What’s up with Bears?
Forging a great fall meal with fire and iron
Apparently quite a bit, notably in the Grafton area
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Contents from left: photos by kendal j. bush and jenn bakos; inset photos from top left: artwork by richard haynes, courtesy photos and illustration by gloria dilanni
44
54
October 2020
62
First Things
603 Navigator
603 Informer
603 Living
4 Editor’s Note 6 Contributors Page 8 Feedback
10 artist richard haynes’
28 Review
new exhibition
78 NH Furniture masters
by Emily Heidt
by Ernesto Burden
new books
34 Politics
by David Mendelsohn
by James Pindell
44 Building Community Over a Pint
35 Artisan
As we continue to endure the pandemic, cooking and the outdoors are two popular ways to deal with stress. Jessica Saba combines these two respites, crafting restorative meals over fire in tranquil settings.
recipe by Mike Simmons
by Casey McDermott
Meet Eric Lowther of Haunted Overload in Lee.
54 Cast Iron Cooking
Italian Sausage, White Bean and Kale Soup
nh in the news
42 Transcript
by Bill Burke photos by Kendal J. Bush
82 Local Dish
32 Blips
Features
How the beer industry and its customers came together to keep the Granite State brewing.
by Bill Burke
the boring year
Ryan Hulse
14 Top Events
by Susan Laughlin
fall fun
36 Community
16 Our Town
by Anders Morley
by Emily Heidt
Cornish
the Wilton town hall theatre
86 Health
by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers
Breast cancer facts you need to know
20 Food & Drink
by Karen A. Jamrog
new restaurants
by Emily Heidt
by Jessica Saba photos by Jenn Bakos & Kendal J. Bush
62 Bear Out of Control
A slew of growing challenges means the state could be on a dangerous path toward the first fatal bear attack in 150 years. by Matt Hongoltz-Hetling illustrated by John R. Goodwin
26 Sips
local drink news & recipes
by Michael Hauptly-Pierce
40 What Do You Know?
88 Ayuh
by Marshall Hudson
by Rebecca Rule
the jolly green giant
ON THE COVER Though this year’s Beer Guide looks a little different, we still list plenty of breweries you should visit. Read about all about it starting on page 44. Photo by Kendal J. Bush
Getting scared silly
Volume 34, Number 10 ISSN 1560-4949 nhmagazine.com | October 2020
3
EDITOR’S NOTE
“October Country ... that country where it is always turning late in the year. That country where the hills are fog and the rivers are mist; where noons go quickly, dusks and twilights linger, and midnights stay.”
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nhmagazine.com | October 2020
hose are the words of sainted science fiction master Ray Bradbury, and I just stuck them there at the top of my note because they look and sound better than anything I could’ve written. And they perfectly set the mood for this, our magazine foray into October, the moodiest of months. Bradbury’s works, like his eclectically creepy collection of short stories, “The October Country,” from which that quote was taken, all seem rooted in autumn — the season when things start to end. And endings, we know, are sometimes much to be desired. Take the pandemic. Please. Or how about an ending to whatever cultural centrifuge is spinning people out into two irreconcilable camps, each with its own facts and “narrative” (a word that has become mildly threatening). Maybe it’s aliens. We’ve finally admitted they exist, right? Or did I just imagine hearing that news between impeachments, killer viruses and murder hornets? Maybe the Tic Tac UFOs are engaging in the separation of the liberal yolks and the conservative albumen of humanity for some big cosmic baking project, akin to that “Twilight Zone” episode “To Serve Man.” If that’s the case, I guess, at least it will bring us all together in the end. One of my childhood Halloween traditions was to have some friends over to listen to my old vinyl album of Arch Oboler’s “Lights Out” radio skits. His horror stuff was the audio version of gory pulp comic books like “Tales From the Crypt.” In one particularly disturbing skit, the listener enters a dim room with other people, and a closet opens allowing a fog to emerge and creep along the floor. Any person the fog touches drops to the floor and begins the horrific process of being
turned inside out. The listener is allowed to imagine how such a grotesque phenomenon might look, but is provided with a helpful a sound effect — something like a person pulling off a long rubber glove in a tank of Jell-O (they had such great sound effects back in the radio days). Sometimes it seems like people look at one another like they would that fog. They worry that, if they let the other person’s ideas touch their own thoughts for a second, their brains might twist and invert like sea cucumbers upon their brainstems, and they would never be the same. The interesting thing is that it’s true. Maybe we should all try it more often. October is the month when you can think things like this, and say things like this, and even dress kids up like some blood-sucking nightmare from a Victorian author’s opium dream and no one blinks an eye. Walk around demanding candy, and the neighborhood complies. The rules all start to fray in October because the year they were written for is passing. You can sometimes cut a whole new deal or plant a fall garden and have one more harvest/payday before the snow says to pack it up, but you know you’re working on the precipice. It’s like dancing on your own grave. Sounds creepy, but then you realize that it means you’re still above ground and able to dance, and you’ve already got a grave picked out, so aren’t you in effect way ahead of the game? And in the end, a year is a kind of a game, isn’t it? Winners, losers, spectators, disruptors, reporters and critics all agree, 2020 is a year that needs to end. And this October is the beginning of that end. Boo! Or is it “Yay!”?
photo by p.t. sullivan
October Observed
nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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Before calling the Monadnock Region home, photographer and frequent contributor Kendal J. Bush, who took the cover photo and photos for “Building Community Over a Pint,” traveled the world as an editor and videographer for the National Geographic Channel and NBC. She combines years of experience as a photojournalist with her film school education to yield beautiful, creative portraits as well as corporate, wedding and event photography.
for October 2020
Jessica Saba, who wrote “Cast Iron Cooking,” grew up between the White Mountains and the Seacoast. She uncovers stories of all types across the state.
Frequent contributor Jenn Bakos, who took the photos for “Cast Iron Cooking,” is a Seacoast-based food, lifestyle and wedding photographer.
New Hampshire Magazine contributing editor Bill Burke wrote the feature story “Building Community Over a Pint” and “Living.”
Matt Hongoltz-Hetling wrote “Bear Out of Control.” His narrative features and investigative work have garnered numerous awards and accolades.
Anders Morley wrote “Epic Film Fare.” His first book, “This Land of Snow: A Journey Across the North in Winter,” was released in September.
Our regular “What Do You Know?” writer Marshall Hudson is a land surveyor, farmer and New Hampshire history buff.
photo of matt hongoltz-hetling by: kimberly hongoltz-hetling
Contributors
About | Behind The Scenes at New Hampshire Magazine As a rule, magazine readers actually enjoy magazine ads. They are like attractive, well-behaved party guests you might want to meet when you have a moment; unlike those noisy, sometimes-obnoxious advertisments on TV and radio that are more like drunken party guests who keep shouting the same stories over and over. You may notice a couple of new guests at the New Hampshire Magazine party this month — ads for Art for Art’s Sake and something called Mag Swag. The latter is pretty self-explanatory: We’re taking the plunge with some magazine-branded T-shirts and such, and coming up with designs we think you might want to wear and share. See more on page 9. Art for Art’s Sake is a bit more complex. We know there are some fantastic artists and artisans who would like to help their fellow creators in the performing arts business, recently kneecapped by COVID-19. Our first effort brings those groups together for a win-win. We asked cigar box guitar maker C.B. Gitty of Rochester (featured in last month’s “Informer” section) to design a distinctly New Hampshire “gitty box” and we invite our readers to submit their names and addresses for a chance to win this one-of-a-kind prize. While doing so, we encourage them (and you) to make a donation of any size to C.B. Gitty’s fabulous and historic neighbor, the Rochester Opera House performance space and art center. Check it out on page 39 — when you have a moment. 6
nhmagazine.com | October 2020
photo courtesy of c.b. gitty
Art for Art’s Sake (and Mag Swag) Explained
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Send letters to Editor Rick Broussard, New Hampshire Magazine, 150 Dow St. Manchester, NH 03101 or email him at editor@nhmagazine.com.
Feedback
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nhmagazine.com, facebook.com/NHMagazine & @nhmagazine
Perhaps I am not as resourceful as I should be, but I was wondering if somewhere in this monthly publication, a map of the towns of New Hampshire could be included. There are so many interesting places and events discussed that we’d like to check out, and it would just be so easy to reference a map, while reading the article, to see where these towns are. Thank you for your kind consideration Natalene Gorfine Pelham
Fellow Word Nerd
Hot Topic
Amber Ferre ira Lauren Thibo Clare Grabhdeau er & Tara Mounsey
DIY BACK COU
EXPERIENCE AWESOMENES THE S OF
AS REVEALED BY ACTUAL NERDS
NTRY TRI AT H L O
R Concord native Tara Mounsey
N
NERD POW ER
LOCAL SP ICES
nhmagazine.com | October 2020
Meet Four of Our Most Remarkabl e Women in Spor ts:
BLE SPOR TS WOME N
8
HLON
how to do it
magazine
REMARKA
I so enjoyed your article “Granite State Women at the Top of Their Game” [September 2020]. What positive influences!
and show you
Do you guys mail Top of Their Game magazines? I really want September’s issue with Tara Mounsey. I now live in Florida. I watched her play on the Concord High School boy’s team. She’s the reason I played ice hockey — [she was] the only girl on the team for her high school, then I played, and I was the only girl on the high school team for my school. The things that were said to me were unbelievable, but watching her play gave me the courage to keep playing despite the comments. Watching her play for Team USA was awesome — I never missed a game! I remember walking in Everett sports center to sharpen my skates, and she was in the store. I was speechless. She signed a stick for me, which my parents still have. Tara was my role model growing up. Girls can do anything. Heather (Roy) Lurvey Tallahassee, Fla. R 2020
Tara Is Tops
ummer tradition
SEPTEMBE
Just wanted to thank you for publishing the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail piece [“Wheel Life,” August 2020]. I recognize bicycling is a niche interest of the magazine, but I have never received as much response as I have to a piece in the magazine as this. I’ve been stopped in the grocery store, on a local bike path over the Maine border in Fryeburg and around North Conway by people who have seen the article. It’s inspired them to do the trail. Marty Basch North Conway
DO-IT-YOURSEL F BACKCOUN s” share their TRY TRIAT end-of-s
“The Explorer
E M AG A Z I N E
Trail Talk
Mounsey Is a Role Model
NEW HAM PSHIR
I enjoyed the August New Hampshire Magazine article highlighting Dominique and Ann Marie Caissie of Terrapin Glassblowing Studio in Jaffrey [“Transcript”]. Their website is notably professional in appearance and enables ease of ordering. I will keep it in my file for a future memorial order. Would like to see their facility when it’s safe to do so. Stay safe and healthy, while minimizing burns. Craig Lazinsky Derry
This picture is of my daughter Suzanne with Laurie Baker, Tara Mounsey’s teammate in Japan. She may have been only 3, but it was important for her to be around women who do great things. Being from the Concord area, we of course saw Tara. There was something about holding that medal in your hand. Nancy Fraher Chichester
September 2020
nhmagazine.com $5.99
Editor’s Note: Rather than include a detailed map every month, we run small maps with a star indicating the spot where the featured town or attraction can be found. It’s a helpful aid, but not foolproof. Read on.
Mis-mapped
I just finished reading your article on Conway [“Our Town,” September 2020], which in the past was my vacation go-to place — then l looked at the map and, I think, I discovered I was looking at Portsmouth. Love this magazine. Your column [Editor’s Note] is the first thing I read every issue. Mary Grenier Lempster Could it be that Conway has been often “overlooked” because folks are referring to your map to try to get there? ;>) Steve Boudreau Lisbon
Live Free.
As a fellow sesquipedalian and nerd, I truly enjoyed your Editor’s Note in the September issue. My 23-year-old grandson will get a kick out of your use of floccinaucinihilipilification. When he was quite young, he loved learning words of many syllables and would proudly share them with me as a challenge. In our contest of learning new words, he taught me floccinaucinihilipilification! And what it meant! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a nerd. You might note that neither of us suffers from hippopotomontrosesquippedaliophobia! Bonnie Meroth Epping
Editor’s Note: So we somehow put Conway on the seacoast last month, which would probably confuse a lot of skiers this winter. Those little maps that we provide to help orient the reader aren’t much good when we pick the wrong one. Thanks for the good-humored corrections.
YOU ARE HERE
BUT SHOULD BE HERE
photo courtesy of nancy fraher
More Maps!
NEED A GOOD REASON FOR SPOTTING THE NEWT?
Spot four newts like the one above (but much smaller) hidden on ads in this issue, tell us where you found them and you might win a great gift from a local artisan or company. To enter our drawing for Spot the Newt, send answers plus your name and mailing address to:
Spot the Newt c/o New Hampshire Magazine 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101 Email them to newt@nhmagazine.com or fax them to (603) 624-1310. September’s “Spot the Newt” winner is Barbara Trulson of Exeter. September issue newts were on pages 23, 25, 33 and 85.
This month’s lucky newt spotter will win an original, one-of-a-kind pillow from Creative Pillow Place of Laconia. This beautiful loon pillow, made with a mix of natural materials, features a mother loon and her baby. Creative Pillow Place is owned and operated by one of the Granite State’s youngest entrepreneurs. New Hampshire native Natalie Robitaille (pictured) takes the natural beauty around her as the inspiration to make her unique, high-quality pillows. See more at creativepillowplace.com. Creative Pillow Place is a proud member of NH Made, the state’s official boosters of locally made products.
Mag Swag
Get your gear teepublic.com/stores/new-hampshire-magazine
Nope, this T-shirt art does not count as one of the hidden newts. Keep on Spotting.
nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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603 Navigator “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off of our souls.” — Pablo Picasso
Richard Haynes used oil wax crayon to create his new series, “Whispering Quilts,” which is a narrative of struggle, hope and triumph based on historical accounts of the Underground Railroad.
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nhmagazine.com | October 2020
Photos by Jeremy Gasowski/University of New Hampshire
Top Events 14 Our Town 16 Food & Drink 20 Sips 26
More Than Just Quilts Explore Richard Haynes’ new exhibit on view at the Currier Museum by Emily Heidt
U
sing vibrant colors, artist Richard Haynes brings the light of hope to stories of darkness and struggle. A Portsmouth-based visual storyteller, author and educator, Haynes uses art to portray his personal history as a person of color, weaving together stories of love, connection, racial unity and community. Looking through a portfolio that spans three decades, you’ll find illustrations of little girls playing together in a public park with one water fountain, jazz musicians, and people, both Black and white, living and working harmoniously together. In addition to being an artist, Haynes embraces the role of cultural keeper and maker, which is reflected in each piece of his work. “Artists are the ones seeing the world through a different lens,” says Haynes. “We are the ones who are paying attention as makers and keepers of cultural practices and standards.” Haynes’ current exhibition, “Whispering Quilts,” is now on view at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester. A tribute to his wife Marita, who passed away in November 2017, the series depicts the story of an enslaved family’s perilous journey along the Underground Railroad, from a Southern plantation to freedom in Canada. nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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603 NAVIGATOR / richard haynes The images now on display evolved from a collaboration he began with Marita, the book “Whispering Quilts: A Slave’s Journey of Hope, Struggle, and Freedom.” Marita began writing the story, which Haynes illustrated, but unfortunately she didn’t live to complete it, and it was ultimately finished by her friend Ruth Tappin. “It is a narrative about the love that bound an enslaved family together and how they coped with their bondage to survive,” says Haynes. “It speaks to the goodwill of people who were willing to break the law to help them escape, aided by quilts, to find their freedom.” Inspired by “Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad” by Jacqueline Tobin and Raymond Dobard, Haynes began researching how hidden messages were stitched into quilts to help people escape slavery. “I decided that I wanted to merge the family and the quilt patterns because the family is, in essence, hiding behind the secret codes of the quilts,” says Haynes. “I want people to imagine the slaves on their journey, running through a forest and finding a quilt hung over the fence or windowsill as a sign to say, ‘This is a safe place to stop,’” he adds. “The creative spiritual process moves me way before the actual drawing is done,” says Haynes. After conceiving the image, he creates small color artist studies. “I pin them on the wall in my studio, and they remain there for weeks where I can see and live with them,” Haynes says. “Eventually, that one study mystically says to me, ‘I’m the one.’” Color has its own language. Haynes’ art has a variety of layers and meaning that are communicated through his use of bright colors. He works primarily in oil wax crayon, where he rubs the Caran d’Ache crayon on watercolor paper to create his vibrant drawings. As he begins to build and draw his stories, he chooses warm colors — like red, orange and yellow — for bold, hopefilled moments and uses shades of blue for deep, bleak moments, which also force the warmer hues to pop. “Any one of the drawings takes between 16 to 24 hours to fill and color in,” says Haynes. “Every corner, line and, particularly, color is intentional — color helps tell the story of hope. Bold, bright colors bring unspeakable joy to the bleakest of moments.” 12
nhmagazine.com | October 2020
Top: The message in “Wagon Wheel” was to pack essentials for a long journey as if packing a wagon. Wagons with hidden compartments were also a primary means of transportation. Bottom: The pattern of “Log Cabin” indicated safe shelter.
Haynes uses art as an educational tool to open people’s minds to the racial injustices around them, and also to identify opportunities for change and growth. We can create the world that we want to live in, but before we do that, we have to address the broken systems we’re living in, says Haynes. “At 70 years old, I am continuously asking myself why we are still separated,” says Haynes. “Until we have that answer, my paintings will be faceless because you neglect to look into my eyes and truly see me.” To Haynes, his drawings allow us to inhabit each other’s stories, ask honest questions, extend compassion and create connection that inspires change. “I want you to look at ‘Whispering Quilts’ and walk in my shoes for a moment. I want the audience to see how important the story is and learn from it. I want them to ask themselves why this happened and, more importantly, why we still can’t embrace each other as human beings,” says Haynes. “I want to be able to leave this earth and hear a community of people asking, ‘Why?’ and actively working on figuring out the answer.” Despite the adversity he has faced, Haynes remains hopeful that these culturally tense and challenging days are bringing us closer more than they are driving us apart. “I want my art to be a blessing, and inspire the audience to look deeper at the world and to make a change in their lives,” says Haynes. “We must become the best us so we can give the world our best, and we do that by understanding that we are more connected than we can ever imagine.” NH
Get There
“Whispering Quilts” is on view through November 29.
Currier Museum of Art 150 Ash St., Manchester (603) 669-6144 / currier.org
Due to COVID-19, the Currier has changed its hours and implemented timed ticketing. Advanced reservations online or by phone are recommended as walk-up tickets are limited.
Top: Richard Haynes at work in his Portsmouth home Bottom: “North Star” portrays the guiding light led slaves north to Canada and freedom. The Big Dipper always points to the North Star.
Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (free from 5-8 p.m.) Friday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 10-11 a.m. hours are reserved for members and seniors. nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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603 NAVIGATOR / top events
October | Picks
photo by bruev
Fall Fun
Grab your flashlight and explore the Scamman Farm corn maze under the stars.
Break out your flannel and Lands’ End boots because it’s officially fall in the Granite State. Even though this fall looks much different than in years past, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the season in style. Get some much-needed fresh air and welcome in this year’s fall colors with events ranging from apple picking to pumpkin walks and corn mazes. 14
nhmagazine.com | October 2020
Scamman Farm Night Corn Mazes
October 9, 16, 23 and 30, Stratham
Exploring a corn maze is a blast during the day, but exploring one at night makes it a bit more thrilling. Bring your flashlight and check out the twists and turns at this fun corn maze. With stalks growing up to 12 feet tall, it makes for a challenging and immersive maze experience. Each year a new game is revealed within the maze, which adds to the fun by encouraging mazegoers to cover all of the possible paths. scammanfarm.com
73rd Virtual Warner Fall Foliage Festival October 10, online
Just because you can’t meet in person this year doesn’t mean that you can’t still participate in the fall fun. Celebrate the rural life and vibrant foliage online by signing up for the 2020 Festival 5K fun run/walk, buy a raffle ticket for cash prizes, watch streaming coverage of historical parades and other events and much more. wfff.org
Mt. Washington Valley October Craft Fair
October 3-4, North Conway
photo by ryan arnst
This free fair features over 90 exhibitors displaying their fine jewelry, primitive crafts, country and contemporary décor, functional and decorative pottery, gourmet foods, glass art, fine art, textile arts, quilts, wood turned crafts, furniture and more. There will also be live music to enjoy while you are walking around (socially distanced, of course). joycescraftshows.com
Halloween Pumpkin Walk October 17, Moultonborough
Apple Picking at Applecrest Farm
This hike through the grounds at Castle in the Clouds is self-guided, so you can walk at your leisure. The trail will be marked with lighted jack-o’-lanterns, so be sure to look for some not-so-scary Halloween surprises along the way. It is recommended that you bring headlamps or flashlights to help you navigate. Costumes are encouraged. castleintheclouds.org
Weekends throughout October, Hampton Falls
If you’re looking for a socially distanced fall activity, apple picking is for you. This fourth-generation farm also grows a number of different fruits, pumpkins and gourds, but there’s a reason apples are its namesake — they have 220 acres of orchards growing more than 40 varieties. From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., they offer pick-your-own fruit and cut-your-own flowers, bluegrass music, old-fashioned ice cream with fruit from the farm and more. applecrest.com For a full list of places to apple pick around the Granite State, head to nhmagazine.com/where-to-pick-your-own-apples.
1. Apple Picking at Applecrest Farm, Hampton Falls
Spirit Encounters Tours
3. Spirit Encounters Tours, Canterbury
Today, we enjoy telling ghost stories, reveling in a well-timed fright or harrowing tale. Few of us still believe in the power of the spirit world, the world known to the Shakers as “the Summerland.” To the Shakers, however, this world was an important part of community life. Learn about the growth of spiritualism as part of Shaker religion and hear firsthand Shaker accounts of otherworldly encounters on this 60- to 75-minute tour. shakers.org
5. Mt. Washington Valley October Craft Fair, North Conway
October 30 and 31, Canterbury
2. Scamman Farm Night Corn Mazes, Stratham
5
4. Halloween Pumpkin Walk, Moultonborough
6. 73rd Virtual Warner Fall Foliage Festival online
4 3 2
1
Art Imitating Nature Ammonite cuff bracelet in 22k & 18k gold. Designed by Jennifer Kalled.
