Parenting NH February 2017

parenting

COMPLIMENTARY

FEBRUARY 2017

NEW HAMPSHIRE

GRANITE STATE KIDS

ROCK OUT Winter school vacation fun ParentingNH.com

How to make a household budget

Your Health, Our Trusted Experts...

...in Newborn Intensive Care.

Elliot Health System’s commitment to caring for you and your family is close to home.

As the only Level III Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the greater Manchester area, the Elliot NICU has the high-tech resources and a team of neonatologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, and respiratory care therapists specializing in premature infant care. Babies in our NICU receive close observation, attention, and intervention for their very unique needs. Contact us to learn more about why expecting parents deliver their baby at Elliot Hospital and how the NICU plays a role in this critical decision.

Visit www.elliothospital.org or call Physician Finder at 603-663-4567.

2 www.parentingnh.com february 2017

Elliot Health System is a non-profit organization serving your healthcare needs since 1890.

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• contents

february features 18

Your savings plan for 2017

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departments

ON THE COVER: The Timberlane Rock Ensemble, from left, clockwise: Brendan Kelley, Alexander Gray, Justin Livingston, instructor John Zevos, Rachel Paradis, Demetrius Shew, Caden Landry, Nick Pigott and Kate Burke, center.

Photo taken Jan. 11, 2017, at Timberlane Regional High School in Plaistow by Kendal J. Bush, Parenting New Hampshire’s longtime cover photographer. Check out Kendal’s work at www.kendaljbush.com.

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NH's Winter school of vacation fun rock

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EDITOR:

Melanie Hitchcock, x5157 editor@parentingnh.com

OFFICE MANAGER:

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The Short List 6

I Want That 8 Cook with Your Kids 30

Dad on Board 32 Arts in the

Learning Curve 33 classroom

House Calls 34 Raising Teens & Tweens 35

Out and About 36 Five for Families 39

From the Editor’s Desk

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Downsize your home

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Parenting New Hampshire Magazine® is published by McLean Communications, 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101, (603) 624-1442. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any mistakes in advertisements or editorial. Statements/opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect or represent those of this publication or its officers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, McLean Communications, LLC.: Parenting New Hampshire Magazine disclaims all responsibility for omission and errors.

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from the editor’s desk ARTS EDUCATION: THE BENEFITS FOR KIDS ARE LIFE-LONG Once a week, the art teacher would arrive at my classroom with her cart piled high with construction paper, scissors, paste, markers and watercolor paints. The kids, smiles on their faces, eagerly grabbed supplies and dug into their next art project.

I was not one of those kids.

I could not draw. I couldn’t even color inside the lines. In fact, the first “C” I ever received on a report card was in art (so much for art being subjective, I thought.)

But I loved music, which drove me to study piano and flute and sing in the school chorus. Singing. That was definitely my thing, I discovered. I loved how I felt when I sang. It brought a calm over me as I connected with the music and the audience. And as much as I’m terrified to speak in public, I’ve sung at weddings, in competitions, even in a stadium.

My “career” may have stalled, but to this day, get me behind a microphone in front of an audience and I transform. Even if I’m just singing in the car, it is an instant stress reliever.

Arts and music education is the first to get cut when school budgets tighten. It’s not recognized as being just as critical to a child’s education as math or science or reading, and arts education is seen by some as being a waste of time. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Research has linked arts participation to cognitive growth and academic skill, including the strengthening of long-term memory and reading ability, creative thinking skills, and writing fluency, according to a 2012 report by the College Board for the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards.

While our education system is geared to “teaching to the test” and judges children by

their standardized test score, arts education engages that part of our brain that a classroom lecture simply does not. While many children excel in STEM classes, right-brained and global learners who lean toward creative pursuits would be left behind if arts education was to disappear from the curriculum.

Arts education plays a part in developing life skills. Teaching kids to think creatively outside the box in this ever-changing world puts them a step ahead when they enter the work force. Problem-solving, focus and discipline are also hallmark to learning via the arts. Artists receive constant feedback – both constructive and not-so-constructive, just like they will have in the real world. They learn to accept criticism and deal with difficult people and situations.

