with the Celts > 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

December 1-23

Weekends December 3-18

Candlelight Stroll Under the Stars > The signature event of Portsmouth’s Vintage Christmas celebrations, Strawbery Banke’s holiday classic encourages families to enjoy a bit of “stopfulness” amid the crazy pace of the season. Watch historical reenactors create scenes of Decembers gone by, while walking along pathways illuminated by candlelight. $12.50-$25. Sat. 5 to 9 p.m., Sun. 4 to 8 p.m., Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth. (603) 433-1100; strawberybanke.org

Journey to the North Pole > Journey to the North Pole and Santa’s workshop. Sip on hot chocolate and enjoy treats as you take a scenic train ride through the White Mountains. At the North Pole, you’ll be greeted by Santa’s elves, who will make sure you remember to drop your letter to Santa at his workshop. In addition to Christmas carols, enjoy a reading of the tale “The Night Before Christmas.” $58-$78. Times and locations vary. journeytothenorthpole.org

NH Gingerbread House Festival

You know the NH Home Builders can build houses of wood, wait until you see what they can do with GINGERBREAD

More than 25 handcrafted gingerbread houses will be displayed (and given away)! There will be a People’s Choice Award decided by YOU. Enjoy our hot chocolate station and Santa’s Work shop — where you can make your own paper gingerbread house to take home.

Join us December 3 and 4 and December 10 and 11, from 11am to 6pm. Your $5 admission ticket serves as a raffle ticket so you can WIN and TAKE HOME your favorite gingerbread house! Family admission is $15.

NH Home Builders Association • 119 Airport Rd, Concord. ADVANCED TICKETS AND MORE INFO AT NHGINGERBREAD.COM OR 603.969.7077

December 3-18

Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour > Find enchantment on a magical sleigh ride through the snowy mountains of Northern New Hampshire, plus enjoy delicious chocolate treats from local chocolatiers. The Austrian horse-drawn sleigh makes its way to Jackson Village, halting at var ious stops for tastes of homemade sweets. $32. Times and locations vary. thewentworth.com

December 3-4, 9-11, 16-18, 21-23

Santa’s Christmas at Charmingfare Farm > Timeless traditions will please the whole family at this annual Christmas extravaganza at Charmingfare Farm. It all starts with a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Christmas Trail, which features 12 charming holiday scenes to decorate the way to the North Pole. Santa will wait for families in the Reindeer Barn where the kids can hand off their Christmas letters and feed the live rein deer. Be sure to visit Mrs. Claus for sugar cookies and hot cocoa, too. Prices and times vary. Charmingfare Farm, 774 High St., Candia. (603) 483-5623; visitthefarm.com

December 10

Holly Jolly 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 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 2 Somerset Plaza, Nashua. (603) 5284014; joycescraftshows.com

December 10

Holiday Pops Concert > The Boston Esplanade Orchestra visits SNHU Arena for their cherished Holiday Pops concert. The magical music will be the highlight of your holiday season by capturing the special winter charms of New England. Listen and delight to their signature “Sleigh Ride,” as well as other holiday classics and new seasonal arrangements, joined by Metropolitan Chorale and an appearance from the Man in Red during the finale. Prices vary. 7:30 p.m., SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester. (603) 644-5000; snhuarena.com

December 10-11

25th Annual

Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie & Candy

Tour > Nine country lodges open their doors for visitors to taste their best holiday cookies and candies and snag some recipe and décor ideas. Stay at one of the participating inns and you will also receive a keepsake ornament. Prices and locations vary. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., (603) 356-2642; countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com

December 15

The Greg and The Morning Buzz Christmas Ball > Join Greg and the Morning Buzz team as they host an all-star cast of musicians, performers, comedians and special guests. A portion of the proceeds go to Lend a Helping Can, a nonprofit that serves 11 soup kitchens in New Hampshire. $45. 7 p.m., Chubb Theatre, 44 S. Main St., Concord. ccanh.com

December 16-18

A New England Midwinter Revels Celebration >

For the first time since 2019, Revels North will bring The Midwinter Revels, an Upper Valley holiday tradition since 1975, back to the stage of Lebanon Opera House in Leb anon. Guest artists for the show include Alex Cumming and Sharon Groblicki. Prices and times vary. Lebanon Opera House, 51 N. Park St., Lebanon. revelsnorth.org

December 31

New Year’s Eve Partybration > At Santa’s Village, Santa doesn’t disappear when Christmas ends. In fact, he’ll welcome guests to ring in the New Year. Partybration features fireworks, a DJ, rides, food and soft drinks. $55-$62. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Santa’s Village, 528 Presidential Hwy., Jefferson. santasvillage.com