Kalled Gallery Wolfeboro, NH and Santa Fe, NM
603.569.3994 kalledjewelrystudio.com
nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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603 NAVIGATOR / our town
Historic Saint-Gaudens This Cornish park is a hidden gem
By Barbara Radcliffe Rogers / Photos by stillman rogers
F
or a town of fewer than 2,000 residents, Cornish has more than its share of historic sites — 10 on the National Register of Historic Places with several more pending. These include four covered bridges, plus the home, studio and gardens of America’s greatest sculptor, Augustus SaintGaudens, founder of the Cornish Colony. Saint-Gaudens came to Cornish in 1885, at first for summers, then moving there year-round in 1900. His arrival marked the beginning of one of the country’s best-known art colonies. Artist friends visited and, like the sculptor, were enchanted by the gentle valley landscapes and views of Mt. Ascutney across the Connecticut River. Soon others began to spend summers here, and a community of creative people — which included illustrator
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Maxfield Parrish, architect Charles Platt and the author Winston Churchill — established summer or year-round homes in Cornish and neighboring Plainfield. Aspet, Saint-Gaudens’ home, is the only one of these open to the public, although most still exist. Along with the house, which is furnished as it was when the family lived here, visitors at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park can tour the sculptor’s studios and extensive gardens. In the New Studio are casts of some of his most famous works, US gold coins with his designs and changing art exhibitions. [Note: As of press time, the buildings at Saint-Gaudens were still closed due to COVID-19. The grounds are open.] Full-size bronze casts of more of his works, including “Standing Lincoln,” the
“Diana” by Augustus Saint-Gaudens at the SaintGaudens National Historical Park in Cornish
“Shaw” monument and the poignant “Adams Memorial,” are set outside amid the trees and flower beds. The formal gardens, with their fountains, hemlock hedges, pools and views of Mt. Ascutney, lie in a series of “garden rooms” between and around the house and studios. Below the house, at the edge of a meadow, is The Temple, a marble copy of the plaster original designed by architect Charles Platt for a party celebrating the 20th anniversary of Saint-Gaudens’ move to Cornish. The marble replica was made as a memorial after the sculptor’s death and contains his and other family members’ ashes. In addition to their artistic pursuits, the artists and others who gathered at the Cornish Colony enjoyed the active summer social life of wealthy bohemians. Featuring largely in these were theatrical performances, musicales, woodland frolics and “masques” — Renaissance
The beautiful grounds at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park are home to a number of sculptures.
entertainments that were enjoying a revival at the turn of the 20th century. These were often quite elaborate, with music, costumes and sets. The set for one of these survives, designed by Maxfield Parrish for a 1916 performance of the play “The Woodland Princess,” written by Louise Saunders, another of the creative
people who worked here. She was the author of “The Knave of Hearts,” one of the best known of the books Parrish illustrated. Parrish lived in Plainfield until the 1950s, and his full-stage backdrop hangs in the town hall. Sadly, the annual Maxfield Parrish Vintage Print and Collectibles Sale at the town
hall on Columbus Day weekend has been canceled this year, but is expected to resume next October. The arts are still celebrated at SaintGaudens’ former home, at least in normal years, with a Sunday afternoon summer concert series, the Star Party, Sculptural Visions and other events. For the past two years, Opera North has staged performances at the nearby Blow-Me-Down Farm, which is a part of the park. The Cornish Colony catapulted the town onto the national stage in 1915, when President Wilson left the sultry heat of Washington, DC, for the summer home of his friend, novelist Winston Churchill. For six weeks, as the world careened toward World War I, the Churchill home became the Summer White House. Wilson kept up with world events and domestic affairs via telegraph, his office hours interspersed with rounds of golf and walks in the woods. Long walks in the woods were a favorite pastime of the artists and their families, and some of the trails they walked are open all year long. Although the buildings in the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park are closed to visitors this season, you can still The Shaw Memorial depicts Col. Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the first all-Black regiment in the Union army. Shaw was killed when the 54th attacked Fort Wagner in 1863. The memorial, which is located on the grounds, is one of SaintGaudens’ most celebrated pieces and should not be missed.
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603 NAVIGATOR / our town
follow the 2-mile trail to Blow-Me-Down Pond. The wetlands and forests of pine, birch, maple, beech and oak are part of the Blow-MeDown Natural Area, which also includes a former gristmill and a stone bridge in its 80 acres. A side path leads to a rare grove of sycamore trees, at the northern fringe of their range. Not far down Route 12A from the SaintGaudens site, the longest wooden covered bridge in America crosses the Connecticut River to Windsor, Vermont. The CornishWindsor Bridge is the fourth one to cross at this point, the previous ones having been destroyed by floods. Built in 1866, the structure is still essentially original and continues to carry two lanes of traffic. This bridge, and the other three covered bridges in Cornish, were built by a man who could neither read nor write. James F. Tasker of Cornish has been called an intuitive engineer, who without formal training was able to conceive and construct bridges to last a century and a half.
Saint-Gaudens’ “Abraham Lincoln: The Man,” more commonly known as “Standing Lincoln”
For a unique perspective of the longest bridge, canoe or kayak underneath it from the small boat launch on Route 12A not far upstream from the bridge. It’s a wide, quiet stretch of river and not far downstream is Chase Island, which can only be reached by boat. The Chase name weaves through Cornish history from its beginnings: Dudley Chase
was one of the town’s founders, Col. Jonathan Chase led his regiment to Fort Ticonderoga in 1776, and Philander Chase founded Trinity Church, just down Route 12A from the Cornish-Windsor bridge. Dating from 1803, the church is still in its original form with few changes; hand-hewn timbers, mortise-and-tenon joints, smallpaned windows and wide-paneled pine pews date to its construction. At the northern end of Cornish, a historical marker identifies a stately white Colonial as the birthplace of yet another Chase. Salmon P. Chase was chief justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, appointed by President Abraham Lincoln after having served as secretary of the treasury during much of the Civil War. Prior to that, he was a US senator active in opposing slavery. NH
Learn more The Cornish-Windsor bridge is the longest wooden covered bridge in the country.
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Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park (603) 675-2175 / nps.gov/saga
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courtesy photos
The Rooftop at The Envio in Portsmouth features a locally sourced menu, handcrafted cocktails and unparalleled views of the Piscataqua River. Read more about it on page 24.
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New & Fresh
nhmagazine.com | October 2020
COVID-19 hasn’t stopped new restaurants from opening around the state By Emily Heidt
I
f this year has shown us anything, it’s that change and disruption are inevitable, but so are creativity and innovation. Fueled by a love of community and nutritious, locally sourced and sustainable food, a few Granite Staters wouldn’t let the chaos of COVID-19 stop them from achieving their dream of becoming restaurant owners. Tucked into a cozy downtown spot on Elm Street in Manchester, Diz’s Café promises to serve you Grandma’s-kitchenlevel comfort food with a side of community that will make you feel like you’re at your home away from home. Gary Window, known as Diz to his family and close friends, has enjoyed a long career in hospitality, and always dreamed of owning his own restaurant — a dream that came to life on May 29. “He has been in restaurants since he was 16 years old, and even though it wasn’t ideal to open the restaurant during a pandemic, that’s how it worked out and we wouldn’t have it any other way,” says Gary’s wife and restaurant co-owner Judi Window. The idea for the restaurant started seven years ago with a family website and a series of Diz’s Café cooking videos, and later became the inspiration for turning that online space into a physical one in the Windows’ home city. “We wanted to create an accommodating place where people could bring their friends and family for a home-cooked meal,” says Judi. “And
Dressing up is encouraged, but not required, at entertainment nights at Diz’s Café in Manchester. nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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what better place to do that than where Gary and I both have family and live ourselves.” The café combines a modern atmosphere with a nod to the millyard and industrial Manchester history to create a leisurely neighborhood atmosphere. “Our goal was to take what’s old and make it new,” says Judi. “We have exposed brick walls, easy-to-move tables and chairs so you can make your own socially distanced, COVID-approved dinner party configuration, and an old Woolworth-style lunch counter, which doubles as a bar. We wanted to make sure families feel welcome ... but don’t bring them to our secret ‘tea time’ at 3 p.m., when you can stop by and enjoy a beer or glass of wine without feeling guilty.” The open seating gives it a welcoming vibe, and the menu and service are just as welcoming and down to earth. When you first walk in, you’ll be greeted with a hearty hello from a staff member (or maybe a friendly guest). You can dine both inside and out, and you can place to-go orders in person or over the phone. They operate as a hybrid of full-
photo by john w. hession
603 NAVIGATOR / FOOD & DRINK
Find authentic regional Italian cuisine at Ciao Italia Ristorante + Mercato in Durham.
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service and café-style, says Judi, meaning you can order food at the kiosk (your food will be delivered to you) or, if you prefer, staff can also take orders at your table. “We are here to make your experience as easy as possible,” she says. With keto-friendly, sugar-free and even a special build-your-own options, the menu is accommodating for a wide variety of tastes and diets. Expect to find items like buttermilk chicken salad, BBQ flatbread, meatloaf, their original Dizspinaca, American chop suey and Elm Street tacos to name a few, and they even serve breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings. From their menu to their just-for-fun event nights (dress up encouraged, but not required), fun is laced into every part of Diz’s Café “where locals go and visitors feel welcome.” Like Diz’s, Ciao Italia Ristorante + Mercato opened this summer despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The downtown Durham restaurant celebrates authentic regional Italian cuisine, and is owned by Doug Clark and his wife Kim. If the restaurant name sounds familiar, that’s because the couple licensed it from fellow
Durham resident, cookbook author and acclaimed chef Mary Ann Esposito, host of the PBS show “Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito,” now celebrating 30 years, making it America’s longest-running television cooking series. Over the years, Esposito has turned down numerous opportunities to open a restaurant, but one in her hometown seemed like the perfect fit. “Doug Clark had a vision to create a much-needed casual restaurant in downtown Durham,” says Esposito. “My role for Ciao Italia is to work with executive chef Jeanne Clements and develop recipes that would be appropriate and reflect the mission statement of the restaurant, to present regional Italian food using the best authentic ingredients.” Located at 56 Main St., where The Knot Irish Pub used to be, Ciao Italia has outdoor seating, limited indoor dining, and takeout options that comply with COVID-19 state regulations. Staff members pride themselves on creating a comfortable and upscale-casual atmosphere, enhanced by modern and
American chop suey and other hearty comfort foods are offered at Diz’s Café in Manchester.
sleek interior details. Whether ordering from the main dine-in menu, the curbside menu or the patio menu, expect the same level of care in every dish. “When you come to the restaurant, you can expect an experience that reflects dining throughout each of Italy’s 20 regions just as much as it does the food,” says Esposito. “The top of our menu says, ‘Enjoy like the Italians who follow a pattern to their meal with a series
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nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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of small dishes including the antipasto, first, second, salad course and finally dessert.’ We are excited to show people how to experience the journey that these dining traditions bring.” For antipasti, choose from items like bruschetta, grilled country bread with a variety of seasonal toppings, and polpette siciliane, Sicilian-style pork and veal meatballs. For first courses, choose from pasta, soups and rice dishes. For the second course, enjoy offerings like parmigiana di melanzane decostruita, deconstructed eggplant parmigiana, or pesce e patate al forno, baked Atlantic cod. “Most like pasta and think that it is the main part of the meal, but it is just a part,” says Esposito. “Our other dishes complement the meal as a whole, and we stuck to only a few main course options, which speaks to how fresh the food is. The menu will change seasonally and there is something for everyone.” The restaurant combines a comfortable, inviting environment with a menu inspired by the changing of seasons, and which reads like a menu you would find in Florence — deliciously healthy. Zachary’s Chop House in Windham was created with the goal of focusing on community and locally sourced, sustainable food. Zachary “Zach” Woodard had
been the chef at The Lobster Tail for 16 years when the opportunity arose to buy the business and make it his own. “I’ve always wanted to build my own business,” says Woodard. “Everything was already changing due to COVID, and I knew that I needed a change and Windham needed a change, so myself and a few friends put our heads together, saw that there weren’t many chophouses around, and put together the concept for the restaurant.” The rebranding comes with a new menu and renovated dining space that Woodard, a few contractors and Woodard’s friend Sully Erna of the band Godsmack spent the last few months rebuilding. “We knew that we wanted it to be a casual, fine dining restaurant, so we gutted and replaced everything from the floors to building a new bar,” says Woodard. “I am a family guy, and I wanted to be able to create an environment that people would feel comfortable bringing their kids and family to.” Open for both lunch and dinner, menu items range from duck wings and mussels to a fresh-caught fish sandwich, but the most popular items might be their local prime cuts of 32-ounce ribeyes and 16-ounce New York strips. “Local is the only way to go,” says Wood-
Next time that you’re in Portsmouth and looking for the best seat in the house, head to the Rooftop at The Envio. Sitting high above the AC Hotel Portsmouth and The Envio, the new rooftop restaurant and bar offers panoramic views of the Piscataqua River and the bridges that cross it. The restaurant offers a casually sophisticated dining experience and a modern menu of locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a Maine lobster flatbread while you sip a Strawbery Banke cocktail and watch the sunset. The views are just as good as the food and drink. 299 Vaughan St., Portsmouth / (603) 334-4207 / rooftopportsmouth.com
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courtesy photo
Rooftop at The Envio
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courtesy photos
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Enjoy the finest cuts of steak and ocean-fresh seafood at Zachary’s Chop House in Windham.
ard. “I was a fisherman for four years, so I do the best I can to throw whatever I can to other local fishermen and farmers in the area. We all need to stick and work together, especially in times like this.” Even with the restaurant operating at 50% capacity, they’ve been full every night since they opened on July 31, and Woodard doesn’t think that they will be slowing down anytime soon. “We’ve been so fortunate to have some awesome people to help build us such a wonderful place, and we’re even more fortunate to serve our community in this time with great company and an even better meal.” NH
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64 Ceres Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Find It
Ceres Street Dock, next to The Tugboats
Call: 800-776-0915 or 603-436-8084
Diz’s Café
860 Elm St., Manchester (603) 606-2532 / dizscafe.com
Full Bar & Galley on every Cruise to:
Ciao Italia Ristorante + Mercato
Portsmouth Harbor Isles of Shoal, Sunset Harbor Cruises
56 Main St., Durham (603) 868-2426 / ciaoitaliadurham.com
Zachary’s Chop House
4 Cobbetts Pond Rd., Windham (603) 890-5555 / zacharyschophouse.com
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& Catered Functions
nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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Sips
Drink Your Shrubs An old-fashioned favorite, shrubs have steadily made a comeback in the last several years — especially on cocktail menus
B
efore we begin, a toast to new approaches! 2020 seems to be the year for such endeavors, so this month we spin around to look backward and find ourselves in the present. I, too, am trying new things and modalities. I am writing this article in the middle of the night in my backyard, sipping a lemon-lime shrub amid the shrubs, instead of on my porch. I am also trending
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toward teetotaling at times, perhaps more than before. This unbibulousness brings us to shrubs. I had almost forgotten about shrubs until I had rhubarb shrub from Hannah at Trillium Farm to Table in Laconia on a 90something-degree summer day. I got one to go during a delivery run, along with a slice of delicious olive oil zucchini bread.
The interplay of the tart from the vinegar with the green freshness from the rhubarb was a perfect tonic for the day. Yes, vinegar. Traditionally, at least 500 years ago, “sharab” was a popular drink in Persia. It was both a method and a product — fruit was muddled with sugars, and the resultant syrup was preserved with vinegar (creating a semi-shelf-stable product), then added to water to create a refreshing beverage. Some wealthy households enjoyed candy confections made to dissolve in water. This is where we get not only the word shrub, but also syrup and sherbet. Shrubs enjoyed a revival in Colonial America, where they were often mixed with rum or brandy, and again in the early 2000s
photo by iryna mariiechko
Local beverage news and reviews by Michael Hauptly-Pierce
with the craze of craft mixology. I consulted with Jeremy Hart of Industry East (and formerly of The Birch on Elm), opening soon at 28 Hanover St. in Manchester, about cocktail recipes with shrubs. He made me my first shrub cocktail a few years back, and he was on point again. All of the proportions are subjective. If you prefer more sweetness, use more sugar. Much of my research came from “Shrubs” by Michael Dietsch (a great read as well as a good resource), and he suggests a basic ratio of fruit/sugar/vinegar at 2/1/1 by volume, but different recipes call for different ratios. I suggest experimenting with different vinegars — champagne or white wine is good to complement delicate flavors like citrus, but red wine or even malt might work better with richer flavors like fig or mint. I currently have several batches in the fridge, including apricot/raspberry with white wine, lemon/lime with champagne, and rhubarb with a touch of molasses and a good amount of Lyle’s golden syrup for some butterscotchy notes. Until we meet again, at a bar or in my backyard, keep your glass full. NH
The Shrub 3 cucumbers 3/4 cup white wine vinegar 3/4 cup cider vinegar 3/4 cup sugar 11/2 teaspoons Maldon sea salt Purée cukes in a blender and press through a fine strainer into a medium bowl. Combine juice with all other ingredients in a mason jar, shake and then refrigerate for a week. THE COCKTAIL
Another Shrubbery 11/2 ounces tequila 1 ounce cucumber shrub
5 ounces fresh lemon juice Stir all ingredients in a highball glass with ice and top with plain seltzer.
Windows to the Wild
NEW SEASON photo by emily heidt
Online, anytime.
nhpbs.org/windows nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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603 Informer “Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.” — P.J. O’Rourke
McLean Communications Publisher and Vice President Ernesto Burden at The Bookery in Manchester
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Photo by Kendal J. Bush
Blips 32 Politics 34 Artisan 35 Community 36 What Do You Know? 40
Ernesto’s Excellent Intellectual Adventure
In which our new publisher discovers local literary luminary P.J. O’Rourke by Ernesto Burden
T
he Democratic National Convention had just ended, the Republican National Convention was about to begin, motorcycles roamed I-93 like apocalyptic iron horsemen as Bike Week roared into full swing in Laconia, scientists had just announced an asteroid would hit Earth the day before the presidential election, and the whole country was wearing masks months before Halloween (although some people still wouldn’t pull them up over their dang noses, which beyond the health implications, just looks gross). I’d just gotten back to Manchester from a socially distanced hike up and down one of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers with my four kids. Typically, they get along as well as any four kids of diverse ages and personalities forced to coexist in this very special episode of “The Real World” we call family. But on a long car ride after a long, hot hike, with serious issues under debate such as “If he touches me again can I defenestrate him?” one can almost imagine us as a microcosm of the country right now, hopelessly divided on matters of utmost consequence and desperately needing a cold drink and a long, hot shower. After the kids received their sustenance and their sluicing and retreated to their respective rooms, I found my way to the hammock on the front porch with nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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an advance copy of P.J. O’Rourke’s new book, “A Cry from the Far Middle: Dispatches from a Divided Land.” For those whose politics lean left, O’Rourke is a political satirist who appears frequently on NPR’s “Wait Wait ... Don’t Tell Me.” For those who lean right, he’s a political satirist who writes for the conservative magazine The Weekly Standard. For the moderates reading this, he’s written for all sorts of general interest magazines, including Car & Driver, Forbes, House & Garden and The Atlantic. He has the august pop culture credentials of having written for Rolling Stone (foreign affairs desk chief) and was the editor-in-chief of National Lampoon. He also collaborated on the screenplay for the 1983 Rodney Dangerfield movie “Easy Money.” Which certainly illustrates that, while he’s a conservative, as a humorist and a satirist who isn’t afraid to point his pen at himself or his own ideals, he’s got appeal across the aisle and a certain immunity to pigeonholing. O’Rourke lives in New Hampshire, which is why I ended up with a review copy of “A Cry from the Far Middle” at that near perfect moment, cocooned in a hammock, wedged between two political conventions in one of the strangest years we’ve ever lived through. We could all use a little humor right now, and if that humor happens to come in the form of cutting-but-somehow-affectionate, a-pox-on-both-their-houses political satire, well, apropos. The book is built of essays about the foibles of our culture and politics, but O’Rourke acknowledges in the “PrePreface” that since it wasn’t until the book was being edited and typeset that the novel coronavirus and subsequent social and political upheaval of 2020 commenced, the book “looks back on an era of troubles that, in retrospect, seem to have been the good old days.” So, in some ways, all the essays that follow, containing as they do, no references to the coronavirus or the racial tensions and cries for justice that were illuminated in its wake, provide that same sense of disconcertion as watching a television show made pre-virus where nobody is wearing masks and everyone is kissing each other on the cheeks at parties (though I’ve never 30
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actually been to a party where people kiss each other on the cheeks). But of course, the challenges facing the American body politic pre-pandemic remain, in particular the sense of polarization and division. And it’s this ever-more-relevant clash that O’Rourke returns to again and again, starting with his “Manifesto for Extreme Moderation” aimed at the growing ranks who believe they know exactly what America needs. “Our nation faces a multitude of difficult, puzzling, complex and abstruse problems. Most Americans aren’t sure what to do about them. But we lack politicians with the courage to say, ‘I’m not
“A Far Cry from the Middle: Dispatches from a Divided Land” $26, Atlantic Monthly Press
sure what to do about them either.’ We even lack politicians with the courage to say, ‘I’m not sure what abstruse means.’” The catch-22, of course, is that offering a solution puts one into the same category as all the rest of the folks with strong opinions about what the country needs. “We’d be better off, in my opinion,” O’Rourke opines, “without so many opinions. Especially without so many political opinions. Including my own.” Nevertheless, a proposal must be offered, despite the inherent contradictions: “The extreme moderates’ non-negotiable demand? Negotiation. We won’t compromise until we see some compromising.” The thesis throughout is that the more complex and unprecedented life gets, the more people in the public sphere insist their positions are unquestionably correct — and that anyone with an alternate proposal is working from bad faith. Or,
as O’Rourke puts it, “Everything is much more wrong than it ever was, and we are much more right about it. We’re all mad at each other and incensed that others are furious with us.” Technology isn’t helping: “Social media polarizes our politics by allowing us all — no matter how wrong we are about a political issue — to find a large, enthusiastic group of people who are even wronger.” O’Rourke illustrates with a literary timeline: “When words had to be carved in stone, we got the Ten Commandments. When we needed to make our own ink and chase a goose around the yard to obtain a quill, we got William Shakespeare. When the fountain pen was invented, we got Henry James. When the typewriter came along, we got Jack Kerouac. And with the advent of the smartphone keypad, we got Donald Trump on Twitter.” So what to do about all this? O’Rourke turns to the Founding Fathers for some sage advice. (And it’s notable, the comedy in these essays, like much of O’Rourke’s work, is often underpinned by extensively footnoted history and data ... there is no small risk of learning something while reading, despite one’s best intentions.) He provides Washington’s Farewell Address (mostly written by Alexander Hamilton) as a prime example of how the dangers posed by unchecked partisanism remain as relevant today as they did at the founding of the country (or vice versa). I in turn provide them to you, as they are both timely words to consider as we enter a particularly divisive election season, and an excellent lesson to go inflict on the kids after I manage to unroll myself from this hammock. Washington said, “The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension ... has perpetrated the most horrid enormities [and] is itself a frightful despotism. [...] the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it. [...] not a fire to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into flame, lest instead of warming, it should consume.” A cry from the far middle indeed, circa 1796. NH
Rick’s Recommended Reads
In which our literate and highly alliterative editor offers up his favorite finds from this fall’s crop of new books by local authors by Rick Broussard Thoreau, The Kid and Mr. Lou
Thoreau had three chairs in his self-made one-room cabin in the woods at Walden Pond. He said so, in his own hand. One chair was for solitude, another for friendship and a third was for society . . . . At Big Buck Road, the seating arrangement was more for individual, me, rather than group therapy. Six chairs and a daybed, far superior to Henry David Thoreau’s bed of nails, adorned the inner sanctum of my much larger cabin at Lucas Pond in Northwood, New Hampshire.