Arts education also helps kids with their personal growth and increases emotional intelligence. Tweens and teens discover themselves through the creative process as it forces them to turn inward and explore who they are.

We can all agree that math and science are important, but we need to acknowledge the importance of arts education. There’s not a test, but we don’t need one to prove the benefits.

Melanie Hitchcock, Editor

february 2017 www.parentingnh.com 5

the short list COMPILED BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

This month on www.parentingnh.com:

Bundle up and go outside

Grab your sled and your snowshoes, because it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the winter season. If you aren’t sure where to go in the Granite State to have fun in the snow this month, check out web-exclusive lists on Parenting New Hampshire’s website. Find a new favorite sledding hill, plan out school vacation week, go to a winter carnival, and more. Looking for something to do inside where you can stay warm? Be sure to go to our online calendar for up-to-date event information.

❆ ❆ ❆ ❆ ❆

Winter carnivals in NH: www.parentingnh.com/wintercarnivals Where to go snowshoeing: www.parentingnh.com/snowshoenh The best sledding hills: www.parentingnh.com/sleddingNH What to do during February vacation: www.parentingnh.com/februaryvacation Your guide to winter in the Granite State: www.parentingnh.com/winter

Enter to win tickets to see the ice castles in Lincoln

The acre-sized, all-ice castle returns to Lincoln, and we've got tickets to give away. One of only four Ice Castles in America, this attraction features giant archways, tunnels, slot canyons, ice slide, caverns, glacial waterfalls and a frozen throne. And don't miss an amazing light show set to music at night.

Parenting New Hampshire will be giving away tickets through February. The last day to enter to win at www.parentingnh.com/icecastles is Friday, Feb. 17.

The Ice Castles is open at the location of the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln through February (weather permitting). For more information, go to www.icecastles.com/lincoln.

Photo by Ryan Davis

Another great reason to go the museum The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover opened its new exhibit, The Thinkering Lab, last month.

Using Imagination Playground pieces, kids can shape their environment with blocks, gears, ramps and more. These modular, rectilinear parts are easy to stack, line up and move around. This entirely blue exhibit, sponsored by Fidelity Investments’ UNIQUE College Investing Plan, delighted the crowds of kids and families who attended the opening event on Jan. 12.

Museum president Jane Bard said, “It’s very important for us to create the next generation of innovators and creative thinkers, and you are that next generation.”

For more information, call 742-2002 or go to www.childrens-museum.org.

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

Calling all young artists—

bring some color to the cover of our March issue!

Is your child a master of the marker? A captain of the crayon? We are looking for some talented New Hampshire kids to bring color and personality to the cover of March’s Parenting NH, our special summer camp issue.

We will be choosing winners from three age groups: age 7 and younger; age 8-10; and age 11-13. Of the three, one will be chosen to be the cover and the other two winners will be featured inside.

Just cut out the drawing on the next page, and let them have fun coloring it in! Parents, please mail it back to us, along with your name, your child’s name and age, address, phone number and email.

Deadline to enter is Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. Crayons, colored pencils or markers will be accepted. Bold colors are encouraged. Feel free to leave the background area white.

For more information, or to download a PDF of the coloring page, go to www. parentingnh.com. Submissions will be accepted via mail to Parenting NH Magazine Editor, McLean Communications, 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101 or as a PDF attachment to editor@parentingnh.com.

Children of Yankee Publishing Inc. or McLean Communications employees are not eligible.

parenting

I want that COMPILED BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

Say no to dirty pant cuffs For parents who struggle to find pants that fit their children, there's ObyRollz to the rescue. These easy-to-use cuffs fit around the bottom of kids’ pants adding pops of color and stylish designs while shortening the pants one to four inches. No sewing or cutting required. The cuffs keep pant legs from dragging on the floor. ObyRollz are reversible and come in classic designs and vibrant colors.