December 31

New Year’s Eve Fireworks > Enjoy a day on the slopes and then end it with a fireworks show. The mountain will not only have the trails open for skiing and snowboarding, but the Murphy’s will also be playing in the Sled Pub. Ticket prices vary. 4 p.m., Pats Peak, 686 Flanders Rd., Henni ker. (603) 428-3245; patspeak.com

December 31

Hampton Beach Fireworks > Summer isn’t the only season when Hampton Beach is set alight with fire works. Bundle up and hit the boardwalk for the town’s last lightshow of 2022. 8 p.m., Hampton Beach, 115 Ocean Blvd., Hampton. hamptonbeach.org

December 31

First Night Portsmouth > Come participate in this family-friendly citywide New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Portsmouth. 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

Find additional events at nhmagazine.com/calendar. 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.

Jeffrey Corbett, DO

Learn more at villagemedical.com. Or, book an appointment by calling 603-600-8261.

CAN THE JOIN FEE

FOREVER HERE FOR YOU

JOIN THE Y TODAY. YMCA of Greater Nashua | www.nmymca.org/joinus

Primary care that’s right for you. Right in the neighborhood.

“You are not going to get the versatility of what you need for your family anyplace, except at the Y – for every age level of our family members!”

Laura McGowan YMCA Member

Food for Thought

Creating healthy boundaries before you reach for holiday seconds

BY KRYSTEN GODFREY MADDOCKS / ILLUSTRATION BY GLORIA DIIANNI

Some refer to the holiday season as the most wonderful time of the year. The period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve can be filled with family, special memories and delicious food. Yet, that same holiday wonder may spark hurt feelings, hefty credit card bills, and high-fat leftovers. Suddenly, it becomes the most stressful time of the year.

Despite the seasonal stress and sadness, it is possible to make the season more joyful, says Christine Wyrsch, RN, a certified health education specialist and manager of the Wentworth-Douglass Patient and Family Learning Center. By staying in touch

with what you want your holiday to be and creating boundaries, you can keep your emotions in check. Wyrsch says she works with patients to manage their expectations and help them feel more in control.

“Around the holidays, there are a lot of have-tos. You have to go to grandma’s. You have to make a pie. But what would happen if you prioritized your have-to moments?” Wyrsch says.

It’s also important to know your audience and set your expectations accordingly. If Aunt Martha asks you about your relationship status and Uncle Fred baits you into a political debate every Thanksgiving,

you may declare those subjects off-limits ahead of time.“You can say, let’s put this topic on hold and enjoy talking about grandma’s pie,” Wyrsch says.

Preventing seasonal spread

Speaking of pie, you may have trouble watching your waistline over the holidays. In addition to typical temptations, stress, alcohol and lack of sleep can all increase your desire to nosh. Whether you’re struggling to maintain your weight or need to lose weight for health reasons, you can stay on track, says Robert Catania, MD, of Southern New Hampshire Weight Manage-

ment, a Nashua-based practice that specializes in obesity medicine.

“The most important thing to remember — whether you’re going to a holiday event, office party or family party — is to prepare yourself in advance. One thing you can do is eat something healthy before you go. Ideally, you would choose a high-protein meal or fruit,” Catania says.

Once you get to the party, you can arrive prepared too. Catania suggests keeping a glass in your hand so that people can’t easily hand food to you. He also suggests staying out of the kitchen and keeping away from the buffet area.

Do you like to nibble while you cook? Party hosts aren’t immune to overindulging either. If you’re hosting a meal, it’s important to stay hydrated and keep rescue snacks on hand, says Megan DeSantis, PA-C, a physician assistant with Southern New Hampshire Weight Management.

“Avoid becoming over-hungry and keep an apple on the counter to chew while you’re working, or something you know will be your go-to snack,” she says.

In some cases, avoiding certain people and food might be your best tactic. You can

excuse yourself from the room and step outside for some fresh air when you get cornered by an overzealous relative or a tray of sweet treats, DeSantis says.

Why supercharged emotions can lead to empty calories

Eating high-carbohydrate foods releases dopamine and serotonin in the brain, says Catania, and over time we’ve learned that we can counter stress by eating. During the holidays, when faced with competing obligations and the pressure to please everyone, people often self-medicate with food, he says.

Individuals who’ve lost a family member or friend may be vulnerable to increased loneliness and depression during the holidays, which makes it extra hard for them to stay on their diet plans, says Ellie Chuang, MD, an endocrinologist with Southern New Hampshire Weight Management.

“This leads to eating as a coping mechanism, but it’s a short-lived pleasure,” she says. “It makes it harder to resist anything.”