Thoreau, The Kid and Mr. Lou
Book Notes of a Foreign Correspondent
Salome Lou Salome, a.k.a. Mr. Lou in Asia, Africa and Europe, lived for a year in the New Hampshire woods where he wrote Violence, Veils and Bloodlines—Reporting from War Zones. He kept a daily journal detailing his life in the woods, a year when dreams, notebooks, a card game called cribbage, baseball and the natural world played vital roles in helping to banish his demons. Those thick journals are the main, but not the only, source of this book. In the woods around his cabin at Lucas Pond, he met the ghosts of a like-minded Henry David Thoreau, baseball great Ted Williams and heavyweight boxing champ Jack Sharkey. He also matched the people of the woods with those of different tribes he met in Afghanistan, Iran, Bosnia, Russia, Ukraine and other areas far from New Hampshire.
by Marek Bennett
A celebrated New Hampshire graphic storyteller (i.e., cartoonist) posing as a cartoon rabbit shares his experiences at the 2019 International Book Fair in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Through simple line drawings and the occasional “cartoon jam” with other artists in attendance, Bennett bestows readers with the feeling they were actually there amid the organized multicultural chaos of the Sharjah fair. V marekbennett.com, $10
This Land of Snow: Great Life Press www.greatlifepress.com
GLP
Sharja Sketch Book
by Louis J. Salome
Author of Violence, Veils and Bloodlines—Reporting from War Zones
A Journey Across the North in Winter
by Anders Morley
This first book from one of New Hampshire Magazine’s favorite writers is sure to fascinate anyone with a love for the vast frontiers and curious folk of the North. Morley, a native of New Hampshire who splits his time between Bergamo, Italy, and Littleton, writes vividly and meditatively about his solo trip during winter across Canada on skis. V Mountaineers Books, $19.95
Thoreau, The Kid & Mr. Lou: Book Notes of a Foreign Correspondent
by Louis Salome
Lou Salome lived for a year in the New Hampshire woods where he wrote “Violence, Veils and Bloodlines: Reporting from War Zones.” He kept a daily journal detailing his life in the woods, a year when dreams, notebooks, a card game called cribbage, baseball and the natural world played vital roles in helping to banish his demons. Those thick journals are the main, but not only, source of this remarkable book on the transformative powers of words and memory. V Great Life Press, $16
Cursed Objects: Political Godmother:
Nackey Scripps Loeb & the Newspaper That Shook the Republican Party
by Meg Heckman
The lengthy subtitle says a lot about Heckman’s book, but this exhaustively researched and brightly written look at the power of the press is both timely and timeless. Nackey Loeb’s influence extended far beyond the 1,000+ front-page editorials she wrote for Manchester’s Union Leader newspaper over the length of her fascinating career. This book establishes her role in shaping our state and nation. V Potomac Books, $29.95
Sleepwalking, Insanity, and the Trial of Abraham Prescott
by Leslie Lambert Rounds
After creeping out of bed on a frigid New Hampshire night in 1832, teenage farmhand Abraham Prescott took up an ax and thrashed his sleeping employers to the brink of death. He later explained that he’d attacked Sally and Chauncey Cochran in his sleep. The Cochrans recovered and, to everyone’s great astonishment, kept Prescott on, accepting his strange story — a decision that would come back to haunt them. Rounds’ reconstruction of the crime raises important questions about privilege, societal discrimination against the mentally ill, and the unfortunate secondary role of women in history. V Kent State University Press, $24.95
A short list of other P.J. O’Rourke books worth the read ...
Strange but True Stories of the World’s Most Infamous Items
by J.W. Ocker
The Granite State and New England, both dense with weird landmarks and icons, are often the focus of the perusals of J.W. Ocker — and we’re all better off (if slightly more creeped out) as a result. Here, with the whole world as his three-eyed oyster, Ocker is having more fun than is legal in some countries. Anyone who shares a smidge of his passion for the peculiar will want to buy a copy for themselves and one to give away. But you should know that, as an expert, on cursed objects (like the infamous Hope diamond), Ocker considers his own book to be one. V Quirk Books, $19.99
I Have Struck Mrs. Cochran with a Stake:
“Holidays in Heck: A Former War Correspondent Experiences Frightening Vacation Fun” “Parliament of Whores”
Zen and the Art of Collecting Old Cars:
“How the Hell Did This Happen?: The Election of 2016”
by Bruce Valley
“All the Trouble in the World: The Lighter Side of Overpopulation, Famine, Ecological Disaster, Ethnic Hatred, Plague, and Poverty”
Adventures in Toyland
The cover quote by fellow old car fanatic Jay Leno speaks volumes about this well-illustrated and rhapsodic love letter from a local guy to the automobiles that have revved our engines over the years. V Great Life Press, $25
And a personal favorite of our editor: “National Lampoon 1964 High School Yearbook Parody” written and edited by P.J. O’Rourke, Doug Kenney and friends. nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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603 informer / in the news
Blips
Monitoring appearances of the 603 on the media radar since 2006
The author’s latest project might surprise you By casey mcdermott New Hampshire’s own Dan Brown is out with a new book that, at first, seems an unlikely departure from “The Da Vinci Code” and other mystery thrillers for which he’s known. But as Brown recently told New Hampshire Magazine, eagle-eyed readers will still find some of his trademark “codes and anagrams” sprinkled throughout his latest work: “Wild Symphony,” a children’s book accompanied by a custom soundtrack composed by the author himself. Read on for more excerpts from our conversation. On the early origins of “Wild Symphony”: It began nearly 30 years ago with a walk along the Exeter River, not far from where he grew up. “I heard a bunch of different frogs in this bog,” Brown recalls.
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“Some were low bullfrogs, some were high peepers, and they were all sort of singing at the same time.” Inspired by that stroll, he wrote “a silly little piece of music called ‘Happy Frogs,’” which “had a little bit of a fugue quality to it,” he says. Then came a poem, and another song about another animal, and another, and another. He shopped the project around (“a little cassette with a little photocopied book that went along with it”) at the Water Street Bookstore in Exeter — but left it behind as he moved on with other creative pursuits. How he brought “Wild Symphony” back to life: While on tour in China, Brown says an interviewer surprised him by pulling out a copy of the decades-old musical project and asking him to play it on air.
Author Dan Brown is also a pianist. He composed the music for “Wild Symphony.”
photos courtesy of parma recordings
Dan’s Wild Side
Soon enough, Brown’s publishers were interested in reviving it for real. So he got back to work. “I wrote 10 new pieces of music, 10 new poems, cleaned up the earlier poems, orchestrated the music for live orchestra, and went to Croatia and recorded it with the Zagreb Festival Orchestra, which is just superb.” (Bob Lord and PARMA Recordings, of North Hampton, were also instrumental in its production.) Why he wanted to make it musical: “We live in a different time,” Brown says. “Kids today are used to all sorts of different input. And it’s very hard to talk about music without hearing music.” Plus, the author is a lifelong pianist — encouraged by his mother, a professional organist — and made a living as a musician before moving on to teaching, and then, of course, came his big break as a novelist. But Brown also had a kind of operatic vision in mind when creating the score to “Wild Symphony.” “It’s a way to try to imitate that sort of multimedia experience.” How he’s spending his free time these days: Exploring the White Mountains (where his father lives) and Portsmouth (“I feel like I can get a world-class culture in New Hampshire without having to live in Manhattan”), hosting socially distanced gatherings around his backyard firepit at his home on the Seacoast, and otherwise enjoying the relative anonymity that comes with life in the Granite State. “I’m a private person,” Brown says, “and really writing novels and having some success has been 99% wonderful. The 1% that I would easily give back is the fame, the notoriety, the lack of privacy, where every aspect of your life is public fodder.” He also tries to get back to the secluded spots in Exeter that inspired “Wild Symphony” whenever he can, usually
withigh a dictaphone ins hand. “I find that Cronin, Clas Kale all 200 my best ideas come when I’m 7 of physically moving.” On finding literary lessons in the present moment: Brown’s 2013 book, “Inferno,” chronicled a pandemic — so, in a way, he feels like he’s already explored some of the themes brought to the forefront during COVID-19. But he’s still pursuing other new adult fiction projects and following science news closely while launching “Wild Symphony.” In particular, he’s trying to dig into our collective “fragmented” tendencies and how those play out, particularly in moments as stressful as the present. “When you’re stressed, the instinct is to figure out who to blame, whose fault it is, and we just spend a lot of time arguing over how to handle things or who did what, when the reality is we’re all in the exact same situation and we all want the exact same thing,” he says. “What I’m writing now relates a lot to human consciousness, human behavior, and hopefully painting a picture of a much brighter future for all of us.” For more details on Brown’s latest release, head to wildsymphony.com. NH
New Hampshire Public Radio is your source for news and information related to local, state and national elections. Our experienced team explores the issues that impact NH voters and shares the stories of how policy decisions affect everyday lives, in extraordinary times.
FOR ALL OUR TOOLS & REPORTING PROJECTS, VISIT NHPR.ORG/ELECTIONS2020
courtesy photos
Congratulations are in order for chef and “Blips” regular Evan Hennessey of Stages at One Washington in Dover. Hennessey recently scored his third win on Food Network’s hit cooking competition “Chopped,” after successful stints on the show in 2018. Portsmouth poet laureate Tammi Truax is getting national recognition — from the likes of CNN and The New York Times — for the poetic pick-me-ups she has tucked into the city’s COVID-19 newsletters in recent months. “I just really needed to brighten the darkness and give people something else besides sad news,” she told CNN. “When all other words fail, somehow a poetic voice, especially in New Hampshire, brings the truth to the forefront.”
Humanities
2020 Annual Celebration of the
A V I RT U A L C E L E B R AT I O N O F H O P E & R E S I L I E N C E
Thursday, October 22, 2020 • 6 pm Delivered virtually from The Rex Theatre, Manchester
www.nhhumanities.org/celebrate
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8/19/2020 6:49:47 PM
603 informer / politics
Political Slumber NH’s most predictable election year by James Pindell / illustration by peter noonan
F
or a generation, New Hampshire has been one of the most interesting places nationally when it comes to politics, where election year after election year brings a number of competitive contests. Beyond the state’s storied first-in-thenation presidential primary, during the last three decades, New Hampshire was a presidential swing state. This means presidential candidates have lavished more attention per capita in New Hampshire than in any other state in the nation. Races for governor and US Senate have been nail-biters. The state’s 1st Congressional District, representing the eastern half of the state, was dubbed the “swingest swing” house district in the country, as it bounced back and forth between Republican and Democratic control. Even in Concord, control of either branch of the Legislature has often toggled. During these years, there was even a 12-12 tie in the state Senate. But in the final month of campaigning before the 2020 election, we should be honest: Elections this year just aren’t that interesting. In fact, despite the novel coronavirus or because of it, 2020 might be the most boring election year the state has seen in 22 years. You have to go back to the 1998 elections
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to find the last time an election year was this sleepy. That year Republican US Sen. Judd Gregg won reelection in a blowout as did Democratic Gov. Jeanne Shaheen and Republican US Rep. John E. Sununu. In the state’s other congressional district, Charlie Bass also won reelection by a comfortable margin. In fact, of the state’s 33 most important elections that year, only two were decided by less than 1% — an Executive Council race and a state Senate race, both in the Manchester area. But in 2000, the presidential race in the state was so close, third party candidate Ralph Nader basically decided it. In 2002, there was a nationally watched US Senate contest and open seats for governor and Congress. In 2004, the state was once again a hotly contested presidential swing state and, for the first time in 80 years, a firstterm governor would lose reelection. In 2006, both US House seats were considered battlegrounds, and both Republican incumbents were ousted. In 2008, a US Senate rematch brought the national press corps. In 2010, New Hampshire Republicans flipped more seats from Democratic control than they ever have in state history. In 2012, both presidential candidates campaigned here in the final weekend, and there was an open
seat for governor. In 2016, again both candidates for president campaigned in the state the final weekend because it was so close, as was a US Senate race decided by 1,500 votes. In 2018, there was an open seat for Congress. But in 2020, the major races are again, as in ‘98, headed toward blowout status. At the time of this writing, Democrat Joe Biden is expected to handily win the state over President Trump, to the point that neither had been to the state since early February. When the campaign strategists plotted out their respective paths to winning the Electoral College, New Hampshire was rarely even mentioned, where before it was integral. Shaheen, now seeking her third term as a US Senator, is expected to coast to reelection. It’s a different Sununu this time — Chris — seeking his third term as governor with some of the highest approval ratings in the nation. US Reps. Chris Pappas and Annie Kuster aren’t even on the national watch list for Republicans. Both Statehouse chambers are expected to stay in Democratic hands. What does all of this mean? It is possible that 2020 will be an anomaly. After all, 2022 should have another blockbuster of a US Senate contest if a top-tier Republican decides to challenge Democrat Maggie Hassan. However, if the trend line of entrenched incumbents (and generally a Democratic advantage in races) continue, there will be not only less excitement, but for the first time in a long time, there might be less money in local politics and fewer political television ads as national money is diverted elsewhere. How is that for a change? NH
603 informer / artisan
Name Game Wood is the word
photography and text By Susan Laughlin
R
yan Hulse of Nashua just loves the look and feel of wood weathered by time, ocean waves or human use. He is continually on the hunt for neglected antiques and scraps of discarded wood to repurpose into clever signage and more. Find an ottoman made from an old trunk, a surfboard-turned-coffee-table or an old washboard for wall art in his online galleries. They all speak softly of their original function, and showcase the natural patina and texture of well-worn wood. Hulse custom-builds just about anything from new wood too, saying, “I enjoy making new things look old.” The end result can be coasters, cutting boards or even a soaring living room mantel. Fine carpentry is his first love. He gave up his high-end marketing job about two years ago, and now uses his graphic design ability to conjure and produce fun and practical wood-based objects that can be found for sale on Instagram, Etsy or custom-ordered. NH
Shown here are Hulse’s letter tiles with custom words arranged for very personal wall art. He also letters weathered wood with surnames or the slogan of your choice.
Find It
Hulse Design Co.
Nashua / hulsedesignco.com etsy.com/shop/HulseDesignCo instagram.com/hulsedesignco
Ryan Hulse in his woodworking shop nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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photo courtesy of mad-monsters.com
603 informer / community
Epic Film Fare for All Wilton Town Hall Theatre hangs in there By Anders Morley
W
hen Dennis Markaverich began managing the Wilton Town Hall Theatre in March of 1973, he opened with “Gone With the Wind.” It’s still one of his favorites, along with “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Doctor Zhivago.” Markaverich likes classic Hollywood epics that overwhelm by their sheer energy, and confesses that tears have been known to stream down his cheeks in the auditorium balcony, where he sits in the dark running the projector. He doubts that a plotless film watched in snippets on a tiny screen between social-media notifications can achieve the same effect. 36
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The red brick Wilton Town Hall is an imposing example of American Queen Anne architecture built between 1883 and 1885. Unless you’re from Wilton, chances are you’ll come in the Main Street entrance, which is really the back door. The outside wall of this lower level consists of granite blocks quarried in neighboring Milford. Inside, past the town offices, you’ll be drawn up the long ash staircase by soft light and the smell of popcorn. Like the stairs, the wood floor on the upper level creaks. Over a counter worn by the eager elbows of generations of moviegoers, hand-carved signs direct you into
Catch “Nosferatu” at the Wilton Town Hall Theatre. See page 37 for more information.
one of two lines: Tickets or Refreshments. The counter is lined with popcorn buckets in four sizes, and behind it are candy and drink offerings, notably the New England favorites Moxie and Polar seltzer. On a grooved letter board, you’ll find the ticket prices, which are low. The auditorium ceiling boasts angled brackets, beams and a latticed arts and crafts-style central recess, all carved from rich, warm cherry wood. Since its inception, this grand 250-seat space has hosted lectures, temperance meetings, minstrel shows, basketball games, boxing matches and dances. If floors ever became too sticky to dance on in the old days, the problem was solved by sprinkling cornmeal on them. Moving pictures came
ly talk setting the scene. Then he sits down at his organ to watch the film with the rest of the audience. As he watches, though, his fingers leap, sizzle and dash along the keyboard, articulating a lively three-way conversation between audience, celluloid and the muse. Rapsis, who lives in Bedford, accompanies about 100 film screenings a year across the country, but he considers Wilton home base. Running an arthouse cinema isn’t easy anywhere. It’s especially challenging in a small town. “When people go to the movies, they do it to get out of town,” says Markaverich. “And the younger generation doesn’t really get a place like this. They’ve never even heard of Cary Grant or Bette Davis.” A local high school teacher brings his film class to a screening every year, but his students refuse to watch black-and-white movies and are uninterested in anything made before the 1990s. “At one time, all your visual treats were either in your imagination or at the movies,” Markaverich says. “Then along came television, and that changed the way movies were made. Nowadays there’s far more than just television competing for our attention.”Nevertheless, Markaverich has a loyale clientele, although he worries
SILENTS ARE GOLDEN: Celebrate Halloween by experiencing “Nosferatu,” the original silent film adaptation of Bram Stoker’s famous “Dracula” story. Still scary after all these years — in fact, some critics believe this version is not only the best ever done, but has actually become creepier with the passage of time. See for yourself, if you dare. Sunday, October 25, 2 p.m.: “Nosferatu” (1922) directed by F.W. Murnau. Admission free, donations of $10 per person encouraged. Below: Jeff Rapsis provides live musical accompaniment during silent films.
left: photo courtesy of wilton town hall theatre; above: courtesy photo
to Wilton in 1912, and beginning in the 1930s, the auditorium served most often as a cinema. During World War II, it was the only place in the surrounding hill towns that played newsreels. Buttery popcorn is all you’ll find on the floors nowadays. Markaverich sweeps out the rows between seats after each show. The theater, which he leases from the town, was open seven days a week, pre-pandemic. Even then on weeknights he’d usually work alone, and it was not unusual for him to project a film for an audience of five or six. Sometimes he’d stick around until the middle of the night because he likes the quiet of the empty theater. There’s plenty of quiet now as Hollywood holds its new releases for better days when the virus is under control. And while the silent-film age ended in the 1920s, in Wilton it persists. Markaverich screens one silent movie each month, and it always draws a crowd. In their heyday, silent films were not only voiceless but also without music. Scores were improvised live by local musicians, usually on pianos or organs, but in larger cities sometimes by whole orchestras. Wilton’s music man is Jeff Rapsis, who precedes each show with a live-
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From a glance, you might not know the Wilton Town Hall is also home to a theater where film fans can catch international, independent and first-run Hollywood movies.
ographical opus is, among other things, an ode to an era when the movie house was a place where the cosmopolitan world and small-town life intersected. Like local cinemas everywhere, the Wilton Town Hall Theatre was once a place to learn the news and to socialize. It was a place for ordinary people living in a particular place to take in extraordinary stories, as a community. In Wilton, you can still feel some of this, although in the streaming age (in spite of what marketers may tell you) the deck is stacked against everything little, local and collective, an effect magnified by the onset of COVID-19. Partway through “Gone with the Wind,” when the Confederate Army has been all but routed by Sherman’s troops, Rhett But-
ler decides to join the fight. Scarlett asks him why, of all times, he’s going now. His answer is one Markaverich might easily give: “Maybe it’s because I’ve always had a weakness for lost causes, once they’re really lost.” Pain is the name of the game for the brave souls in the independent-cinema business today. But only until the lights go down. Then there’s that same old glory. NH
Learn more Wilton Town Hall Theatre 40 Main St., Wilton (603) 654-3456 wiltontownhalltheatre.com
left: courtesy photo; right: monadnock ledger-transcript-used with permission
that most customers are older. “They come because it reminds them of when they were young.” He tells the story of an elderly World War II Navy veteran who once came to see “Destination Tokyo,” a 1943 submarine film. Afterward the man thanked him with tears in his eyes. On another occasion a woman approached him after “Top Hat,” a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers comedy. She had seen the film on her first date in the thirties. “I’m sure both of them have died,” Markaverich says. Keeping a small-town movie theater afloat is expensive too. “The production companies don’t like us because we’re too small. Multiplexes with overpriced nachos make more money for them.” Compliance with safety and accessibility rules is also costly for a 19th-century building set in a hillside. Although a grandfather clause exempts the theater from ADA wheelchair-accessibility requirements, Markaverich is committed to making his cinema available to everyone, often relying on customers to lend a neighborly hand. But there’s no exemption from providing ADA audiovisual accommodations, and Markaverich is raising money to bring in closed-captioning and audiodescription devices as soon as possible. A dedicated collection jar sits on the concessions counter. Wilton is one of the only places you’ll find foreign films in New Hampshire. A few months ago, the theatre played “Dolor y Gloria” (“Pain and Glory”) by Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. The autobi-
photo courtesy jim rapsis
603 informer / community
“Dolor y Gloria” was shown earlier this year.