Available at www.obyrollz.com; $16.99

Go plastic-free ECOlunchbox has a variety of high-quality stainlesssteel lunchware containers that are ideal for packing food on the run. Go green with this healthier “plastic-free” option. Choose from an array of various-sized containers, bentos and food-packing accessories.

Move the grilling indoors You don’t have to give up your barbecue favorites when it is cold and snowing. Grill inside! The innovative T-fal OptiGrill Plus features a cooking sensor that guarantees a perfectly cooked meal every time. The built-in sensor adapts to the thickness of your food and delivers perfect doneness from rare to well-done for six different programs: burgers, poultry, Panini, sausage and pork, red meat and fish.

Available at Bed Bath & Beyond and other major retailers: $149

Available at www.ecolunchboxes.com.

Repurpose that T-shirt you just can’t toss Make it personal with these onesies Document every month of baby’s first year with Hi Little One’s Personalized Month by Month Onesie Sets. Sold in six-month or 12-month sets, they make a fun and personal newborn gift. Available in eight modern and fun styles. For newborn to 18 months.

Available at www.hilittleone.com; $95 and up

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Project Repat turns T-shirts into unique quilts with panels made from your clothing. Just send in your T-shirts or sweatshirts and you get back a personalized quilt within a few weeks. Project Repat quilts are perfect for anyone who can’t bear to part with nostalgic T-shirts, sports fanatics and concert die-hards.

Available at www.projectrepat. com; prices start at $74.99

Adventure, Fun and Excitement Await Your Child at Camp Doucet!

Our traditional day camp in South Nashua is the perfect environment for sun this summer!

Open to youth, ages 6 to 13, our camp offers:  Special Theme Weeks  Athletic Activities  Team Building Experiences  Arts and Crafts  Swimming Activities  Outdoor Adventure  Weekly field trips to State Parks, beaches & more!

Early and late pick up options available for campers Please contact us about scholarships and financial assistance.

ForFor more information, atwww.bgcn.com www.bgcn.comoror call more information,visit visitour ourwebsite website at call Christine Miller, (603)883-0523.

883-0523.

Christine Miller,Membership Membership Secretary, Secretary, atat(603) Visit our table at the Summer Camp Expo on March 19, 2016 to Visit our table at the Parenting NH Summer Camp Expo, March 18, 2017. meet our staff, receive information, raffles, giveaways & more!

Meet our staff, receive information, raffles, giveaways & more!

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This high school’s ‘School of Rock’ gives musically inclined students a new creative outlet

By Bill Burke

I

t’s the end of the school day at Timberlane Regional High School and the halls are filled with students rushing from classrooms, making afternoon plans and piling onto buses for the ride home.

When things begin to clear, however, the sound of a single guitar begins to echo through the recently deserted hallways. Notes bend and skip up and down the fret board as Alexander Gray, a senior at the Plaistow school, tears through a note-for-note version of Sublime’s “Santeria” on his Fender Telecaster as his fellow bandmates begin to arrive.

It’s a typical Wednesday, which means it’s rehearsal day for the Timberlane Rock Ensemble. For a good 90 minutes at this time every week, the school’s Performing Arts Center becomes southern New Hampshire’s own “school of rock.”

For four years now, a rotating roster of musicians have tuned-up, plugged-in and rocked through set lists ranging from Santana to the Rolling Stones – all under the guidance of music teacher John Zevos.

“It’s something that’s not really being done,” Zevos said of the unique after-school program. “It’s just another one of our strengths here – the amount of different offerings that we have. I don’t think there’s a lot of high schools around that are doing this kind of thing.

“We meet once a week and we do amazingly well for just getting together once a week,” Zevos continues as other students arrive to set up equipment. “I think this is an important kind of music that I hope expands their horizons a little bit, and is still a good learning experience at the same time.”

His influence has rubbed off on at least a few of the musicians.