At the same time, people who are actively trying to overcome obesity are often

both castigated for being overweight and for turning down holiday food.

“Family members will often say, ‘Why are you being so serious? It’s a party, have fun!’ Or, ‘That’s all you’re going to eat? I made that just for you!’” Catania says.

Food coma: persisting in the aftermath

You had a plan to resist second helpings, desserts and alcohol. Instead, you binged on all three. What can you do now?

“You don’t have to experience shame or guilt,” Catania says. “If you did, you did. Tomorrow is a new day.”

Catania tells his patients that it’s better to get back on track than to overly restrict yourself after a binge. That behavior, he says, can make you feel punished and make you want to rebel again.

It’s important to be kind to yourself and understand that it takes a lifetime to build new habits — during the holiday season and throughout the year. Some people do experience slip-ups, and the best thing they can do is get back on their program, Chuang says.

After all, losing weight remains one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. NH

Nawthin’ But Brush

Decorating is not my strength. In summer, I harvest catnip and spread it on the floor. It creates texture — and the cats love it. For Easter, I display a paper mâché bunny and three plastic eggs on the mantel and call it good. At Halloween, a two-foot Annalee ghost with autumn leaves in its hatband (a gift from my mother-in-law) captures the spirit of the sea son. The fishing Santa in a shamrock-adorned boat (also a mother-in-law gift) combines St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas.

Christmas calls for a little extra effort though, if only to fend off the darkness that descends each afternoon about 4:30 p.m. and makes us all a little blue. Gotta have lights. For starters, I drape a string over the naked lilac by the porch. On our annual trek to Barrington’s The Christmas Dove, we invested in fairy lights for the living room that flash different colors in different combinations. Endlessly entertaining and so cheery, we leave it up year-round. Also cheery, four ceramic angels, each with a letter on her chest. Together, they spell LEON. The cats knocked E over, decapitating her. We set her sad little head (artistically) at her feet. Now we love her even more.

Some years we cut our own tree at Walker’s Farm in Madbury — a tradition for many, judging by the cars lining the narrow road. We wrap the tree in lights and load it with ornaments on a theme like silver/ gold or rustic (pine cones, woodsman with axe, popcorn), or critters (moose, birds, flying pigs). Other years we put my parents’ ’50s-era foil tree with rotating color wheel. (It doesn’t shed.)

The crèche on the piano features a T-Rex, a My Little Pony and He-Man action figures from our daughter’s childhood.

A lot of yew, holly and boxwood grows around the yard, so I (artistically) place swags of fresh greens throughout the house — back of the toilet, top of the fridge, along the windowsills.

Speaking of greens, Lynn Baker told me about her grandmother from Gorham, Maine. The boy who would become Lynn’s grandfather worked on the farm as a hired hand, so the two knew each other as teens.

Another hired hand, Bert, refused to hang up his stocking with the others at Christmastime. “Ain’t no such thing as Santy Claus,” Bert said.

The teenagers insisted that if Bert hung

a stocking, Santa would fill it. Bert was adamant: “Ain’t no such thing as Santy Claus. Nossir.” They persuaded him to hang a stocking just in case.

During the night, they filled it with candies, fruit and trinkets, then stuffed sprigs of holly in the top and hung it from the mantel.

Early Christmas morning, the teenagers sneaked downstairs, hid behind a sofa, and waited for Bert to appear. Which he did, mumbling, “Ain’t no such thing as Santy Claus. Ain’t nothin’ gonna be there. Nossir.”

He stopped short when he spotted the plump stocking. He ran his hands over it, toe to top, front to back. Finally, he pulled it from its peg and looked in. “Aw, hell,” he said. “Nawthin’ but brush!”

But that’s not the end of the story.

Lynn’s grandfather served in WWII, a conscientious objector assigned to the Red Cross as an ambulance driver and litter carrier. At the time of his first wedding anniversary, he was stationed in Europe. For a surprise, he filled a cigar box with holly and mailed it home to his bride.

She wrote back: “Aw, hell, nawthin’ but brush.”

And so, a tradition was born. NH

BY REBECCA RULE / ILLUSTRATION BY BRAD FITZPATRICK

When you’re sick or hurt, the last thing you want to do is travel far and wide to feel better. It’s great to know you don’t have to. Dartmouth Health has some of the best research, innovation and medical minds in the world. Providers, nurses and caregivers who break boundaries and push medicine to new heights to help you overcome the obstacles. All from right here, close to home. Learn more at Dartmouth-Health.org

Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital I Cheshire Medical Center I Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics I Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center

for Vermont and New Hampshire