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Manager Dennis Markaverich (right) has many roles and many film-loving friends.
Hand-crafted musical instrument
0ne-of-a kind keepsake
easy to play
even hipper than it looks
FWin this! A unique NH cigar box guitar by C.B. Gitty of Rochester (cbgitty.com)
And
help this historical New Hampshire arts center in the process.
The Rochester Opera House is a beautiful, century-old theater that is the hub of a vibrant seacoast arts scene and has a unique movable floor that allows the space to adapt to both performance and meeting spaces. Any donation to the Opera House will help support the performing arts in our state.
Enter to win and/or make a donation at nhmagazine.com/gitty (Note: No donation is required to be entered to win.)
603 informer / what do you know?
Jolly Green Giant No, not the one you’re thinking of story and photos by Marshall Hudson
“T
he Jolly Green Giant Died Here” reads the plaque affixed to a boulder I had just stumbled upon. I find that to be a little spooky, but also oddly curious as I am out in the middle of nowhere and a long way away from anywhere you’d expect to find an advertising icon. I’m on Boundary Pond in Pittsburg, also known as Mountain Pond, but Boundary Pond is the better fitting name of the two as one end of the pond is in New Hampshire, and the other end is in Canada — or at least pretty close to it. As the crow flies, Boundary Pond is less than a mile to the Maine boundary too, so it is aptly named. It is a scenic and peaceful place, secluded and at times difficult to access. Known about by the locals and a few loggers, surveyors and hunters, Boundary Pond is mostly visited only by serious fishermen willing to make the trek. Hardy snowmobilers might venture in to it as well.
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For many decades, at the outlet of the pond, there was an old drover’s dam, a simple earth embankment dike with a wooden plank sluiceway. This drover’s dam was a relic left over from the days of the log drives, when every spring the waterways in the area were dammed up and then released to float logs downstream to the pulp and sawmills. The old drover’s dam, with its deteriorating wooden sluiceway, was replaced in 2012 with a more substantial dam, which included a new concrete spillway. It was the east end of the dam where I found the boulder and bronze plaque containing the Jolly Green Giant inscription. Anyone of a certain age reading this plaque will likely sprout images in their mind of canned corn and early June sweet peas, and perhaps hear the deep bass lyrical “Ho, ho, ho! Valley of the Jolly Green Giant” cartoon jingle somewhere in the back of their
The dam at Boundary Pond in Pittsburg. The other end of the pond is located in Canada.
brain. So, what exactly is an advertisement cartoon character doing in this unlikely and remote corner of New Hampshire? The answer is nothing at all. In the 1960s there was a New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officer, or game warden as they tended to be called, who worked in this region of the state. His name was Gary Waterhouse, and he was a big guy. He stood over 6 feet 6 inches tall, and had a powerful body to match. He had big hands that made a formidable impression when he shook hands with you. He was jovial in nature, friendly, always smiling and everyone liked him. In his all-overgreen game warden uniform he looked like a big green giant. Coupled with his affable nature, the “Jolly Green Giant” nickname came fast and stuck easily. In 1968, at the age 36, Waterhouse received a request for assistance from Carl Carlson, another conservation officer working the Pittsburg
Top: The plaque dedicated to New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officer Gary Waterhouse, nicknamed the Jolly Green Giant Above: The sluiceway of the old dam, which was replaced in 2012
area. Reports had come in that a large group had come in via Canada and was illegally fishing up at Boundary Pond. Carlson and Waterhouse responded and hiked up into the pond from the Canadian side. It was a longer trek, but they were more likely to bump into the illegal fishermen skedaddling their way out. When Carlson and Waterhouse reached the pond, it turned out there weren’t any illegal fishermen there after all. Perhaps they had missed them or perhaps the reported sighting had been erroneous. It was a hot day, and the hiking was uphill and strenuous. Waterhouse was huffing and puffing. When they reached the dam, he complained about having a bad case of heartburn. Shortly thereafter, Waterhouse hit the ground, felled by a massive heart attack. Carlson administered CPR to the Jolly Green Giant but with only limited success. As this was years before cell phones and radio towers, he was unable to call out for help. The likelihood of someone else coming along who’d be able to provide assistance was slim in this remote area.
Carlson was physically unable to carry the Jolly Green Giant out alone. So he left Waterhouse behind and ran the miles to the nearest telephone, located in Chartierville, in the Province of Quebec. A full-scale rescue effort was immediately launched that included local rescue personnel, area doctors and two paramedics from Pease Air Force Base who were scrambled out on a
C-130. The Air Force paramedics parachuted out over Boundary Pond to give whatever aid they could. Sadly, there was nothing anyone could do, and the “Jolly Green Giant,” died on the earth embankment of that remote pond that day. His fellow conservation officers erected the plaque on the boulder that bears his name, the date and the inscription, “The Jolly Green Giant Died Here.” Paul Doherty, the New Hampshire Fish and Game district chief and supervisor of Waterhouse at the time of his death, wrote later in his book, “Smoke from a Thousand Campfires,” “Gary’s death was both tragic and untimely. In this case, however, a man died doing the job he enjoyed, wearing the uniform he was proud of and in a spot he dearly loved. ... Farewell, Jolly Green Giant.” In 2012, when the dam was rebuilt and the old drover’s dam was replaced with a new modern structure, the construction crew tasked with building the new dam carefully removed the boulder containing the plaque and temporarily stored it in a safe place during the construction period. When the new dam was completed, they reset the rock and a rededication ceremony was held in October of 2013. Family members of Waterhouse, the Jolly Green Giant, attended the ceremony and placed a wreath at the plaque. Anyone who finds their way into this wilderness pond and discovers the boulder as I did, is equally likely to wonder about the story behind the few words inscribed on the plaque, and think about the man who died at this quiet, secluded spot in the line of duty. I have to think that isn’t the worst way for a man to be remembered. Rest in peace, Jolly Green Giant. NH
Those who make the trek to this pond at the top of the state will find a tranquil scene. nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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603 informer / transcript
Shock Treat Photo and interview by David Mendelsohn You volunteer to be scared beyond reason — to provide yourself with memories for the nightmares to follow. You know. But you go anyway. Later, you will attempt to sleep. It’ll be fruitless. Creaks in the hallway and those groans from the closet will dash any hopes of rest. Meet Eric Lowther, owner and imagination behind The Haunted Overload in Lee. Lowther has been improving the site for years, and is quite passionate about shocking you and your date into a quaking mass. For the little ones, they offer a less vivid experience, tailored especially for the shorties. So go, but remember: Perhaps there are things that no one should see. Ever. But we’ve tried to warn you. Vigorously. Stay well.
I started when I was about 12 years old. I was a little too old to trick-or-treat, so a friend and I put on a small haunted house in his basement. Once I got that first scare from the trick-or-treaters and some of their parents, I was hooked.
We are always “practicing” our scare technique on each other. I am always on guard at the haunt because I know everyone is out to get me.
After that, I would put on small haunted attractions and displays anywhere people would let me. Friends’ houses, family’s houses, grandparents’, neighbors’, you name it.
When someone is startled or scared in our attraction, they can enjoy the excitement of the scare knowing that in the back of their minds they are safe from danger.
It’s been an extremely long, hard road to get to the point we are at now. There is no overnight success, just hard work and extreme passion coming from everyone involved over the years.
Like a roller coaster, people love that feeling, and we are always planning different ways to give it to them.
Last year, every show except opening night sold out. My favorite scenes always seem to change to what is new or what I am working on at the moment. I love the “body bag” section we are revamping this year. It’s so creepy, realistic and scary day or night. I actually startle pretty easily. Especially when I am concentrating.
I think the fascination with being scared is all about the adrenaline rush.
In 2015, ABC was doing the show “The Great Halloween Fright Fight.” They saw our Halloween photos online and contacted us about being on the show. The grand prize was $50,000. It was very rewarding to donate the money to the Pope Memorial Humane Society Cocheco Valley. We are very proud to have donated over $297,000 to the shelter over the years, and 2020 marks our 10th season partnering with them.
Skulled Handiwork The four-story-tall skull sculpture that is a centerpiece of Haunted Overload was built in 2013 and has become an icon over the years. “It was a major challenge designing and building it,” says Lowther. “It glows under black light and everyone has to take photos of it.” The haunted trail covers about five acres twisting and winding through the woods, exposing patrons to uniquely designed structures and scares along the way. “We like to ensure each customer enjoys their surroundings. We let them feast their eyes on gigantic sculptures, lighting and sound, and let them have fun watching everybody else gets scared and scream — just enjoying the feeling of Halloween,” Lowther says. He notes with pride that many who come aren’t even there for the scares but simply to appreciate the quality of the work put into the attraction, the actors’ costumes and their performances. Haunted Overload will run three weekends in October starting on the 9th. Visit hauntedoverload.com for more information. Photo by Dan Plumpton
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Building Community Over a Pint
The ups, downs and opportunities in a very strange year for beer Mike Frizzell was behind the bar in the taproom at Able Ebenezer Brewing Company just before St. Patrick’s Day when the news broke that all pubs and restaurants would shut down at midnight, leaving him and the group of regulars gathered around the TV stunned and unsure about what was coming next. The first thing that happened, virtually overnight, was that the price of aluminum cans went up 40%. Frizzell and his partner, Carl Soderberg, founded the brewery in 2014 near the top of a small hill in Merrimack, not atop a giant pile of cash. Things were about to get tough.
That’s when New Hampshire’s beer culture revealed itself.
“A bartender came up to Carl and me and said that there was a customer out front who wanted to buy a $2,000 gift card,” Frizzell says. “He just came in and gave us $2,000 and said, ‘Go buy your cans.’ He wanted to see us make it through and succeed. On his way out, he said, ‘I believe in you. You got this.’ He didn’t even bat an eye.”
By Bill Burke Photos by Kendal J. Bush
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“People don’t think of beer companies as technology companies, but when you’re doing your own distribution, that’s what you are.” — Able Ebenezer Brewing Company co-owners Mike Frizzell (left) and Carl Soderberg
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What can’t beer do? It makes us happy, it tastes good, and there are even
health benefits associated with raising a pint or two: lipoproteins, antioxidants and vitamin B and such. More importantly, though, it creates and nourishes a sense of community. “Beer has always been one of the most communal industries,” says CJ Haines, executive director of the New Hampshire Brewers Association (NHBA). “Everyone wants everyone else to succeed, not only because a rising tide lifts all boats, but because of the higher tourism factor. It creates a destination.” Five years ago, there were roughly 40 breweries throughout the state. Now there are more than 90. New Hampshire ranks eighth in the nation for breweries per capita, and the industry employed 4,177 people in 2019, at an average annual salary of $41,161. The word is out: If you love beer, you want to get to New Hampshire. It’s a sentiment echoed from between the stainless steel tanks and from behind the sticks in taprooms from Nashua to Colebrook. “It’s the opposite of what most people think an industry would be like,” Branch and Blade Brewing co-founder Trevor Bonnette says from his Keene brewery. “A lot of people think, ‘You’re a brewery. There’s another one down the street, so you guys are in competition.’ We see it as no, these are people with the same interests as us. They’re all about their craft, just like we are. It’s one more opportunity to make more friends. And we can promote our brewery through theirs, and theirs through us.” And in a time when access to third places like cafés, bookstores and parks has been curtailed or shut off entirely, breweries, pubs and taprooms have become more important to sustaining social connections (and maintaining sanity) than ever before. They are meeting houses, town halls and community centers rolled into one. With beer. In some ways, it’s the same as it ever was. No doubt beer was in New Hampshire long before Barrington’s Frank Jones ruled as the largest ale producer in the country by 1882. After all, the Sons of Liberty were making King George’s life difficult over pints in the Green Dragon 100 years earlier, just a little south of Jones’ Portsmouth brewery. More recently, Anheuser-Busch opened its Merrimack plant 50 years ago. Though it only brewed two brands at the time, it became a significant employer in the region and set the stage for growth that now sees it produce 20
different brands at the plant. The Portsmouth Brewery filled its kettles in 1991, leading the proliferation of microbreweries throughout the state, and in 2011, the Nano Brew Act made it even easier for smaller players to enter the world — all of which created a rich, vibrant culture. If we lose that, we lose more than an opportunity to simply hoist a cold one. “On one level, beer is important because it provides a gateway to commune with your neighbors,” says Michael Hauptly-Pierce, co-founder of Lithermans Limited Brewery in Concord. “Having a beer with someone is a different experience than having a glass of water with someone — and no one ever talks about getting together to have a glass of water. They always talk about having a glass of beer. It signifies that you’re off the clock. It signifies that it’s a social engagement, and it leads to different results. “I see a lot of folks having meetings in the taproom. Instead of going to a coffee shop or Panera at noon, they go to Lithermans at 4 to meet with someone, work on a charity project together or to hire someone. I’m a matchmaker.” The brewing industry employs roughly 4,000 people statewide, according to NHBA numbers, with an economic impact on state coffers totaling $425 million in 2019. The good news (or the not-as-bad-as-weexpected news) is that the New Hampshire
brewing industry is no better or worse off than the national median. The NHBA surveyed its membership, and found that it’s “right on par with the national trend,” Haines says. On average, most breweries are down 20-25% through the pandemic period. So at least we still have beer. For now. “If we lose that, we’re going to be in an awkward spot,” Hauptly-Pierce says. “It’ll be like the early ’80s when there were only three companies selling beer and, if you turned off the lights, you couldn’t tell the difference between them.” While the COVID-19-related shutdown did put pressure on brewers, it hasn’t been all gloom and doom. Opportunities have presented themselves, and there have been wins. “I think the breweries that were able to pivot have done OK for the most part,” Hauptly-Pierce says, citing Able Ebenezer’s quick reaction. “Some people were able to change on a dime and reassess things overnight. They were able to build a parachute on the way down.” For his part, Hauptly-Pierce says Lithermans has begun pairing its brew with food trucks and live music for what have become wildly successful get-togethers. “They’re these synergistic events,” Hauptly-Pierce says. “We’ll have an oldschool DJ, maybe Dos Amigos making tacos — we’ve used 7-8 other food trucks. It’s
New Hampshire Brewing by the Numbers
117,314
4,177 91 8 $452 million
Barrels of craft beer produced per year in New Hampshire
The number of people the brewing industry employs in New Hampshire
Craft breweries in New Hampshire
The Granite State’s ranking on the list for breweries-per-capita in the USA The annual economic impact of the brewing industry on New Hampshire’s economy
*Statistics courtesy the New Hampshire Brewers Association, 2019
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“It’s funny, but you can find birthday parties in taprooms for people ranging from 2 to 80. With the communal tables, you get a better sense of community.” — CJ Haines, executive director of the New Hampshire Brewers Association
a huge draw and people hung out for a long time. Two Sundays ago, we did more than we did on a Saturday. It shows that people are dying for that. Most venues are either not operating or not offering anything like it.” It’s that innovative approach that will keep the lights on in taprooms throughout New Hampshire, Haines says — not just evolving as a brewer, but changing the business model so it’s ready for something like another pandemic, and changing mindsets so the industry can best meet the wants and the safety needs of consumers. To wit: Many New Hampshire breweries have shifted to a beer garden model. It’s safer for patrons, complies
with mandated restrictions, and yet still puts beer lovers in their natural habitat — elbow to elbow. “It’s funny, but you can find birthday parties in taprooms for people ranging from 2 to 80,” Haines says. “With the communal tables, you get a better sense of community. It’s not pushed on you, but it’s inferred. And that’s the experience you hope for when you get there — you interact with your neighbors. Any time I sit down, I end up talking to the people next to me, finding out why they’re there. It’s not just the beer, it’s the atmosphere, and that promotes a sense of community.” That approach has worked for Branch and Blade, which quickly found itself ready to offer a spot where people could gather (carefully) again. “It’s actually been really good,” Bonnette says. “We’re fortunate to have a really large outdoor area. When we first opened, we only had three picnic tables inside. The whole goal of that was to have groups of people sitting with different groups of people, no TV, hoping conversations would start over beer and lead to other things. There have been a lot of people who have made new friends, made new connections in the taproom. We drive that stuff as much as we can.” Frizzell and Soderberg took advantage of the downtime in the spring to renovate the taproom at Able Ebenezer — taking down walls and adding air conditioning, and
Branch and Blade in Keene took advantage of a large outdoor area to quickly offer a safe space to gather.
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then creating an outdoor beer garden with crushed stone and a welcoming space for guests to gather. “During COVID, we started up home delivery and that took off,” Frizzell says. “I think that, even when people were stuck in their houses, beer was that thing that was somewhat comforting to have.” The team at Able Ebenezer had a hard time keeping up — May was the brewer’s busiest month ever, in terms of volume. Branch and Blade Brewing co-founders Bonnette and Jesse O’Bryan also had their hands full keeping up with orders. “We have a distributor we use, and when the shutdown started, we ended up sending them way more beer than we ever have,” Bonnette says. At the Copper Pig Brewery in Lancaster, owner and brewer Mike Holland sold out of growlers in early August. “Our growler sales are through the roof,” Holland says. “Normally, we get three shipments of growlers a year. We’ve had three shipments since March.” Copper Pig also expanded its outdoor space, building a space for guests to relax, dine, and order growlers and pints overlooking the Israel River, which runs right through the middle of the White Mountain village. “The customers have been great,” Holland says. “The locals have always been there, but we’re getting a lot from tourism. Two weeks ago, we had a couple drive over from Rochester for the day. That seemed like quite a drive, but they had the Beer Passport, and they were trying different breweries, getting as many notches in their belt as they could.” For those newer to the local craft beer scene, the passport was created by Brew NH, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting New Hampshire breweries. Craft brew adventurers can download the passport to collect stamps to get beer gear prizes. It’s another example of how people in the industry have banded together to create a support system for all. While it sounds simple enough to just pick up and move outside, it’s not. New Hampshire brewers had to be quick on their feet dealing with a variety of details and challenges. When the hops hit the fan in midMarch, Soderberg fell back on his military training. He shared a final beer with those in the tasting room at Able Ebenezer, drove home to pack a bag, and then bivouacked to
“They’re all about their craft, just like we are. It’s one more opportunity to make more friends. And we can promote our brewery through theirs, and theirs through us.” — Trevor Bonnette, right, with Branch and Blade Brewing co-owner Jesse O’Bryan
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oration with a brewery in Georgia. And with the current state of air travel being what it is, the duo is preparing for a 20-hour drive to the Peach State. Just prior to that, co-owners Trevor Bonnette and Jesse O’Bryan traveled to Montana to collaborate with Mountains Walking Brewery in Bozeman, where they created a double IPA with citra, stratus and galaxy hops, and 160 pounds of honey. Able Ebenezer has collaborated with Ancient Fire Mead & Cider in Manchester, and a second with Martha’s Exchange in Nashua. While the team hasn’t nailed down a definite recipe at press time, Frizzell has some definite ideas about what style he’d like to craft. “We’ve had some talks that it’ll be a California Common,” he says. “It’s a lager, but fermented at ale temperatures. If you think of Anchor Brewing Company, it’s like Anchor Steam. I’ve always wanted to do it because I’m from California, and Anchor Steam was my gateway into the beer industry back in the day.” Able Ebenezer’s collaboration series is called “Team of Rivals,” named for Abraham Lincoln’s renowned ability to bring perceived adversaries together. “When he was elected, it was a sectional election — he won with less than 40% of the popular vote,” co-owner Mike Frizzell says. “So he filled his cabinet with rival politicians to help the country get through hard times. And now that we’re all going through hard times, it was inspiring to us. The biggest thing is to just start doing.”
With its stone and brick walls, the Copper Pig Brewery, located in the former Lancaster National Bank, has the feel of a modernday speakeasy.
On the Horizon: What’s New This Fall? the brewery where he lived (mostly) for the next four days. “I didn’t spend the night there because I’m married, and my goals were: Don’t lay anyone off, and don’t get divorced,” Frizzell says, laughing. “But there were 16- to 18-hour days. Luckily, Carl had done a lot of the legwork on the back end because we self-distribute. We had the capability to track orders and do all those sorts of things, but we didn’t have an outward-facing part to it because we do it ourselves.” So Soderberg went to work and stayed there, putting together a system that would get Able Ebenezer beer into the hands of customers. That meant creating a new storefront, figuring out how to track orders, 50
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converting bartenders into dispatchers, planning route efficiencies, and creating a distribution network “to anyone’s house.” “Essentially, that’s what Carl was doing,” Frizzell says. “By the end of the shutdown, we got pretty good at it. People don’t think of beer companies as technology companies, but when you’re doing your own distribution, that’s what you are.”
Teaming Up With more than 90 breweries in the Granite State, collaborations are yet another example of the sense of community within the industry. Branch and Blade Brewing in Keene recently completed its first traveling collab-
The road back to normal also means having the ability to look ahead. What can beer aficionados expect this fall? “We have a lemon lactose sour coming up,” Copper Pig owner and brewer Mike Holland says of his plans for the fall (look for it in the basement taproom, which has a tangible speakeasy vibe). “And we’ve got a couple of barrel-aged beers — a bourbon barrel-aged porter and an Irish red aged in Buffalo Trace rye barrels. We’ve got our four staples, IPA, porter, Irish red and a Czech pale lager. Other than that, it can be anything.” CJ Haines of the New Hampshire Brewers Association says the wet hop beers this season will be worth tracking down. “You take the fresh hops that have just been picked, and that day you brew your
“The locals have always been there, but we’re getting a lot from tourism. Two weeks ago, we had a couple drive over from Rochester for the day.” — Copper Pig Brewery owner and brewer Mike Holland
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“No one ever talks about getting together to have a glass of water. They always talk about having a glass of beer. It signifies that you’re off the clock.” — Lithermans Limited Brewery co-founder Michael Hauptly-Pierce
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New Breweries to Explore Despite the upheaval and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, new breweries are opening their doors and patios, or offering their brews in local stores and restaurants. Here’s what’s new since our last beer issue. Note that all information about seating was current as of press time (mid-August), so make sure to check with each brewery before heading out.