“I’ve been listening to the Beatles my whole life,” said Demetrius Shew, a sophomore from Sandown who cites John Lennon as his favorite guitarist. “But Mr. Zevos has been showing me new songs that I really like, so it’s pretty awesome.”

Zevos – who also teaches music theory, guitar 1, guitar 2, guitar orchestra and assists with the school’s orchestra – draws from his own musical past to guide the young rockers.

“I get charts from a guy in New York City and then I see what we have for instrumentation and I go from there,” Zevos said.

As the rest of the group arrives – Justin Livingston on drums; Gray, Shew and Brendan Kelley on guitar, Rachel Paradis on keyboard and Nick Pigott on vocals – Zevos gets them focused on attempting the Beatles’ “Lady Madonna.” Before trying the song for the first time, Zevos talks the group through the sheet music, pointing out codas, returns and making sure each student is comfortable with the arrangement. He counts them off, Paradis provides the lively intro, and the rest jump right in.

“Playing ’Lady Madonna’ has been the most challenging so far,” Paradis said of her key role in the song. “In the past I’ve had more of an organ part where there are more chords and figuring out patterns. This part is the signature of the song. I start it out by myself so I knew I had to get this down.”

Learning that focus is just one of the benefits of making like a Beatle, said Bill Melanson, owner of Northstar Music in East Hampstead.

“The kids get so much out of learning to play an instrument,” Melanson said. “They learn determination, they learn practice

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Rachel Paradis on keyboard, Kate Burke on bass, Brendan Kelley on guitar and Justin Livingston on drums.

skills, they learn how to work within a group and they build confidence.”

Melanson’s shop has grown its own lesson program over 14 years, organizing groups and ensembles for in-store, student performances and concerts. The shop-owner has amassed an impressive list of teachers, including guitar teacher Brian McKinnon, who has strong Berklee College of Music experience, bass and ukulele teacher A.J. Pappas — also known as guitar slinger Gary Hoey’s bass player — and renowned jazz flutist Roger Ebacher who teaches piano.

When multi-instrumentalist Melanson started out, he’d drop the needle on a record, try to recreate what he heard, back the needle up and do it all over again. It was a laborious process that was a far cry from organized rock lessons guided by noted teachers – let alone being included in the local after-school curriculum.

“If I had been taught a proper foundation back then, if I had proper lessons and was taught how to read and taught proper positioning and scales back when I was 16 instead of learning it along the way by accident, I would’ve advanced a lot further a lot faster,” Melanson said of students’ access to programs like those at his own shop and at Timberlane, which is known for its music program. “But it certainly gave me determination.”

Having that access at school is something that has built enthusiasm among participants.

“It’s just a really nice environment,” Paradis said during a break. “I like it because we get to play different songs from what you usually get to play in school, which is usually classical stuff or based around the concerts we play. I think it’s just a lot more fun and friendly since we know each other.”

Livingston has taken the opportunity to polish his drum skills in the Timberlane Rock Ensemble and has joined several bands at a studio in Derry. His percussion-focused YouTube channel, JTLdrums, is growing followers and views, and he’s taken on the more difficult pieces with enthusiasm.

“The most challenging for me was playing ‘Black Magic Woman,’” Livingston says of the tune Carlos Santana made famous decades ago. “There were some funky grooves in there. The whole thing was made for three percussionists – one for cymbals, one

Caden Landry

Alexander Gray

Justin Livingston

february 2017 www.parentingnh.com 11

Kate Burke

Nick Pigott

Demetrius Shew

for timbales and the other for conga. But we play a lot of interesting songs in here. It’s super fun.”

Vocalist Nick Pigott, who had some stage experience in the high school’s drama productions, found himself recruited thanks to his involvement in the school’s music department.

“I just roped Nick in,” Zevos said, laughing. “We needed a singer and he’s in my theory class – I’ve known him for a long time, anyway – so I said, ‘Nick, you sing – want to try?’ He said he would, and he’s been doing great.”

For his part, Pigott has enjoyed his time as the front man of the group, which included a winter concert that included a gig at the school’s Performing Arts Center.