This summer, many breweries, like Lithermans Limited in Concord, expanded their outdoor spaces.
beer,” she says during a drive to a hop farm in Gorham, Maine. “It’s literally from the farm to the fermenter.” Michael Hauptly-Pierce says Lithermans Limited Brewing in Concord is all about variety — new releases every two weeks. “It’s great for novelty-seekers,” he says. “When the old ones are gone, new ones will be coming right out. And people may also find a familiar brand they haven’t seen in four months coming back into rotation.” So it’s familial, fun and economically important. What can’t beer do? “Unfortunately, I don’t think it can change your mind,” Hauptly-Pierce says. “But it can open you to being a human being again. Instead of having a keyboard conversation, you can be sitting across the table from someone you don’t know, instead of an office where you’re just a keyboard cowboy. It might lead to you having a conversation like you had before the internet. You can actually allow words to wash over you before you respond. Beer may not be the way to changing your mind, but it can be the way to the conversation.” And, apparently, it can lead to someone walking into your taproom to buy a $2,000 gift card. A gesture like that, Frizzell says, puts things into perspective. “Someone like that — he’s betting on us. He wants us to succeed. So when someone does that, packing a bag and staying here all night doesn’t seem like that big of a deal.” NH
Bradford Bear Bradford / bradfordbear.com The family at Bradford Bear makes hard cider from local apples. There’s no tasting room, but you can find a list of restaurants and stores that carry their products on the website.
Protectworth Brewing Springfield / protectworthbrewing.com Protectworth does not yet have a taproom. Currently, you can find their beer in stores in the Upper Valley. Visit their Facebook page to see what’s brewing and where it’s available.
The Czar’s Brewery Exeter / (603) 583-5539 According to royal decree, at The Czar’s Brewery “it’s always 68 degrees and it never rains.” Stop into the pub for a bite and a brew, and make sure to check Facebook to see what’s on tap.
Sawbelly Brewing Exeter / sawbellybrewing.com Sawbelly Brewing is open for both indoor and outdoor seating, and they offer live music outside from the afternoon until closing — visit their Facebook page for a schedule. The menu has appetizers and hearty entrée offerings.
Exeter Brewing Co. Exeter / exeterbrewing.co For the time being, Exeter Brewing Co. is focused on manufacturing, so there’s no taproom just yet. Visit their Facebook page to see what’s brewing and where it’s available. Modestman Brewing Co. Keene / modestmanbrewing.com Located in a former bank, seating is available at the Main Street patio, back biergarten and inside taproom. You can order food from their food truck Guru, their sister restaurant Odelay (located up the street) or you are welcome to bring your own food.
Smuttlabs Brewery & Kitchen Dover / smuttynose.com/smuttlabsbeer Hampton-based Smuttynose Brewing Company is known for its familiar favorites like Finest Kind IPA and Old Brown Dog — the related Smuttlabs is where the experimentation happens, and now home to its own at Smuttlabs Brewery & Kitchen, an innovative test kitchen and craft brewery. Stripe Nine Brewing Co. Somersworth / stripeninebrewing.com Reservations are recommended for both indoor and outdoor seating (the outdoor area is under cover). The food
menu features wood-fired pizza, salads and rotating specials. Visit them on Facebook for updates and restaurants serving their beer. Topwater Brewing Co. Barrington / (603) 664-5444 The bar is open for both food and beer, and as of late summer they expanded their hours to be open for lunch. Twin Barns Brewing Co. Meredith / twinbarnsbrewing.com Located in gorgeous twin antique barns from the 1850s, you can sit inside our outside in the beer garden, where you’ll often find live music. They also offer a menu with salads and flatbreads, burgers and sandwiches. See their Facebook page for up-to-date events. Vulgar Brewing Company Franklin / vulgarbrewing.com Vulgar Brewing, which also serves wood-fired pizza, is offering outside seating on their patio. West LA Beer Co. Swanzey / westlabeercompany.com The LA, by the way, refers to Lower Ashuelot, not the West Coast city. The patio is open, and make sure to check their Facebook page to see what’s on the schedule for music and food trucks.
Want more beer?
Of course you do! Make sure to visit nhmagazine.com/beer for a comprehensive map and directory of breweries and hard cider makers.
Twin Barns Brewing Company recently opened in two — well, twin — barns that date back to the 1850s in Meredith. Enjoy the beer garden, outdoor deck (pictured) or head inside for food and drink.
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photos by jenn bakos
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Writer Jessica Saba prepares her outdoor “kitchen.�
cast iron
Cooking How a cast iron Dutch oven rescued my COVID summer
By Jessica Saba Photography by Jenn Bakos and Kendal J. Bush
Our state has many popular recreation options to pull us into nature. but outdoor cooking has yet to reach its due popularity. The simple, but versatile, cast iron Dutch oven, paired with a hunting or camping trip or as an experience on its own, can turn any time spent with fellow adventurers into a memorable feast. — Jessica Saba
Top: Heatproof gloves and tongs are crucial when cooking over fire. Left: Jessica Saba
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photos by jenn bakos
· SUMMER 2019 With gloved hands and tongs, I kneel beside the fire pit, pulling hot coals from the pile and placing them on, under and around a black pot. I’m trying to keep the temperature inside the pot as close to 325 degrees as possible so this lamb can simmer into a stew. It’s been cooking for just over three hours now. Earlier in the day I left home with the car packed. A friend was bringing a lamb shank he had salted the night before while I had gathered all the cooking supplies for the trip. The camp kitchen for the day included ingredients for a slow-simmered lamb stew: a bottle of white cooking wine, butter, salt and pepper. A cooler packed with ice would keep the cold things cold, and a deep-set, 10-liter cast iron Dutch oven pot would do the work. Helpful items included some firestarter, a cutting board, a camp knife that could be dulled without worry and a bowl for washing vegetables. Coals are easier to use to control heat than firewood, so a charcoal chimney and some charcoal came along as well. And — so important — heatproof gloves and tongs. Without them, cooking with fire becomes a series of frustrating and dangerous improvisations — like trying to scoop hot coals with aluminum foil without spreading ash, burning hands and swearing. My gloves and tongs are banded together and stored on top of my bag. On the way to the campsite, I pulled off the road and stopped at a farmstand to fill the cooler with whatever looked good and had been harvested that day — a yellow onion, foraged mushrooms, bright orange carrots, a freshly clipped bulb of garlic, a bundle of celery and some small potatoes. When I arrived at the campsite — this one was by the lake — my friends had already started the fire. They came over to the car to help unload and start prepping the vegetables. When we thought we were ready to cook, we lit the charcoal chimney and watched the coals turn red. The Dutch oven sits next to the fire in the ring but away from the heat produced by the logs. Using the tongs (always with gloves), we place 13 coals
· Spring 2020 under the pot and 26 on top — each coal gives off about 25 degrees of heat, and you double the amount on top to account for the heat you lose when it rises. We’re estimating and trying to keep the temperature at 325 degrees. It doesn’t take long for the pot to heat up. We oil the pot and use the hot bottom of the pan to sear and brown the meat. The carrots, celery, onions and garlic go next, until soft, then the white wine cut with some water covers the meat. Potatoes and mushrooms are added once the stew has come to a boil, then a few coals come off and it’s left to slow cook on a simmer. We sit back and trust that inside this black pot something is happening. We resist the urge to poke and prod. The fewer times we lift the lid, the less chance of getting ash from the coals into the meal. Our verdict after this first effort? Delicious, and we can’t wait to try it again. Maybe next spring when the world begins to open up after the winter months.
The cast iron Dutch oven is within the ring, but is placed away from the burning logs. To create heat, coals are placed below and on the pot. It takes a bit of math and intuition that comes with practice to keep the heat at (or at least near) the desired temperature. In this instance, 325 degrees.
During quarantine, I dreamt of cooking outside. Planning meals in my mind created a distraction from the news, from existential concerns, from the uncertainty of the pandemic, from the fear of death and dying. I spent many days imagining — simmered stews, braised meats, desserts — flavors blended by searing heat and steam.
From inside the apartment the memory of the smell of the pines, the feeling of the breeze through the trees, the sun setting behind the mountains as the stars came out — these daydreams brought peace even after 30, 45, 70 days, waiting for our country to make sense. I made my quarantine meals in a bright-red enameled Le Cruset Dutch oven — every meal, because I knew one thing: Anything that could be cooked in a Dutch oven with a home stove could be cooked outside over a campfire. Any skill I practiced at home would make those campfire meals better, more flavorful, more robust. I burrowed into cookbooks, poured over recipes, spoke with chefs on the phone for tips about sourcing seasonal ingredients, tested new spices and experimented with meals. The practice of learning kitchen skills — chopping carrots, celery and onions into uniform pieces, creating layered flavors with pan sauces — relieved the stress of uncertainty and fear of confronting the infectious disease. I developed a quarantine ritual. Each Sunday, I would salt, brine and roast a Vernon Family Farm’s chicken in a Dutch oven until it was gloriously crispy and tender. I pledged I would make it outdoors. continued on page 58 > nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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As the days of social isolation wore on and the summer brought more uncertainty, I realized that outdoor recreation was safe. It was OK to pack up the car with a camp kitchen and head north to cook outside. I could find a farmstand (many were open and thriving) for ingredients, then a campsite with a fire pit. And, I could do this solo — to practice, to meditate, to prove to myself that four months inside hadn’t made me afraid to venture out. And so, I went. I asked friends if I could visit their land, reserved campsites at state parks, and even took a Boston Whaler out to Otter Island on Squam Lake to bake a blueberry pie. While many friends couldn’t or wouldn’t travel to join, I could still go. Where there is a firepit there can be a gourmet meal — along with the peace of being still in nature. This practice became my solo escape until, eventually, one or two friends felt comfortable being together outside. Outdoor cooking became the perfect socially distanced activity — we would cook and eat outdoors. We would casually sit in camp chairs with a drink, laughing and talking over the fire as we waited for the food to be done. As if everything else in the world were normal and OK, someone would grab the tongs and check the progress. Someone else would watch the coals to make sure the replenish supply was hot and ready. Some alchemy happens inside the pot where slow, low heat transforms ingredients into rich, flavorful meals. Outside the pot, a similar alchemy takes place. A few hours focusing on dinner prep with our pups rolling the grass, begging for scraps as we prepared our site for dinner, created enough social connection to fuel the next phase of uncertain isolation. Outdoor cooking became one of the only ways of socializing that felt right, felt safe, felt nourishing. We could bring our own groceries and cook our own food. We could avoid restaurants and crowds. We could navigate to less popular sites and trails. We could cook anywhere. continued on page 61 >
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· SUMMER 2020
Cast Iron Crew The Squam Lakes Conservation Society (SLCS) in Holderness has embraced cast iron cooking as a practice to socialize and refuel after a long day of trail work. Last October, the SLCS executive director, Roger LaRochelle, brought three pots to a worksite to feed volunteer crews. In two large pots LaRochelle cooked vegetarian and beef chilis and used a third pot to reheat homemade bread. LaRochelle replaced the coals through the afternoon and let the meal cook while managing the volunteer crews as they built trails, painted volunteer housing and pulled invasive plant species. After a good day of labor, the crew sat along the water's edge and shared a meal while the sun set.
photos by kendal j. bush
Trail crew volunteers enjoy good food prepared outdoors by Squam Lakes Conservation Society Executive Director Roger LaRochelle (pictured here in the blue vest).
LaRochelle is seen here using three of six cast iron Dutch ovens that are available for use through the Holderness Free Library’s “Library of Things” lending program. The program includes information about how to care for, clean and store the pots so they stay free of rust and ready to cook the next meal.
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Try the Stack A cast-iron Dutch oven stack is the theatrical accomplishment of a great outdoor cook. It’s a meal with each dish cooked at once with one pot on top of the other and coals layered on lids between the pots. To graduate to this level of skill, you’ll want to have practiced a mix of dishes — maybe a stew, a cobbler and a bread — a few times outdoors. You’ll want to know how to monitor and adjust heat using the coals, and understand timing. You’ll also want to make sure the stack doesn’t tip (watch for that one leg slowing sinking into the sand). You’ll be stacking a few pots on top of each other as the three legs fit perfectly onto the flat lids, and you’ll be working with rising heat. You’ll want to be confident you can troubleshoot, detect burning and know when to pull the pot from the heat source — otherwise you might have a crowd saying “I told you so” over a poorly cooked meal while pointing out that you should have just done it the normal way — but we Dutch-oven cooks need to try the stack because the challenge is the reward.
If you’ve mastered cooking over fire with cast iron pots, level up by using “the stack” method.
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· Fall 2020
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photos by kendal j. bush
Now, it’s October and that cool autumn comfort that comes when noises of nature blend with the softness of sweaters and bring a serene sense of peace and hope amid uncertainty. This time of year in New Hampshire, the temperatures range from 40-65 degrees, and we begin looking for those comforting, hearty meals. The farmstands are still open and have plenty of squash, apples, onions and root vegetables to cook with. Imagine an apple crisp, a slow-cooked pork shoulder and steamed butternut squash cooked over the fire. Imagine your sourdough starter blooming to life in a pot over the coals — browned on top and fluffy in the middle. Imagine campfire popcorn sweetened with maple sugar. The tourists are still at bay and the campsites are open. Without the desire to venture far from the comforts of home, a backyard fire pit can offer space to experiment with recipes. The nearby house eliminates the chance of exposure and provides a sink to clean gear, prep food, find forgotten pantry items, and generally keeps the process simple. Regardless of the practice space, the skills will translate to a gear list and packing plan. One day when the time is right, toss the cooler in the car and set out to cook farther and farther away from home. The main difference between indoor and outdoor cooking is time and the heat source. Outdoors, the meal takes more time and careful observance of heat levels. Meals might take between an hour to four hours to get up to temperature. When cooking over a fire, the heat is created by the coals, not the flame. Any meal that can be made in a home kitchen with a Dutch oven can be cooked outside over the coals. From stews and soups to braised meats and breads. A cobbler, a crisp and a stonefruit pandowdy. Last year, I started an informal group called the Cast Iron Dinner Club for anyone who would like to practice outdoor cooking and meet up for shared meals. I now cook for conservation groups, elopements and families who want to be outside together. Each time, the heavy pot comes along — it’s a worthy haul that trades heft for memories. My hope is that more people go outside and cook together. That magic paired with our parks, beaches, backyards and campsites can offer socialization and a chance for joy and connection in relative isolation. This craft takes patience and a bit of practice to fine-tune a variety of adjustments. But, usually, if you throw the right ingredients in the pot and cook them slow and low enough, there’s a good shot you’ll end up with an edible, if not delicious meal. NH
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Bear Bear out of
control control î ž
A disconnect between the public and the state may be paving a road to new hampshire's first fatal bear attack in 150 years
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By Matt Hongoltz-Hetling Illustrated by John R. Goodwin
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For the last several months, the coronavirus pandemic has quieted the normal bustle of Fish and Game’s headquarters, but Glenn Normandeau still comes in on a pretty regular basis (see note, page 69), chuckling at the Dilbert cartoons taped to his door and employing a paperwork system that suits the never-ending triaging of tasks. “I pile them up,” he says, “and if I don’t have to find them in a year or so, it’s time for them to go.” Normandeau, 63 years old and the son of a fisheries biologist, typically wears a crisp collared shirt to signify his position as executive director, balanced by a worn hunting cap that speaks to the outdoorsmen whose interests he identifies with. A seven-point deer head — the victim of an arrow Normandeau loosed a few years back — hangs over his computer. Normandeau’s days here are limited — the Fish and Game Commission has been abundantly clear that, after 12 years in the post, Normandeau is soon to be ousted — but he still has to manage the usual flood of public hearing notices, purchase orders, and reports on everything from roadkills to hunting license fees. In late June, Normandeau’s eyes fell on a new report, one more puzzling than the usual paperwork. A black bear incident in Canaan, where the Orange Brook helps drain rainfall from the bare granite heights of Cardigan Mountain. Normandeau knew the state’s western region was suffering from the June drought and stifling heat. Late on a Friday night, a Canaan man was so hot that, despite the darkness, he’d gone outside to get an air conditioner from the back of his pickup truck. As he hoisted the heavy unit in his arms, he was attacked from behind, steak-knife-size claws etching a set of deep, blood-lined furrows into the skin of his back.
This article includes excerpts of the author’s book, “A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear: The Utopian Plot to Liberate an American Town (and Some Bears),” that takes a wry look at bear management and “The Free Town Project,” a libertarian social experiment in NH's Grafton County. $28, PublicAffairs
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When the man shouted and turned to shove at the bear, it retreated into the blackness of the night. Though shaken and bleeding, the man escaped without serious injuries — and without a clear understanding of why the bear had targeted him. Normandeau’s job has gained him some low-grade bear expertise — just days before the Canaan attack, he’d helped release some orphaned yearlings from a Lyme-based rehab center. But he didn’t understand the Canaan bear’s motivation either. No one did. Normandeau is a good enough manager to know he’s not qualified to dictate a response to bear conflicts. As his eyes scanned the report, nothing about it screamed for his personal attention. His primary role would be to field any concerns from the governor’s office or the press. “I have people that know more about bears in their little finger than I’ll ever know in my life,” he later said, “and I’ll leave it to those folks to make decisions on the ground.” When it comes to de-escalating simmering bear tensions, the magic ingredient is an experienced game warden or biologist — through interviews and observation of physical evidence, the investigating staffer can devise and apply a corrective action, such as telling a neighbor to take in a bird feeder or killing the animal. Back in the 1970s, when a teenaged Normandeau hunted and fished the Beebe River Valley, this system worked well, even though there were only 50 wardens covering the state’s 9,300 square miles. But as he transitioned into successive careers as a commercial fisherman, and then a water quality consultant, the department was facing strain. By 2002, its permit-dependent funding formula was beginning to break down. With taxpayers unwilling to make up for waning permit sales, the department was forced to cut staff, shut down facilities and defer equipment maintenance. These days, the state’s bench of bear-savvy employees is smaller, just one of many systemic problems that increasingly imperil the
safety of New Hampshire’s bears — and its humans. Though Fish and Game still has 47 wardens in theory, several of those positions go unfunded each year. “Right now, I think we’re somewhere around 41 or 42,” Normandeau says. “Never been 50 in my 12 and a half years here.” As the staff shrank, New Hampshire’s population grew. “It’s the difference between a state with 735,000 people in it and one with 1.35 million,” says Normandeau. “We live in a very different state than what I grew up in.” History suggests bear conflicts don’t have to be a feature of life in New Hampshire — but for some reason, over the past decade, they have been.
A Slew of Bear Attacks? It’s not obvious to the general public, but over the last decade ursine-sapien relations have entered a unique phase in New Hampshire’s post-Colonial history. In the 1700s, when bears posed a significant threat to public safety, lawmakers issued bounties for anyone that turned in a “bear’s head with both ears on,” and these were often supplemented by local town bounties. Over 200 years, this tax-funded specicide created the intended effect — reports of bear attacks dried up in the 1800s, and most of the state was, by the mid-1900s, bear-free, with a few isolated survivors up in the mountains, where people rarely ventured.
“For much of the time, they’ve been considered varmints,” Normandeau says. “They’d really been extirpated from the southern part of the state.” By the time former Gov. John Lynch asked Normandeau to take the executive director position in 2008, the possibility of a bear attack in New Hampshire seemed as remote and mythic as a Bigfoot attack. But in 2012, the unthinkable happened — that June, a woman in Grafton named Tracey Colburn opened her front door to let her dog out and found that her porch was, in her words, “full of bear.” Two grown cubs fled, but Colburn says a third bear, the mother, would have killed her were it not for her dog drawing off the attack (as it was, Colburn suffered deep claw wounds and lost frightening amounts of blood). State officials described the Colburn incident as a freak accident, but in 2018, there was a second bear attack in Groton, where April Rogers, an elderly woman, exited her bedroom in her wheelchair to find a bear in her kitchen. Though Rogers survived, the bear inflicted serious injuries on her head and torso before fleeing the scene.
This year’s Canaan bear attack marks the third in eight years, Even stranger, the three attacks are clustered within about 10 miles of Cardigan Mountain, so near one another that they could conceivably have happened within the territory of a single bear (though the odds of a single bear perpetrator being behind the attacks are vanishingly small). The reasons behind the three attacks are not wholly obvious — but unless they are understood and addressed, the near future is likely to hold more attacks, perhaps fatal ones.
The Bear Farm In one sense, Grafton’s bears came from the woods. But in another, equally true, sense, they came from the Commonwealth of New Hampshire. Each bear is the result of active changes to state policies that previously supported a bear-free landscape. In 1955, the bounty system was halted, and in 1956, lawmakers instead began funding crude bear census counts. During this era, New Hampshire bears were transformed from a public threat to
“Hey, bear.” What should you do if you encounter a black bear? Keep your distance. If you find yourself close to a bear, begin repeating “hey, bear” in a calm voice, maintain eye contact, and slowly back away. Do not run or climb trees. Never throw food to a bear in an effort to prevent it from approaching or following you — that teaches a bear to approach for a food reward. Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when approached or if a person is in very close proximity. This is a common behavior and does not mean the bear will attack — you have simply gotten too close. Black bears are rarely aggressive or dangerous. Don’t run from a bluff charging bear. Begin repeating “hey, bear” in a calm voice, maintain eye contact, and back away. — NH Fish and Game
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a public resource — as an enduring symbol of the wilderness, bears were valued by nature lovers, photographers, hunters, wilderness guides and the general public. In 1978, New Hampshire hired its first dedicated bear biologist, who used a punchcard computing system to track hunter bear-kill statistics. Under the new paradigm, bears thrived. “The bottom line is, bears do three things. They sleep, they eat, and they make more bears,” said Normandeau. By 1990, with a healthy population of 3,500 bears, Fish and Game opened most of the state to bear hunting for the first time in decades, and sold tens of thousands of bear-hunting permits. Though hunters killed nearly 1,500 bears between 2003 and 2004 alone, bears outbred them, attaining an all-time population high of 4,830 bears in 2005. That was enough bears, decided the department, which lengthened the
R.I.P. Mink Mink the bear, mentioned in the story, died as this issue was going to the printer. Mink’s body was discovered near the Mascoma River in Lebanon on August 25. She apparently died of natural causes after her return to familiar habitation. Wildlife authorities immediately began searching for her latest set of cubs, hoping to bring them to a nearby bear sanctuary for the winter. One cub had been found by press time for this issue.