“It was a little nerve-wracking at first,” he said. “But after a while I kind of got it. My freshman year I was in ‘Sweeney Todd’ and I had three solos, so I was used to singing on stage, but I had never been in a band before.”

It was just the latest accomplishment for the ensemble, which has seen a number of benchmarks during its fouryear run.

“I can’t really pick the most rewarding moment,” Zevos, now in his 19th year at Timberlane, said. “But every Wednesday I go home smiling. It just gets me in such a good mood.”

Bill Burke lives in southern New Hampshire with his wife and daughter.

He is the managing editor of custom publications for McLean Communications in Manchester. Also, check out his award-winning Dad on Board column every month in PNH.

Where Your Child’s Journey Begins Matters Our seamless educational roadmap guides all of our students from Infants through Grade 8 to reach their maximum potential.

To learn more about our Cradle to Careers roadmap, visit us online or call Samantha Bonenfant, our Director of Admissions.

603.888.1982 WorldAcademyNH.com/Roadmap 138 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, NH 03062

12 www.parentingnh.com february 2017

Art education: From pre-k to high school Through the grades the goal is the same – teach students critical skills via the creative process Students at Ross A. Lurgio create self-portraits accompanied by selfreflecting poetry; gridded characters completed with tempera paint and water-based markers to make the color bleed.

By Jessica Ann Morris

I

n 2014, art education saw its first significant curriculum overhaul in 20 years. The launch of the new National Core Arts Standards took place about the same time as the nationwide implementation of the Common Core standards. Art education’s rebirth better aligned creative teaching and learning to ensure that educational concepts and practices were synonymous across all areas of student development, according to the College Board for the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards.

While art standards and student expectations progressed, authentic founding principles prevail across pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 learning environments. Elements of art (line, shape, pattern, texture, color, value) and principles of design (balance, rhythm, movement, unity, emphasis, contrast) continue to be taught at every age.

Establishing a flair for fun: Pre-k and kindergarten A prevalent focus throughout art education is a commitment to fostering the creative process. Gail R. Bannon, director and owner of Bedford Montessori School for 32 years, has seen this firsthand, given her

involvement in Montessori education since 1977.

“Breaking things down is inherent to Montessori methodology. We want children more invested in the process, rather than focusing on the ‘ta-da’ at the end,” Bannon said.

Bedford Montessori’s extensive art program empowers pre-k and kindergarten students to make choices and explore concepts using a variety of mediums including oil pastels, clay, watercolors, texturing papers, sponges, glue and more. Sensory “brain-to-hand-towork-of-art” connections are critical at this age, Bannon said.

“If they feel it, they’ll remember it and then incorporate it into something else within their lives,” Bannon

said. “Working with their hands advances communications skills, teaches calming techniques, develops problem-solving and gives children a way to express themselves. It’s art therapy, really, and it fits naturally with the Montessori way of embracing everyone for who they are and respecting what they find of interest.”

Although not required to comply with Common Core or National Core Art Standards, Bedford Montessori supports the concept of curriculum consistency across education. Gail is comprehensive in the process and projects she selects for students. She said she believes art and literacy go hand-in-hand, especially at the pre-k and kindergarten levels.

Bedford Montessori promotes art history, nature and

february 2017 www.parentingnh.com 13

Bedford Montessori's director and owner, Gail Bannon, with Kindergartners Samarah Day and Drew Morris, painting nylon and wire sculptures set into wood blocks.

Continuing the journey: Grades 5 and 6

a “write-first-draw-after” style of learning that encourages creative thinking. It pairs that with an introduction to new tools and techniques typically introduced in later grades (e.g., book publishing, puppet making, line design, layering, acrostic poems, group presentations, art shows and more).

“Art develops confidence, creative thinking and fine-motor skills, while encouraging social and emotional milestones that extend into other classroom areas,” Bannon said. “Science is supported through color mixing and exploration; geometry with shape and line manipulation; history by the study of artists; math through counting pieces, measuring and patterns. Opportunities are endless and I love working with the children.”