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hunting season with a plan to stabilize the number at 5,100. But Granite State bears had a slightly different plan: to make a thousand more bears. The bears prevailed. Between 2006 and 2013, their ranks increased by another 1,140. The number of bear complaints was soaring too — an average of 600, and as many as 1,200 calls a year. Normandeau’s staff was learning that bear populations were actually quite resilient to hunting pressure. “It has become evident that the state’s robust bear population can withstand occasional periods of increased harvest,” an annual wildlife report noted. By 2018, the state considered the bear density to be too high in almost every county. In the wildlife management region that includes Grafton, Groton and Canaan, bears outpaced population targets by more than 50%. Normandeau’s efforts to extend the hunting season again this year hit a logisti-
cal snag in the coronavirus crisis, which has disrupted the ability to hold needed public hearings. In addition to their geographical proximity, the recent bear attacks have something else in common — all three came in the midst of heat waves or droughts. Such natural events, exacerbated by climate change, deplete the forests of acorn crops and other ready natural food sources for the bears, which then seek to supplement their calorie counts with human food. In 2018, with squirrel roadkills littering the state’s roads, the idea of a “squirrel-ageddon” captured the imagination of the public. What was less evident was that the same boom-and-bust of acorn mast behind the bumper crop of squirrels also created a bumper crop of bears, which may have played into the attack on Rogers. “The exact same thing happened to bears,” Normandeau said. “We ended up with a record number of bears in rehab, because of sows getting hit on the road.”
In a perfect world, Fish and Game would be able to relocate bears that get too desensitized to humans, and that can happen. In 2018, political pressure from some Hanover residents caused Normandeau to relocate a problem bear in Hanover, nicknamed “Mink.” [See the sidebar on page 66 for more about Mink.] But bear relocation is resource-intensive — and, of course, a bear with a taste for trash will work hard to reconnect with human food sources. Mink, for example, wandered more than 1,000 miles to find her way back to Hanover. “It looks good in the fantasy world, but in reality, a lot of relocated bears don’t survive,” said Normandeau. Given that reality, it is perhaps no surprise that the state’s primary line of defense against bear conflicts is “Something's Bruin in New Hampshire — Learn to Live with Bears,” a public education campaign begun in 1996. The campaign teaches people to manage their garbage, compost, livestock, barbecue grills and birdfeeders in ways that are less likely to attract bears. Public education, Normandeau says, is “far superior” to relocating, retraining or killing problem bears. “If people simply protect their livestock and properly secure their garbage, things are fine.” Normandeau says the campaign has found a willing audience. “They see that feeding bears is actually detrimental to bears in the long run. There’s a reason we say a fed bear is a dead bear,” he said, echoing one of the campaign’s taglines. The campaign also serves the state by putting the onus of responsibility for bear behavior on the public, rather than the state policies that have encouraged their proliferation. But the “Live Free or Die” state is full of enclaves of people who resent, and even defy, state edicts on how to deal with wildlife on their private property. Grafton, the site of the first bear attack, also hosted the notorious “Free Town Project,” a no-holds-barred social experiment in which freedom-minded libertarians sought to assert their individual rights to all walks of life, including, in some cases, the right to feed bears on their property. The Free Town Project, which began in 2004 and petered out around 2018, could explain why all three bear attacks happened in that region. Intentionally feeding bears, says Normandeau, is a recipe for disaster.
What’s luring so many bears in New Hampshire? The vast majority of calls the Fish and Game Department receives about bears in New Hampshire are triggered by three key issues: garbage, bird feeders and chickens. The numbers for intentional feeding of bears is relatively low.
Access to garbage and Compost
Access to bird feeders
Access to chickens and other fowl
Intentional feeding
Data courtesy of New Hampshire Fish and Game, covering the four-year period 2014-2017
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Intentionally feeding bears, says Normandeau, is a recipe for disaster. “They lose their fear of people, and then you get really downright dangerous situations.”
American black bear facts Size: Females average 130-180 pounds; males average 200-400 pounds. Food: As omnivores, black bears change their diets seasonally. In spring, they rely on hard mast from the previous fall, grasses, leaves and newly emerged succulent plants. In summer, bears focus on berries, fruits, roots and insects. In fall, bears consume large quantities of fatty nuts, such as beechnuts and acorns, as well as apples, cherries and mountain ash berries. Special skills: Bears are intelligent, have a very good memory, and a keen sense of smell. Bears can detect food from great distances and will travel many miles to take advantage of food sources. Once aware of a food source — including bird feeders or trash bins — bears are likely to visit again.
“They lose their fear of people, and then you get really downright dangerous situations, with bears going into houses,” Normandeau said. “We’ve had a couple near-disasters with that sort of experience.” The disconnect between Free Towners and the Fish and Game department demonstrates that some residents will never voluntarily comply with the “Something’s Bruin” campaign. If the public will not fund more game wardens, and doesn’t want to simply accept the trade-off of bear attacks, there are options. But they’re unlikely to be implemented.
A Bruined Future The state could dramatically reduce the number of problematic bear encounters by dramatically reducing the number of bears, at least in human-dense areas. Or it could codify all the best bear practices — force people to manage their garbage and birdfeeders more responsibly, adopt strict zoning that would shape development in ways that are less likely to attract bears, and stiffen penalties for those who actively feed wild bears. Such measures have proven to be effective in tamping down bear complaints in National Parks, and Normandeau said municipalities with similar local ordinances have made “big strides in reducing bear conflicts.” In 2013, New Hampshire lawmakers took a tiny step toward such mandates
when it considered a bill to require owners of wildlife-attracting garbage “to store or dispose of such solid waste in a wildlife resistant manner (i.e., bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans).” But to many New Hampshirites, the 2013 bill stank of statism and taxes. The legislative Fish and Game and Resources Committee heard a man testify, without evidence, that the heavier components of bear-proof garbage cans posed a threat, because children might get trapped inside, or beheaded by a slamming lid (or both trapped and beheaded). Two months after taking it up, the committee voted 14-0 to kill the measure. And so, without the political appetite for stricter laws, the responsibility falls on the shoulders of Normandeau’s underfunded staff. Though the department responds to each bear attack, it has not expended enough resources to capture the ursine offenders. Colburn, the Grafton woman who was attacked in 2012, said officials set a bear trap, but removed it, empty, a few days later. In 2018, when Rogers was attacked, Normandeau’s team responded with tracking dogs, but the bear was never caught. (“By the time they got there the following morning, heavy rain had started and they couldn’t pick a scent up,” says Normandeau). And the bear that was behind this year’s mysterious attack in Canaan also evaded trapping efforts. (“I don't recall hearing that they did ever capture it,” Normandeau says). Thankfully, none of the three bears appears to have become a repeat offender. As Normandeau works through his last days as executive director, it’s unlikely that his successor will manage to fund a significant expansion of bear management resources. But in future drought years, that person can expect to see more bear conflicts, some of which are likely to result in human injuries, and even death. And unless lawmakers muster the political will for a legislative fix, the public may simply have to grin — and bear it. NH Note: Glenn Normandeau (left) stepped down as director of NH Fish and Game as this issue was going to press and was replaced by Scott Mason of Stratford. Normandeau took the job in 2008 and is the second-longest-serving director of NH Fish and Game. Thanks to NH Fish and Game for their assistance with the sidebars for this story.
Monadnock Moments No. 27:
Eleazer Wilcox and the Bear From the Historical Society of Cheshire County
Eleazer Wilcox was an early settler of Gilsum, New Hampshire, residing there in the 1770s. One day he met up with a bear in what has become one of the most famous wild animal encounters in the history of the region. The encounter occurred one early summer day in the year 1776, as Wilcox was on his way to his pasture near the southern border of Gilsum. Along the way he discovered a large bear that he shot and wounded. The bear escaped, however, and Wilcox went to Joshua Osgood of Sullivan, who owned a hunting dog, for help in tracking down the wounded animal. Wilcox and Osgood tracked the bear for three miles before separating to have a better chance for a shot. The wounded bear suddenly charged Wilcox from behind a tree. Wilcox raised his gun, but it misfired. The bear raised up on its back legs, knocked the gun away, and took hold of Wilcox. Wilcox seized the bear’s tongue and held on with all his strength. The hunting dog continually attacked the bear from the rear and Wilcox, a large and powerful man, was able to remain on his feet as the bear pressed down upon him. Osgood soon arrived on the scene, carefully took aim and shot the bear, whereupon it released its hold and ran into the woods where it was found dead the next day. Wilcox was carried home on a litter and was found to have no less than 42 wounds upon his body. Amazingly, he recovered and lived for 47 more years to the age of 74. He was never completely well, however, and was occasionally subject to illnesses that he called his “bear fits.” The encounter with the bear was a favorite family story for many years. The gun that Wilcox had with him that day is still marked with the deep gouges made by the attacking bear. This trusted firearm has been passed down from generation to generation, and was undoubtedly used as evidence to convert nonbelievers of the tale of Eleazer Wilcox and the bear.
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603 Living “We didn’t realize we were making memories. We just knew we were having fun.” — Unknown
Handcrafted detail on “Blossom and the Bee,” a mahogany sideboard by Furniture Master Jeff Roberts of Unity. The sideboard, also pictured at right, features maple knobs and a small inner drawer behind the large central drawer. Photos by Jonah Roberts
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Seniority Health Local Dish Ayuh
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Together, Alone
New Hampshire Furniture Masters adapt, reinvent the annual gala By bill burke
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s chairman of the New Hampshire Furniture Masters — a collection of artisans committed to preserving the centuries-long tradition of crafting fine furniture — Roger Myers, of StrathamWood Studios, spends a great deal of time selecting, shaving, fitting, finishing and coercing wood into remarkable heirloom-quality pieces. But even his keen eye could not have seen the disruption COVID-19 would cause — including a forced change to the group’s signature annual event. This year, The Main Event, the group’s annual gala, held simultaneously in late October at the group’s Concord gallery — in the Smile Building — and virtually. “While some components will be missing, like the reception and the meetand-greet, there will be an exhibition that people can see in person, and we’ll also
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603 living / furniture masters Rindge, has countless hours into one remarkably ambitious, incredibly detailed project: a painstaking reinterpretation of the renowned Apollo Desk. “It’s a custom piece for a client,” Thomas says from his workshop. “The original desk was built in Germany in 1785 for Catherine the Great, who was the czarina of Russia at the time.” Understandably, it’s kept Thomas busy, pandemic or not, for four and a half years. “I have had to put aside any other work to concentrate on this piece,” Thomas says. “It has been occupying all my time, and I’m nowhere near to being done.” Beyond the minute neoclassical details — the base of the desk itself is a miniature Doric temple and scores of repeated motifs are included throughout — there’s more to this remarkable piece than meets the eye. “What’s crazy about this desk is aside from being an incredibly ornate piece of furniture, what intrigues my client the most is that it’s full of secret mechanical mechanisms where you push buttons and drawers open, you turn a key and drawers open. There are so many moving compartments that it ends up taking more time than building the furniture. I’ve had to learn to make leaf springs and lock mechanisms and things like that.”
In Unity, Furniture Master Jeffrey Roberts has nearly eight months work into a Philadelphia-style chest. The mahogany chest, standing more than 8 feet tall, is in four pieces — a frame with feet, a chest that sits within the base frame with moulding wrapped around, a top section with gooseneck-shaped mouldings and a final piece with a carved phoenix, pediment and pierced work. “It’s a fun project,” Roberts says. “I’m about a third of the way into it.” The Furniture Masters was first formed in 1995 to build awareness around the state’s fine furniture makers, and to cultivate an audience for the makers’ wares a little closer to home. “There’s also the camaraderie and the friends we’ve made,” Roberts says. “We come together as a group of individual makers to co-market ourselves, which helps us as a group, but it also helps us individually thanks to the nonprofit side.” New Hampshire Furniture Makers, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, promotes an educational element, helping to preserve and extend the craft’s tradition, and has also established a prison outreach program, where members mentor participants in the New Hampshire State Prison, the Maine State Prison and the New Hampshire Correctional Facility for Women.
photo by william thomas
have a virtual exhibition,” Myers says. The theme of the group’s event this year is “Together, Alone.” Much of the work expected to be on display will reflect the impact the year’s events have had on the life and work of the Furniture Masters — from political upheaval to the pandemic. “Our intent is to keep it more modest than it otherwise would’ve been,” he says. “Where we would have a $10,000 to $15,000 piece, now we’re looking at the $2,500 to $5,000 range because this is our first virtual exhibit. But enough members were committed to this so we decided to move forward.” Between eight and 12 pieces will likely be on display, and visitors can contact the Concord Chamber of Commerce to arrange a viewing. Myers expects to be submitting a piece centered around the fallout of the pandemic. “It will be a small bistro table or a wine tasting bar, and it will have to do with entertaining in our own homes and having to revitalize our own spaces,” he says. The typically solitary nature of the work and a lead time involved with creating such pieces means Myers has managed to stay busy during the pandemic, as have many Furniture Masters throughout the state. William Thomas, a Furniture Master from
William Thomas, a Furniture Master from Rindge, has put countless hours into his reinterpretation of the renowned “Apollo Desk” — a piece originally built by David Roentgen and once owned by Catherine the Great.
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“It’s pretty great, actually,” Roberts says. “They love it. It’s a big thing for them. It’s a chance to learn something that, if they had been trained in something like this, then maybe they wouldn’t be in the predicament they’re in.” Several participants in the prison outreach program have gone on to establish careers in the craft. “It gives them a chance to learn something they can put to work for themselves,” Roberts says. “It’s very rewarding.” NH
Find Them New Hampshire Furniture Masters furnituremasters.org photo courtesy bill truslow
StrathamWood Studios strathamwood.com
J.S. Roberts Furniture Maker and Carver jsrobertsfurniture.com New Hampshire Furniture Masters Chairman Roger Myers of StrathamWood Studios created this elegant Portsmouth side chair.
William Thomas Custom Furniture
williamthomas-furniture.com
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Mention this ad to receive 10% off your site fee . 150 Ash Street, Manchester, NH 03104 . events@currier.org nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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PROMOTION
Pink
Power Breast Health Awareness
knowledge is power Arm yourself with facts
Meet the New Hampshire professionals on the front lines of the fight against breast cancer, and get tips and advice to keep yourself informed and healthy.
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reast cancer. Those are scary words to contemplate, and it’s tempting to pretend that it can never happen to you. Many put off or avoid preventative care, but the out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality is not the answer. Fortunately, Granite Staters are lucky to have access to a number of providers who offer state-of-the art screening technology. And, should you ever find yourself
battling this disease, New Hampshire is home to several hospitals where you can find the very best treatment. Read on to learn about the high level of care available in New Hampshire, or take heart and inspiration from a survivor’s story. Plus, find helpful information to questions you may have — or even learn about some that you didn’t know you should ask.
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PROMOTION
Setting Goals, MAKING STRIDES Dartmouth-Hitchcock Study Helps Women Take Their Lives Back After Breast Cancer Treatment
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earing the phrase “cancer free” is the goal of anyone battling breast cancer. Yet when they arrive at that welcome moment, they may find the struggle isn’t over.
During treatment, women are often getting a lot of attention from their support network — their caregivers are mobilized, friends are delivering food and family members are providing childcare when necessary. “That’s all wonderful, because treatment is hard,” says Dr. Kathleen Lyons, of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and the Cancer Control
Program of the Norris Cotton Cancer Center. “But what women have told us is that when treatment is over, the support network breathes a sigh of relief. ‘She survived so we don’t have to worry as much.’ And then they’re expected to pick their lives back up.” It’s not that simple, however. There are likely to be lingering symptoms, side effects and conditions that remain — even if the cancer hasn’t. “When you’re faced with your mortality that way, it doesn’t just turn off,” Lyons says. “You’re aware that you could be back in that place. Before it happens to you, you have the luxury of thinking that’s what happens to other people.” The reality is, it can take a while to feel good again, and there are a few comprehensive programs — including Lyons’ study — that can help women get their lives back to where they want it to be. “It’s true, that the worst of it is over when treatment is done,” Lyons says. “And many women do, over time, get back to themselves. Maybe a majority do. And I don’t want to paint a doom-and-gloom scenario, but I also know there is a subset of people who feel they’re stumbling around. They say the wind is out of their sails and now that support system is gone. And now this is the moment they’ve been left to pull it together on their own, without the guidance and support they had during treatment.” Lyons and her team have created a clinical trial exploring how women in the recovery phase can be supported once treatment has ended. It’s a series of sessions conducted over the phone for four months. It allows clinicians to get to know the patient, learn what they went through, and to discover what that person’s goals for recovery are. The goal: to help accelerate the pace of recovery and get that person back to the lifestyle they want. It’s an approach Ashley Bradford, of Manchester, benefited from as she recovered from her breast cancer treatment. “I took part after I finished radiation — I had almost finished treatment,” Bradford says. “It’s really hard to pick your life back up after cancer. It’s almost easier to get through it because the doctors and nurses dictate what you need to do to get through it. After, when it’s time to regain your life, you need to learn to adjust in a lot of different ways.” Bradford was diagnosed with stage two invasive ductal carcinoma on Sept. 26 last year. “I felt it myself,” she says of the warning signs. “It was pretty painful, which is not usually the case when it’s breast cancer, so I didn’t have any assumption of it being cancer in the long run.” She was initially told the pain was from swollen muscles. The pain didn’t subside, so she underwent an ultrasound and biopsies at Monadnock Community Hospital, in Peterborough, and got a call a few days later with the news. “I didn’t tell anybody that day,” she says. “I was trying to process it myself. It’s a lot of information to handle. My doctor assured me right away
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PROMOTION
that this wasn’t a death sentence, that I would live through it, but that I’d really have to fight hard and it would be a long process.” Over the past year, Bradford has had three surgeries, chemo, radiation and a bilateral mastectomy. She has been told, however, that the second surgery removed all of the cancer. The next step: a return to normalcy, with some help from Dr. Lyons’ team. “It helped me lay things out and set personal goals and try to get back out there,” Bradford says. “It’s really hard for a lot of different reasons, but my coach specifically talked about that — weekly at first. We’d set goals for the week, like being more active. After my surgeries and treatment, I wouldn’t say I got lazy, but I wasn’t as driven to get up and do things besides work. She helped me get my life back.” Those goals, sometimes small steps, can help women get back to their pre-diagnosis lives. The approach can range from getting a house back in order to finding ways to combat fatigue. “A lot of women tell us that during treatment people brought food to their house and their refrigerator was loaded up,” Lyons says. “But they’d end up eating yogurt or cereal because they were too exhausted to do anything else. It’s illogical, but moderate exercise is the best way to manage fatigue. Too much exercise will exhaust you, and too little won’t help. Women have to find that sweet spot.” To this point, Bradford has found that spot, crediting her team at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, including Oncologist Dr. Mary Chamberlin, general surgeon Kari Rosenkranz and her plastic surgeon, Dr. John Nigriny — and Dr. Lyons’ study. Through the process, and the recovery, Bradford learned several things, including how mentally strong she could be. “Our bodies can bounce back from almost anything,” she says. “But the
mind can play tricks. When they tell you that a positive mindset gives you positive results, they’re not lying. “Also, it’s OK to ask for help. That’s one of the hardest things — you don’t want to burden or inconvenience anyone else, but you’re going to need help a lot of the time.” That help, quite often, comes from organizations like the American Cancer Society. “The American Cancer Society has been a game changer for me,” Lyons says of her team’s work. “The beautiful thing about the American Cancer Society is that they fund everything. Whatever your priority is for cancer, they’re interested. They’re interested in funding something that might be a cure, of course, cellular research, but also my research — palliative care and the quality of lives that have been saved. Whatever it is, the American Cancer Society is out there supporting it.”
Resources Dartmouth-Hitchcock dartmouth-hitchcock.org Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center cancer.dartmouth.edu American Cancer Society cancer.org
Wentworth-Douglass Breast Health Center The Wentworth-Douglass Breast Health Center opened in Portsmouth last January to provide women on the Seacoast greater access to comprehensive breast care. The Breast Health Center offers advanced tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, proven to improve early detection of breast cancer and reduce unnecessary callbacks. Along with stateof-the-art technology, our Breast Health Center is led by fellowship-trained breast radiologists, so patients can be confident knowing they are getting the most accurate results. Conveniently located at the Wentworth-Douglass Portsmouth Outpatient Center, our Breast Health Center was designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. In addition to mammography, the Breast Health Center also offers breast ultrasound, breast MRI, image-guided needle biopsy, bone density screening and more. If further care or
testing is required, our certified breast health nurse navigator is available to coordinate and schedule appointments, answer questions and offer guidance and support throughout the course of care. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Breast Health Center 67 Corporate Drive (Building A) Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 610-8080 | wdhospital.org/breasthealth Hours Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
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Genetic Testing Advances
Bradley Arrick, MD, PhD, MHCM, is a medical oncologist in the Comprehensive Breast Program and director of the Familial Cancer Program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center. His clinical research focuses on cancer genetics and genetic testing.
Q: What recent progress has been made in genetic testing for breast cancer?
A: Genetic testing has improved greatly in recent years. Since the 1990s we’ve known about BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are associated with higher risks of breast, ovarian and other cancers. We’ve now learned that patients with different forms of cancer who inherited mutations in one of these genes can benefit from a new form of oral anti-cancer treatments, called PARP inhibitors. Research has also highlighted that a strong family history of cancer is not always a reliable factor for limiting testing to those select few genes. Today a much-increased level of genetic testing is available. These advances have raised the value of testing for more patients, even in cases where there is
not a strong family history of cancer. Also, the cost of testing is about one-tenth of what it was a decade ago. All of these developments are making genetic evaluation increasingly important to the care of patients with cancer. For some cancer patients, genetic testing can also help other family members. People who have not had cancer but who carry the same gene mutations as a family member who has cancer can become eligible for intensive screening tests and preventative measures, which could ultimately save their lives. Genetic counselors have special training to help patients and their families understand these matters and guide appropriate testing.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DARTMOUTH-HITCHCOCK NORRIS COTTON CANCER CENTER AT NHMAGAZINE.COM. cancer.dartmouth.edu nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Breast Cancer
I
t’s important to be able to have frank, open discussions with your cancer care team. They want to answer all of your questions, so that you can make informed treatment and life decisions.
Here are some questions that you can use to help better understand your cancer and your treatment options. Don’t be afraid to take notes and tell the doctors or nurses when you don’t understand what they’re saying. You might want to bring another person with you when you see your doctor and have them take notes to help you remember what was said. Not all of these questions will apply to you, but they should help get you started. Be sure to write down some questions of your own. For instance, you might want more information about recovery times or you may want to ask about nearby or online support groups where you can talk with other women going through similar situations. You may also want to ask if you qualify for any clinical trials. Keep in mind that doctors aren’t the only ones who can give you information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, can answer some of your questions.
When you're told you have breast cancer • Exactly what type of breast cancer do I have? • How big is the cancer? Where exactly is it? • Has the cancer spread to my lymph nodes or other organs?
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• • • • • • • •
• •
Courtesy of the American Cancer Society
What’s the stage of the cancer? What does that mean? Will I need any other tests before we can decide on treatment? Do I need to see any other doctors or health professionals? What is the hormone receptor status of my cancer? What does this mean? What is the HER2 status of my cancer? What does this mean? How do these factors affect my treatment options and long-term outlook (prognosis)? What are my chances of survival, based on my cancer as you see it? Should I think about genetic testing? What are my testing options? Should I take a home-based genetic test? What would be the reasons for and against testing? How do I get a copy of my pathology report? If I’m concerned about the costs and insurance coverage for my diagnosis and treatment, who can help me?
When deciding on a treatment plan • • • • • • •
How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer? Should I get a second opinion? How do I do that? What are my treatment choices? What treatment do you recommend and why? Should I think about taking part in a clinical trial? What would the goal of the treatment be? How soon do I need to start treatment?
PROMOTION
• How long will treatment last? What will it be like? Where will it be done? • Should my biopsy tissue be sent for a gene expression test to help decide if chemotherapy might be helpful for me? • What should I do to get ready for treatment? • What risks or side effects are there to the treatments you suggest? Are there things I can do to reduce these side effects? • How will treatment affect my daily activities? Can I still work fulltime? • Will I lose my hair? If so, what can I do about it? • Will I go through menopause as a result of the treatment? Will I be able to have children after treatment? Would I be able to breastfeed? • What are the chances the cancer will come back (recur) after this treatment? • What would we do if the treatment doesn’t work or if the cancer comes back? • What if I have transportation problems getting to and from treatment?
If you need surgery • Is breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) an option for me? Why or why not? • What are the positive and negative sides of breast-conserving surgery versus mastectomy? • How many surgeries like mine have you done? • Will you have to take out lymph nodes? If so, would you advise a sentinel lymph node biopsy? Why or why not? • What side effects might lymph node removal cause? • How long will I be in the hospital? • Will I have stitches or staples at the surgery site? Will there be a drain (tube) coming out of the site? • How do I care for the surgery site? Will I need someone to help me? • What will my breasts look and feel like after my treatment? Will I have normal feeling in them? • What will the scar look like? • Is breast reconstruction surgery an option if I want it? What would it mean in my case? • Can I have reconstruction at the same time as the surgery to remove the cancer? What are the reasons for and against having it done right away or waiting until later? • What types of reconstruction might be options for me?
• Should I speak with a plastic surgeon about reconstruction options? • Will I need a breast form (prosthesis), and if so, where can I get one? • Do I need to stop taking any medications or supplements before surgery? • When should I call your office if I’m having side effects?
• Can I exercise during treatment? If so, what kind of exercise should I do, and how often? • Can you suggest a mental health professional I can see if I start to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed? • Will I need special tests, such as imaging scans or blood tests? How often?
During treatment
• • • •
Once treatment begins, you’ll need to know what to expect and what to look for. Not all of these questions may apply to you, but asking the ones that do may be helpful. • How will we know if the treatment is working? • Is there anything I can do to help manage side effects? • What symptoms or side effects should I tell you about right away? • How can I reach you on nights, holidays, or weekends? • Will I need to change what I eat during treatment? • Are there any limits on what I can do?
After treatment
• • • • • • •
Will I need a special diet after treatment? Are there any limits on what I can do? Am I at risk for lymphedema? What can I do to reduce my risk for lymphedema? What should I do if I notice swelling in my arm? What other symptoms should I watch for? What kind of exercise should I do now? What type of follow-up will I need after treatment? How often will I need to have follow-up exams, blood tests, or imaging tests? How will we know if the cancer has come back? What should I watch for? What will my options be if the cancer comes back?
Southern New Hampshire Radiology Consultants BETSY ANGELAKIS, MD Specializing in Chest and Breast Imaging “Our caring, friendly and experienced staff will give you the highest quality care — at a low cost.”
Appointments available today, New Patients Welcome! Conveniently located in Bedford, with ample parking.
703 Riverway Place, Bedford, NH 603-627-1661 • www.snhrc.com
nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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Newer and Experimental Breast Imaging Tests
T
he most commonly used breast imaging tests at this time are mammograms, ultrasound, and breast MRI. Newer types of tests are now being developed for breast imaging. Some of these, such as breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography), are already being used in some centers. Other tests are still being studied, and it will take time to see if they are as good as or better than those used today.
Molecular breast imaging (MBI), also known as scintimammography or breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI), is a type of nuclear medicine imaging test for the breast. A radioactive chemical is injected into the blood, and a special camera is used to see into the breast. This test is being studied mainly as a way to follow up breast problems (such as a lump or an abnormal mammogram), or to help determine the extent of breast cancer that has already been diagnosed. It’s also being studied as a test that can be used along with mammograms to look for cancer in women with dense breasts. One potential drawback is that it exposes the whole body to radiation, so it’s unlikely this test would be used for screening every year. Positron emission mammography (PEM) is a newer imaging test of the breast that is very similar to a PET scan. A form of sugar attached to a radioactive particle is injected into the blood to detect cancer cells. A PEM scan may be better able to detect small clusters of cancer cells within the breast. Right now it’s being studied mainly in women with breast cancer to see if it can help determine the extent of the cancer. As with MBI, it exposes the whole body to radiation, so it’s unlikely to be a test that could be used every year for breast cancer screening.
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Courtesy of the American Cancer Society
Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM), also known as contrastenhanced spectral mammography (CESM), is a newer test in which a contrast dye containing iodine is injected into a vein a few minutes before two sets of mammograms (using different energy levels) are taken. The contrast can help the x-rays show any abnormal areas in the breasts. This test can be used to get a better look at areas that appear abnormal on a standard mammogram, or to help assess the extent of a tumor in women just diagnosed with breast cancer. Studies are now comparing it to breast MRI in these settings, as well as possibly for use in screening women with dense breasts. If it proves to be as good as MRI, CEM could become more widely used because it is quicker to do and is less expensive than MRI. Optical imaging tests pass light into the breast and then measure the light that returns or passes through the tissue. The technique does not use radiation and does not require breast compression. Studies going on now are looking at combining optical imaging with other tests like MRI, ultrasound, or 3D mammography to help look for breast cancer. Electrical impedance imaging (EIT) scans the breast for electrical conductivity. It’s based on the idea that breast cancer cells conduct electricity differently from normal cells. The test passes a very small electrical current through the breast and then detects it on the skin of the breast. This is done using small electrodes that are taped to the skin. EIT does not use radiation or compress the breasts. This test can be used to help classify tumors found on mammograms. But at this time there hasn’t been enough clinical testing to use it for breast cancer screening. Elastography is a test that can be done as part of an ultrasound exam. It’s based on the idea that breast cancers tend to be firmer and stiffer than the surrounding breast tissue. For this test, the breast is compressed slightly, and the ultrasound can show how firm a suspicious area is. This test might prove to be useful in telling if the area is more likely to be cancer or a benign (non-cancerous) tumor.
Making Your Breast Health a Priority
photography by Kendal J Bush
Jessica Ryan, MD, FACS, Medical Director, Elizabeth Angelakis, MD, Chief of Breast Imaging and the entire Breast Care Center team practices safety measures including social distancing and wearing masks. Our lives have been profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. New challenges may make our old routines seem less of a priority. However, Catholic Medical Center’s Breast Care Center wants women to know that their breast health is still very much a priority. Cancer doesn’t quarantine, which is why national health and cancer organizations recommend resuming screening as soon as it is safe to do so. Here at the Breast Care Center, we continue to adapt our practices in order to offer you the highest quality in breast health and screening, safely. We incorporate guidelines presented by national organizations as
appropriate for the conditions that exist in New Hampshire. This includes, but is not limited to: prescreening prior to appointments, temperature checks, frequent disinfecting of equipment, and, of course, mask wearing. It is important to note that breast cancer screening is done for women who have no symptoms or breast concerns. If you do have a breast concern, such as a new breast lump that doesn’t go away, you need to seek care immediately. We are prepared to give you the care you need, safely, in our center. Together, we want to keep you cancer free and safe.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT the CMC BREAST CARE CENTER AT NHMAGAZINE.COM. CatholicMedicalCenter.org nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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Understanding Medicare To say it’s confusing is an understatement
by lynne snierson / illustration by victoria Marcelino
Y
ou’ve likely seen that TV ad with former NFL quarterback Joe Namath, the one where he assures you that all it takes to get no-cost, no-worries, full Medicare coverage stacked with free perks and benefits is a simple phone call to a toll-free number. Though Namath may have famously guaranteed his New York Jets would upset the heavily favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III in 1969, these days his advice as the paid pitchman for a private, for-profit lead generator is no sure bet.
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“If you’re attracted by the Joe Namath commercials that say, ‘We’ll give you a zero premium and then we’re going to add all this other free stuff on to it,’ well, there is no free lunch,” says Dan Alcorn, who grew up in Nashua and is a nationally certified Medicare plan specialist, licensed agent and the principal of D.J. Alcorn & Associates headquartered near Albany, New York. “When you call that 800 number, you’ll just get a telemarketer on the other end of the line. I want people to make informed decisions,” adds Alcorn.
Easier said than done. Much easier. Medicare, currently covering 61 million Americans, is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older and for some younger people who receive Social Security disability benefits. It sounds straightforward enough. But navigating the Medicare maze is oftentimes arduous at best. Not only are the rules and restrictions bewildering because they’re different for people in different circumstances — and can even be different for spouses — but you can easily drown in
what’s known as the alphabet soup. “What gets people confused is the A, B, C, D of the Medicare parts, and then what makes it even more confusing is the Medicare supplement plans F, G and N,” says Alcorn. The G and F plans, he explains, have high deductibles, and people understandably confuse them with parts A through D. “I don’t know who came up with all these terms, but yikes,” he says. “It is mind-boggling. I only work in the Medicare space. It’s just so complicated that I focus only on this one thing,” says Alcorn, who has more than 40 years of experience in financial services. Trying to understand Medicare is so overwhelming that tomes are written on the subject. The US Department of Health and Human Services publishes and distributes, free of charge, the 120-page book “Medicare & You” annually. On its website (aarp. org) the AARP has dozens of articles and links to help decipher all the ins and outs of the program. An updated “Medicare for Dummies” by Patricia Barry will be released and available for sale on November 3. It is the fourth edition and contains a colossal 408 pages.
The Basic Do’s and Don’ts of Medicare Medicare coverage is available to anyone aged 65 or older who has worked at least 10 years in the United States, but there is no simple explanation of how it all works. To help cut through the chaos, Patricia Barry has written two companion books, “Medicare for Dummies” and “Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage for Dummies.” Here are some do’s and don’ts from the author, and free information can also be had from the federal government at medicare.gov or (800) 633-4227. • Do give yourself plenty of time to get informed about the many different plan choices and deadlines. • Don’t expect to be notified when to sign up unless you’re already receiving Social Security benefits. Be proactive. • Do enroll before the deadlines to avoid permanent late penalties. • Don’t worry that poor health or preexisting conditions will deny you coverage or make you pay higher premiums. They can’t. • Do realize that this program isn’t free. You pay premiums and are responsible for certain copays. • Don’t assume Medicare pays for everything. There is a wide range of coverage, but there are gaps and that’s why you need to buy a Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Supplement plan.
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To cut through all the chaos, Alcorn teaches a free “Medicare 101” webinar each month via his website, dgalcorn.com. Along with deeper dives into the minutiae of Medicare, Alcorn offers lots of handy information and guides to assist newcomers, like this list of eight things to get the most out of your trip to the doctor: 1. Ask Questions. Doctors suggest writing out a list of questions before your visit to ensure that you remember them. Write the questions in order of importance in case you can’t get to everything. 2. Mind the Time. Stay focused on why you’re in the office. We all like a little chit-chat and doctors like to know what’s going on in our lives, but if you only get 10 minutes, then minimize the small talk. Call ahead if you’re running a few minutes late and minimize your waiting time by booking appointments first thing in the morning. 3. Bring your Meds. That includes herbal and over-the-counter medications, and prescriptions you might have gotten from another doctor. Bring the bottles with the original label so you can double-check the dosing and make sure there hasn’t been an error. 4. Take Notes. Writing down what the doctor says could help jog your memory after the visit. 5. Tell the Truth. Even uncomfortable topics, such as poor eating habits, medication adherence or risky practices might cause you to avoid or sugarcoat a subject, but don’t leave things out. If you’re not being truthful, the doctor can’t do their best job in taking care of you. 6. Bring a Friend. Going to an appointment accompanied by a spouse, an adult child or a friend is particularly important if you’re expecting important test results. You may have trouble understanding or remembering things, and having someone else there can help with that. 7. Be Realistic. Having a hard time getting more exercise like the doctor told you to, or having trouble changing your diet? Don’t feel embarrassed to ask a question if you don’t understand something. 8. Bring the Important Things Up First. When you’re having a health concern that provokes some anxiety, you may need to work up the nerve to ask about it, but don’t save it to the end of the visit. Then you’ll have the least time to discuss it. Having a prioritized list of what you want to discuss with the doctor can help with this. NH
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2020 NEW HAMPSHIRE
FIVE STAR AWARD WINNERS These days, it takes a village to manage your financial world. Whether it is managing your assets with a wealth manager, navigating the ever-changing tax landscape, sorting out your estate and succession planning or picking the right life insurance, finding the right team can be a daunting task. In fact, many consumers have a hard time figuring out where to even begin. Sometimes, a few simple questions can put you on the right path. Asking professionals what makes working with them a unique experience can help you understand how they work and if their style meshes with your own. This is a great place to start! Five Star Professional uses its own proprietary research methodology to name outstanding professionals, then works with publications such as New Hampshire Magazine to spread the word about award winners. Each award candidate undergoes a thorough research process (detailed here) before being considered for the final list of award winners. For the complete list of winners, go to www.fivestarprofessional.com. RESEARCH DISCLOSURES In order to consider a broad population of high-quality wealth managers, award candidates are identified by one of three sources: firm nomination, peer nomination or prequalification based on industry standing. Self-nominations are not accepted. New Hampshire-area award candidates were identified using internal and external research data. Candidates do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final lists of Five Star Wealth Managers. • The Five Star award is not indicative of a professional’s future performance. • Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets. • The inclusion of a professional on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the professional by Five Star Professional or New Hampshire Magazine. • Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any professional is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected professionals will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future. • Five Star Professional is not an advisory firm and the content of this article should not be considered financial advice. For more information on the Five Star Wealth Manager award program, research and selection criteria, go to fivestarprofessional.com/research. • 928 award candidates in the New Hampshire area were considered for the Five Star Wealth Manager award. 91 (approximately 10% of the award candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers.
FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER CRITERIA DETERMINATION OF AWARD WINNERS
Award candidates who satisfied 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers. Eligibility Criteria – Required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative. 2. Actively employed as a credentialed professional in the financial services industry for a minimum of five years. 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review. 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal firm standards. 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation Criteria – Considered: 6. One-year client retention rate. 7. Five-year client retention rate. 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered. 9. Number of client households served. 10. Education and professional designations. Regulatory Review: As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not: been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; been convicted of a felony. Within the past 11 years the wealth manager has not: been terminated from a wealth management or financial services firm; filed for personal bankruptcy; had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them (and no more than five total pending, dismissed or denied) with any regulatory authority. Five Star Professional conducts a regulatory review of each nominated wealth manager using the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website. Five Star Professional also uses multiple supporting processes to help ensure that a favorable regulatory and complaint history exists. Data submitted through these processes was applied per the above criteria; each wealth manager who passes the Five Star Professional regulatory review must attest that they meet the definition of favorable regulatory history based upon the criteria listed above. Five Star Professional promotes via local advertising the opportunity for consumers to confidentially submit complaints regarding a wealth manager.
All award winners are listed in this publication Financial Planning
Duane E. Goodell ∙ Optimum Wealth LLC
James S. Brophy ∙ Brophy Wealth Management
Curtis W. Hermann ∙ Wells Fargo Advisors Page 4
Stephen Brophy ∙ Brophy Wealth Management Page 4
Jeffrey William Keefe ∙ Whole Wealth Management
Susan Weidner Cooke ∙ MML Investors Services
Stephen Kelley ∙ Safety First Financial Planners/Coach Capital Management, LLC Page 5
James Raymond Dearden ∙ Baystate Financial Page 4 W. John Dulmage ∙ Financial Pathways Susan Marie Giroux ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Sarah Kenda ∙ Financial Strategies Retirement Partners Page 2 Cynthia L. Kordys ∙ Centaurus Financial
Cynthia Griffith Magner ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Deborah Anne Nitzschke ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Nichole D. Raftopoulos ∙ Nvest Financial Group Page 3 Michael Scott Riddell ∙ LPL Financial Scott Charles Sullivan ∙ Bay Point Financial Luke James Trotochaud ∙ Brophy Wealth Management Robert Lawrence Wofchuck ∙ Ledgewood Wealth Advisors, LLC
Investments Michael R. Fortier ∙ Wells Fargo Advisors Al Gilbert ∙ Financial Strategies Retirement Partners Page 2 Shawn Monty ∙ Financial Strategies Retirement Partners Page 2 Andrew Marvin Rocco ∙ BayState Financial
Taxation Ken S. Greenly ∙ Ken S. Greenly PLLC Page 5 Continued on FS-6
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WEALTH MANAGERS
Financial Strategies Retirement Partners
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YEAR WINNER Left to right: Jim Monahan, CFP®; Brian Curran; Kim Hamel; Forrest Butler, AIF®; Crystal Marquis; 2013 – 2020 winner Al Gilbert, Partner, AIF®; 2020 winner Sarah Kenda, Partner, AIF®; Travis Labrie, AIF®; Jamie Perkins; Daniel Grossman, Partner, AIF®; Erica Warburton; 2012 – 2020 winner Shawn Monty, Managing Partner, AIF® (Not pictured: Michele Estey; Lisa Whelan)
Retirement Planning for Businesses and Individuals ∙ Experienced team of professionals ∙ Retirement plan solutions for businesses ∙ Retirement income planning expertise Our passion is promoting financial wellness. With decades of experience working with both businesses and individuals, the FSRP team members are committed to delivering solutions to meet our clients’ specific goals and objectives. When working with individuals, we provide comprehensive retirement income planning and wealth management services. For businesses, our firm provides 401(k) and 403(b) advice and employee education. We act as co-fiduciaries on each retirement plan we serve. Our team appreciates the trust our clients have placed in us. We are pleased Shawn, Al and Sarah have received the 2020 Five Star Wealth Manager award and are honored to share it with you. We are proud of our affiliation with Commonwealth Financial Network, the nation’s largest privately held Registered Investment Adviser and independent broker/dealer.
3 Executive Park Drive, Suite 205 • Bedford, NH 03110 Office: 603-627-1463 • Fax: 603-627-0663 info@fsrp.net • www.fsrp.net
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Financial Strategies Retirement Partners (FSRP) is a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance and financial planning services offered by FSRP are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth. Wealth Manager Award Winner
The Five Star Wealth Manager award, administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC (dba Five Star Professional), is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. Award does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. Once awarded, wealth managers may purchase additional profile ad space or promotional products. The Five Star award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their client’s assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by Five Star Professional or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future. For more information on the Five Star award and the research/selection methodology, go to fivestarprofessional.com. 928 New Hampshire-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 91 (10% of candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers. 2019: 928 considered, 85 winners; 2018: 955 considered, 74 winners; 2017: 739 considered, 89 winners; 2016: 666 considered, 158 winners; 2015: 853 considered, 166 winners; 2014: 1,045 considered, 189 winners; 2013: 1,049 considered, 204 winners; 2012: 743 considered, 170 winners.
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WEALTH MANAGERS
Nichole D. Raftopoulos President, CFP®, CDFA™, AIF®, MPAS®
Photo 9.5” wide by 5.6” high at 300 dpi. Maximum of 12 people.
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YEAR WINNER Left to right: Amanda Petersen, Assoc. Financial Consultant; Daphne Lafazan, Assoc. Financial Consultant; Kevin Shangraw, Assoc. Retirement Plan Consultant; Four-year winner Nichole Raftopoulos, President; Mina Sullivan, Client Administrator; Ashley White, Client Administrator Melanie Holt, Registered Client Administrator; Justin Happ, Research Analyst
Helping You and Your Family Build Financial Confidence … One Relationship at a Time Nvest is an independent financial boutique working with people just like you: diverse, financially established individuals, families and business owners who demand the highest quality of service and attention-to-detail in their personal financial matters. Nvest doesn’t take earning your business lightly. Founded in 2003 by Nichole Raftopoulos, Nvest is the kind of financial planning firm she would recommend to her friends and family — and one she would personally use. The firm’s mission is built around providing clients a holistic financial planning and investment process, practicing a true team-centric approach with every relationship. Above all else, Nvest’s core values guide the team’s day-to-day activities, resulting in an experience unlike any other.
Nichole D. Raftopoulos, 2017 – 2020 Five Star Wealth Manager award winner Pease Tradeport, Two International Drive, Suite 110 • Portsmouth, NH 03801 Phone: 207-985-8585 • Toll-free: 888-683-7834 info@nvestfinancial.com • www.nvestfinancial.com
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified finanCial Planner™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S. which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. Securities offered thru Commonwealth Financial Network; Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services may be offered thru Commonwealth Financial Network, a Registered Investment Adviser and/or Nvest Financial Group, LLC a Maine and New Hampshire licensed Investment Adviser. Advisory Services, Fixed Insurance Products and Services offered by Nvest Financial Group, LLC are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth. Wealth Manager Award Winner
The Five Star Wealth Manager award, administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC (dba Five Star Professional), is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. Award does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. Once awarded, wealth managers may purchase additional profile ad space or promotional products. The Five Star award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their client’s assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by Five Star Professional or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future. For more information on the Five Star award and the research/selection methodology, go to fivestarprofessional.com. 928 New Hampshire-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 91 (10% of candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers. 2019: 928 considered, 85 winners; 2018: 955 considered, 74 winners; 2017: 739 considered, 89 winners; 2016: 666 considered, 158 winners; 2015: 853 considered, 166 winners; 2014: 1,045 considered, 189 winners; 2013: 1,049 considered, 204 winners; 2012: 743 considered, 170 winners.
FS • 3
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
WEALTH MANAGERS
Brophy Wealth Management, LLC Because Wealth Doesn’t Come with Instructions Photo 6.2” wide by 4.5” high at 300 dpi. Maximum of 6 people.
∙ Retirement planning ∙ Investment management ∙ Estate, charitable and legacy planning ∙ Business needs
5 YEAR
“Because wealth does not come with instructions …”
WINNER
Not only do these words ring true with many of our clients, but they are also the driving force behind our firm’s philosophy and commitment. With every interaction, Brophy Wealth Management, LLC seeks to provide clients with the knowledge and guidance to help them manage both their financial life and the emotions tied to wealth-related decisions.
Left to right: 2020 winner James S. Brophy, CFP®, CRPC®, CLU®, Wealth Manager; 2016 – 2020 Stephen Brophy, CFP®, CPA, ChFC®, PFS, MSFP, Senior Wealth Manager; 2020 winner Luke Trotochaud, CRPC®, Wealth Manager
We believe the trust of a financial advisor is earned not only through the performance of investments, but also through the connection that occurs when we truly understand our clients’ goals, hopes, fears, insecurities and beliefs. Brophy Wealth Management, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor. Certain representatives of Brophy Wealth Management, LLC are also Registered Representatives offering securities through APW Capital, Inc., Member FINRA/ SIPC.
40 S River Road, Suite 15 • Bedford, NH 03110 • Phone: 603-668-2303 bwm@brophywealth.com • www.brophywealth.com Wealth Manager Award Winner
James Raymond Dearden
Curtis W. Hermann
Financial Planner, Investment Advisor Representative
First Vice President – Investments, CFP®, ADPA®, CSRIC™
Head and Shoulders photo 3.6” wide by 3.8” high at 300 dpi
5
YEAR WINNER
∙ Retirement strategies ∙ Wealth management
Baystate Financial 1 Park Avenue, Suite 1A2 Hampton, NH 03842 Phone: 603-929-4638 jdearden@baystatefinancial.com www.baystatefinancial.com Helping Families With Planning and Financial Needs ∙ Group benefits ∙ Business succession
My goal is to advise families and business owners with strategies to build their financial freedom. I have been in practice for 14 years. I have the skills, knowledge and experience required to help meet my clients’ established goals. My personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for each and every client.
Head and Shoulders photo 3.6” wide by 3.8” high at 300 dpi
8
YEAR WINNER
900 Elm Street, Suite 700 Manchester, NH 03101 Phone: 603-625-6500 curtis.w.hermann@wfadvisors.com www.curtiswhermann.com Integrating Your Values, Vision and Wealth
∙ Sustainability and ESG investment strategies ∙ 2012 – 2015 and 2017 – 2020 Five Star Wealth Manager Throughout his 20-year financial advising career, Curtis has been resolute in his belief that he is more than an advisor — he is a steward of his clients’ financial lives. Mindful stewardship is about helping clients prepare for both the financial and emotional aspects of their financial life. Blending financial strategies, investment management and wealth coaching, Curtis helps clients implement personally tailored solutions to achieve their aspirations and create a legacy for future generations.
James R. Dearden is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 200 Clarendon Street, 19th and 25th Floors, Boston, MA 02116. 617-585-4500. CRN202207-268608.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified finanCial Planner™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name
Wealth Manager Award Winner
Wealth Manager Award Winner
used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC. [CAR-0720-01400].
The Five Star Wealth Manager award, administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC (dba Five Star Professional), is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. Award does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. Once awarded, wealth managers may purchase additional profile ad space or promotional products. The Five Star award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their client’s assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by Five Star Professional or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future. For more information on the Five Star award and the research/selection methodology, go to fivestarprofessional.com. 928 New Hampshire-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 91 (10% of candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers. 2019: 928 considered, 85 winners; 2018: 955 considered, 74 winners; 2017: 739 considered, 89 winners; 2016: 666 considered, 158 winners; 2015: 853 considered, 166 winners; 2014: 1,045 considered, 189 winners; 2013: 1,049 considered, 204 winners; 2012: 743 considered, 170 winners.
FS • 4
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
WEALTH MANAGERS Ken S. Greenly
Stephen Kelley
CFP®, CPA, Tax and Financial Advisor
President, Retirement Income Specialist
Safety First Financial Planners, LLC Coach Capital Management, LLC 33 Main Street, Suite 201 Nashua, NH 03064 Phone: 603-881-8811 steve@coachcm.com www.safetyfirstfinancialplanners.com
Head and Shoulders photo 3.6” wide by 3.8” high at 300 dpi
6
Ken S. Greenly PLLC 8 Stiles Road, Suite 102 Salem, NH 03079 Phone: 603-894-5300 greeninc@prodigy.net
Head and Shoulders photo 1.5” wide by 1.5” high at 300 dpi
5
YEAR WINNER
∙ Independent wealth advisor for 30 years ∙ CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional
I provide trusted tax and financial advice tailored for individual and small business needs. I have been serving long-term client relationships with wealth, retirement, estate and tax strategies for more than 30 years.
Ken S Greenly PLLC is an independent Investment Advisor. Ken S Greenly PLLC and Ken S Greenly is not a broker-dealer. Wealth Manager Award Winner
Ready, Set, Retire
YEAR WINNER
∙ Licensed in New Hampshire and Massachusetts ∙ Author of five books on retirement ∙ Co-host of “Free to Retire” radio show Stephen entered the financial industry to positively impact peoples’ lives on their way toward successful retirements. Before his late entry into the financial services industry at age 48, Steve spent his career as an entrepreneur, journalist, business consultant and educator. With a strong background in finance, he was shocked to find out not only how much he didn’t know about personal financial planning, but also how much isn’t disclosed to the average consumer by the financial services community. Thus began his true passion in life. We are an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of investment and insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives.
Wealth managers not only offer advice, but they also guide you through the process of managing your money and investing it for you.
Wealth Manager Award Winner
Continued from FS-1
Steven Wayne Aiken ∙ Millriver Wealth Management
Derek C. DeAngelis ∙ PEAK Wealth Management
Irina V. Andreasen ∙ Andreasen Financial
Richard John DeMarco Jr. ∙ UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Lou Athanas ∙ Morgan Stanley
Caitlin Aliza Demet ∙ LPL Financial
Charles M. Beynon ∙ Seacoast Financial Planning Frederick Ackley Boucher ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Elizabeth Ann Bowen ∙ Morgan Stanley Jill B. Boynton ∙ Cornerstone Financial Planning Ryan Joseph Callaghan ∙ The Harbor Group Joseph Boyd Cartier ∙ Morgan Stanley Gregory Scott Caulfield ∙ Morgan Stanley Patrick L. Curtin ∙ Triad Advisors Nicolas Timmothy Crieg Curtis ∙ Seacoast Financial Planning
James T. Dimos ∙ Advisory Resource Group Michael T. Dimos ∙ Baystate Financial Scott L. Dudley ∙ LPL Financial Deni Duane DuFault ∙ Cetera Advisor Networks Eric Mcguire Ellis ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Colleen E. Farley ∙ Robbins Farley Timothy C. Fitzbag ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Eric Keith Folia ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Jean Fullerton ∙ Milestone Financial Planning Joseph C. Gallant ∙ Voya Financial Advisors
Thomas G. Goodwin ∙ F.L. Putnam Investment Management Co. Torrey Leslie Greene ∙ Lincoln Financial Securities Travis Nathaniel Grieb ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Joseph H. Guyton ∙ The Guyton Group John Franklin Habig ∙ Morgan Stanley Jon Phillip Harrison ∙ Northeast Planning Associates Edward John Hickey Jr. ∙ LPL Financial Michael Smoot Humphries ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Drew Dawson Kellner ∙ Lumbard & Kellner Robert James Kennelly ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Stephen Michael Lamoureux ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Andrew Peter Lane ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
David Harold McLaughlin ∙ Cetera Advisor Networks
Jay H. Levy ∙ Measured Wealth Private Client Group
Christopher Michalman ∙ Integrated Wealth Concepts
Norman S. Long ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Aaron Anton Milne ∙ Lincoln Financial Securities
Stephen John Lozan ∙ Oppenheimer & Co.
Celeste M. Monaghan ∙ Zelek & Associates
John Ashmore Lumbard ∙ Lumbard & Kellner
Diane D. Murphy ∙ Morgan Stanley
Rae Michael MacWilliam ∙ MacWilliam Financial Group Kristen Ann Madden ∙ F.L. Putnam Investment Management Co.
Douglas Andrew Nelson ∙ Wells Fargo Advisors James M. O’Donoghue ∙ Compass Rose Private Investment Management
Paul B. Makris ∙ UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Karen A. O’Donoghue ∙ Compass Rose Private Investment Management
Jeffrey R. Mason ∙ Mason Financial Group
Gary William Pelletier ∙ Northeast Planning Associates
Jean Marie Mathieu ∙ Legacy Financial Solutions
Denise E. Petrin ∙ Wells Fargo Advisors
Stephen N. Mathieu ∙ Legacy Financial Solutions
Beth A. Plentzas ∙ Northeast Planning Associates
Andrea Anne Riley Arnesen ∙ Ameriprise Financia Services, LLC Dawn Gabriel Rimari ∙ Commonwealth Financial Network Robert Robbins ∙ Robbins Farley Kimberley Mckenna Robinson ∙ Mascoma Wealth Management Mary V. Smith ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Thomas Edward Space ∙ Advisors Financial Planning Group Dennis Jules Tsakiris ∙ Cetera Advisor Networks Stephen R. Vachon ∙ Voya Financial Advisors Gregory Michael Vallee ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified finanCial Planner™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. The Chartered Financial Consultant credential [ChFC®] is a financial planning designation awarded by The American College. The Five Star Wealth Manager award, administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC (dba Five Star Professional), is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. Award does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. Once awarded, wealth managers may purchase additional profile ad space or promotional products. The Five Star award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their client’s assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by Five Star Professional or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future. For more information on the Five Star award and the research/selection methodology, go to fivestarprofessional.com. 928 New Hampshire-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 91 (10% of candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers. 2019: 928 considered, 85 winners; 2018: 955 considered, 74 winners; 2017: 739 considered, 89 winners; 2016: 666 considered, 158 winners; 2015: 853 considered, 166 winners; 2014: 1,045 considered, 189 winners; 2013: 1,049 considered, 204 winners; 2012: 743 considered, 170 winners.
FS • 5
603 living / health
2. Perform self-exams. Unfortunately, “a lot of women don’t do self-exams,” Kwait says. For some women, especially those with lumpy breasts, a self-exam can be anxiety-inducing, but regular self-exams will help you notice a lump that feels different from the others, or a firmness in the breast that previously did not exist. Perform your self-exam at the same time each month or at the same time within your menstrual cycle, and if something doesn’t feel right, tell your doctor right away. 3. Know your family history. “Having a mother or sister with breast cancer doubles your own lifetime risk of breast cancer,” says Michael DeLeo, M.D., chief medical officer at Foundation Medical Partners in Nashua and a fellowship-trained radiologist who specializes in breast and oncologic imaging. Talk to your doctor about your risk and whether you should consider closer monitoring.
Steps to Breast Health Early detection and prevention both matter by Karen A. Jamrog / illustration by gloria dilanni
T
here’s no getting around the fact that some of the risk factors for breast cancer, such as genetics and age, are out of our control. But there are steps you can take to maximize your breast health and minimize your chance of developing breast cancer. 1. Look in the mirror. Many of us rush through our daily routine with nary a glance at our unclothed body. Make it a habit to regularly pause and take a look in the mirror, says Rebecca Kwait, M.D., F.A.C.S., medical director and breast surgeon at Core General Surgery and Exeter Hospital’s Center for Breast Health. Look for subtle changes in the
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shape of your breasts or nipples, as well as discharge, and rippling, dimpling or redness in the skin. “Know what you’re starting out with,” Kwait says, so that you have a baseline for comparison if something changes.
4. Get an annual, clinical breast exam. Less than 10% of breast cancers are detected through clinical breast exams, Kwait says, “but when they are, those tend to be more aggressive.” If your healthcare provider does not routinely perform a clinical breast exam as part of your annual check-up, do not feel bashful about requesting one, she says. 5. Get a yearly mammogram. Numerous studies have shown that mammographic screening results in a highly significant decrease in breast cancer-specific mortality, Kwait says. For older women, especially, screening is well worth the time and temporary discomfort. “For example, women ages 60-69 who had mammograms had a 33% lower risk of dying from breast cancer compared to women who did not,” DeLeo says. Go for 3D screening (also known as to-
“Having a mother or sister with breast cancer doubles your own lifetime risk of breast cancer.” — Michael DeLeo, M.D.
replacement therapy, which can fuel breast cancer growth, DeLeo says. Ask your doctor whether you are at elevated risk and if you should have supplemental screening.
How to perform a breast self-exam
Women should perform a breast self-exam once a month, preferably at the same time within their menstrual cycle, says Rebecca Kwait, M.D., F.A.C.S., medical director and breast surgeon at Core General Surgery and Exeter Hospital’s Center for Breast Health. Not sure how to do it? Lying down, use the first few finger pads of the hand that is opposite the breast to make concentric circles, or to make a sweeping pattern across the breast from the outside toward the inside or from the inside to the outside of the breast — whichever way enables you to check all of the breast tissue. Feel for lumps and bumps and changes in your breasts over time, and gently squeeze each nipple to check for discharge. If you notice anything worrisome, contact your doctor. For more information about breast health, see breast360.org, the website of the American Society of Breast Surgeons Foundation. Also see the Susan G. Komen website at ww5.komen.org. mosynthesis), a technology that is available at many New Hampshire hospitals and that provides valuable imaging particularly of dense breasts. While dense breasts are common and normal, women who have them face a breast cancer risk that is 1.5 to 2 times higher than that of women who do not have dense breasts, DeLeo says. Guidelines vary regarding the scheduling of mammograms, DeLeo says, but many
medical groups recommend that women of average risk have a screening mammogram every year starting at age 40. 6. Talk to your doctor. Incidence of breast cancer is high; within the average population, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. But many women face even higher risk due to a number of factors such as the use of hormone
7. Lead a healthy lifestyle. The main lifestyle factors for breast cancer that women can control, Kwait says, are weight, body mass index (BMI, a measure of body fat), physical activity, alcohol use, smoking and hormone replacement therapy use. Obese women have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who are not obese. “Even just a 5-10% weight reduction in women who are overweight can significantly reduce their risk for breast cancer,” Kwait says. As for alcohol consumption, if you’re wondering how much alcohol is OK, experts say to drink alcohol in moderation or not at all, which means women should have no more than one 5-ounce glass of wine, one 12-ounce beer or 1 ounce of spirits per day. Also note that “you can’t bank your drinks,” DeLeo says. “You can’t not drink for say, three days, and then [overindulge] the following day. It doesn’t work that way.” NH
EVEN APART, WE STAY
YOUNITED
™
JOIN THE MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER MOVEMENT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE Making Strides has always been more than just a walk — it’s a movement. This fall will look different but our passion to end breast cancer is the same. We envision a future where our children will no longer live with the threat of breast cancer. But that future is at risk, so we need you. Get involved today. Visit www.MakingStridesWalk.org to learn how you can make an impact on the fight against breast cancer in your community. nhmagazine.com | October 2020
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603 living / local dish
A Hearty Soup Italian Sausage, White Bean and Kale Soup Serves six or more
1 ¼ ground or sliced sweet Italian sausage meat (Angela’s makes its own.) 4 tablespoons avocado or olive oil 1 large Spanish onion, medium dice 2 carrots, chopped 3 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic 1 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper flakes (Calabrian is Chef Simmons’ favorite brand.) 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil 5 bay leaves 8 cups water or vegetable broth 2 12-ounce cans cannelloni beans or 2 cups of fresh shell beans 3 tablespoons vegetable base (Minor’s brand does not have as much sodium.) 3 large fresh, chopped tomatoes and their juice or 1 container Pomì brand tomatoes 3 bunches kale, coarsely chopped 1 cup thinly chopped fresh basil 6 tablespoons pecorino romano Add oil, sausage, onions, carrots and garlic to pot, then add oregano, basil, crushed red peppers and bay leaves. Brown the meat on medium-high heat. After thoroughly browned, add water, vegetable base, two cans of drained beans (or fresh beans) and tomatoes. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in fresh kale and simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Stir in fresh basil and pecorino cheese. Top each serving with a sprig of fresh herbs and additional grated cheese, if desired. It can be made ahead, and Chef Simmons says it is even better the next day.
Stepping S
By Chef Mike Simmons of Angela’s Pasta & Cheese Shop photos and text by susan laughlin
I
s that a chill in the air? As summer winds down, take to the kitchen with the remnants of the garden and cook up a hearty soup. Those beautiful shell beans seen at farmers markets offer a short window to use fresh beans instead of canned or dried. And why not throw those bedraggled tomatoes in too? And, of course, kale never seems to go anyway, but here, it has a starring role. About Angela’s Angela’s Pasta & Cheese Shop is now owned by Steven Freeman of Manchester. Freeman loves to cook, and he has been involved in the business in a variety of ways, including restaurant design and supporting local food sourcing. During the transition, most of the staff stayed on, including head chef Mike Simmons. Chef Simmons creates a take-out menu each week with daily dinner specials ranging from veal Parmigiana to rack of lamb to their legendary black-and-blue meatloaf. He also creates a hot lunch special every day, along with sandwiches and a soup of the day. Simmons says Freeman is encouraging him to use local produce whenever possible, adding, “He’s right, it does make a difference.” Fresh-baked breads and cookies, cakes and whoopee pies round out the meals. Angela’s is also well known for its extensive cheese selections, fresh pastas, wine selection, specialty food items and gift baskets. Catering for events and celebrations is also offered. Yes, Mr. Freeman, you have landed in a foodie paradise. Angela’s Pasta & Cheese Shop 815 Chestnut St., Manchester / (603) 625-9544 / angelaspastaandcheese.com Weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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NH
Decour and tw cn
Beautiful cranberry (borlotti) beans, available now at farmers markets, are a great seasonal alternative to dried beans — they take less time to cook. They should be used within a few days of purchase before they dry up. They taste great on their own, in a soup or puréed. Unfortunately, they do lose their beautiful coloring when cooked, but still taste buttery smooth in your soup.
Stepping Stones NH
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603 living
Scared Silly
Ah, the simple pleasures. Like terror. By Rebecca Rule / illustration by brad fitzpatrick
B
y day, DeMeritt Hill is a picturesque PYO farm in Lee. Depending on the season, visitors may pick peaches, pumpkins or apples — Gravensteins, Macs and blushing Granny Smiths. It’s a dream. By night, however, in October, the woods beside the orchard turn from pastoral paradise to nightmare. Fiery eyes burn in heads as wide as barn doors and as tall as trees. House-size spiders bare glowing teeth. Remember Pumpkinhead? He’s here. On steroids. As are ax murderers, zombies, demonic babies and big-head guys in overalls with blank looks (they have no eyes!). These creatures spring from the shadows, hang from the rafters, puddle on the ground. It’s not real. It’s not real. It’s not real. It’s Haunted Overload, named one of the scariest attractions in the USA by USA Today. Most years my husband and I, my daughter and her husband, and sometimes Uncle Jim pay good money to walk these jack-o’-lantern trails and get scared silly. We enjoy it. Why do people enjoy getting scared silly? Why do we enjoy scaring the pants off each other?
m✥n
In East Northwood (where I live), a house on Route 4 sports a gruesome Halloween tableau that grows bigger and gruesomer every year. It’s a pretend graveyard complete 96
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with ghosts and witches. It lights up at night. People slow down to admire it. Northwood, like most towns, has many real cemeteries — six public and more than 50 private. You can buy your own plot in Pine Grove for $100 ($200 with perpetual care). For anyone with a lively imagination, real cemeteries are plenty scary, way scarier than the ghoulish display on Route 4, maybe even scarier than Haunted Overload. Especially in the fall shrouded in leaves. Especially at night.
m✥n
Nolan told how he and his friend, Pret, were walking home after a Halloween party with a group of bigger boys. It was dark, cold, spittin’ snow. Their path took them past a cemetery with a stone vault, also known as a receiving tomb. As they walked, the older boys dared each other: —When we get theyah, let’s go in the vault. —You’re too chicken. —YOU’RE too chicken. —It’s probably locked anyways. —Nawthin’ in theyah. Nobody’s died lately. —You sure? As the big boys argued, Nolan and Pret slipped from the back of the pack and took a short cut through the woods. They beat the big boys to the cemetery by a hair and scaled the slanted back wall of the vault. At the top they found a small vent pipe and waited. They could hear the older boys coming
down the road. Nolan and Pret stayed quiet. The group congregated at the iron gate. Whispering, giggling, until one brave lad creaked the gate open, walked up to the vault, and knocked on the heavy door. Nolan spoke into the vent pipe in his deepest voice: “I’ll be right with you.” Yup, under the right conditions a real cemetery will flood your system with adrenalin (when you think you’re gonna die) and endorphins (when you realize you ain’t). Did those big boys scream? You betcha. Did they run? Heck, yes. Ah, the simple pleasures. Like terror. No wonder the subject of cemeteries comes up in conversation so often — even when it’s not Halloween. Sooner or later, we’ll all end up behind that creaky iron gate. Or in a jar on the mantel. One New Hampshire native transplanted to Jasper, Georgia, got a call from Jasper town hall asking if she’d like to buy a plot in a new cemetery. “No,” she said, “I would not! I already have a plot in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, and I can’t wait to get back to it.” One final word of wisdom: As the town clerk told the fella who inquired about buying a plot in yet another New Hampshire town, “I can tell you this, Mister. You can’t just come in cold.” NH
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