Cameron Dyson of Bedford Montessori School collages a story using handmade dyed papers and then adds prose to further the project.

Taking the next step: Art in elementary school Much like the pre-k/kindergarten focus, art at the elementary level focuses on materials exploration and multifaceted student development.

Riddle Brook Elementary School’s art teacher, Meagan Read, has eight years of district experience, three of which were at Bedford High School. Read said the town’s art educators work closely together to advance the art curriculum and make sure art programs are well supported.

“In Grades 1-4, students are typically excited about art, as it’s a relaxing time when they can move freely around the room and do physical work with their hands,” Read said. “Teaching about materials, being creative with the experience and understanding the process are more important than worrying about whether a particular finished work is a perceived masterpiece.”

Lesson plans are more regimented than in the Montessori pre-k/kindergarten environment, as students have art only one day a week for 40 minutes.

However, Riddle Brook’s progressive program still manages to complete almost 20 different involved art pieces per student throughout the year. Additional opportunities, like various art clubs, are available as well.

“Specialty art clubs encourage students to take concepts to the next level and also advance gross motor skill development, which is important to elementary art education,” Read said.

“For example, a big hit was this year’s STEAM—science, technology, education, art and math—club. We infused simple batteries and motors into different vessels, like a cup or bowl, to make art mobile.”

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Projects for Grades 1-4 also need to match the likely attention span and social skills of children during this time of development.

“Sometimes it feels like I’m a mom to 400 kids—wiping up tears, settling arguments and helping students learn to share the two tracers in the center of a table for four,” Read said. “It’s such a magical time though. Art of any kind is critically important to brain development, as is learning that it’s OK to try something and not have it work out.

Exploration should be the primary focus, so they’re ready for intermediary school.”

While art class in pre-k through Grade 4 can be a bit more technical, such as cut along this dotted line, trace that shape, glue that there, etc., Michael Flint, art educator for 10 years at McKelvie Intermediate School in Bedford, said he enjoys the free-spirited thinking students start to infuse into artwork in Grades 5 and 6.

“There’s so much that goes on in the school at this age with an emphasis on words and text development that art strikes a welcomed visual tactile balance and helps students think through things in different ways, using many kinds of materials,” Flint said. “Since they have a basic understanding of tools, art elements and design concepts, we can present new information to expand their frame of reference and approach to a project.”

While a bit more maturity and life experience can be liberating, today’s world of excess and media exposure can also complicate the purity of art education. Flint spoke of a recent lesson where students were asked to draw an object

Meagan Read, art teacher at Riddle Brook School, works with Gabriella Augusto and David Allain on penguin portraits.

Riddle Brook Elementary School fourth graders Alyssa Shoals and Jack Decker create birch trees with masking tape and watercolors.

as they “actually” see it (a SpongeBob statue, in this case), rather than what their perceived notion is of how they think it “should” look.

“It can be difficult to make the distinction between what we truly see and what we think we’re supposed to see, but that’s a great exercise for brain development that advances critical thinking,” Flint said. “Fostering confidence and encouraging them to trust themselves is important, especially as they’re now even more aware of their talents and the skill levels of others.”

Flint also observes that while technology and increased media use enable students to be visually savvy, it seems to hinder physical drawing skills. He wonders if a decreased emphasis on cursive writing could also be a factor.

Still, Flint said, “Technology offers new elements of art exploration” and said he “infuses it into lessons when possible.” For example, he will be teaching students how to use Google Draw for an upcoming graphic design project.

“We spend a lot of time trying to get the fifth- and sixth-graders to use whatever frame of reference they have to express themselves however they feel comfortable,” Flint said. “Art clubs, community projects and other volunteer opportunities also keep art a part of their busy lives. The true beauty of art is that, really, anything you create is OK.”

High expectations push the art envelope in middle school Susan Olejarz taught special education for 19 years before returning to school for her art degree. She has been teaching at the Ross A. Lurgio Middle School in Bedford since its inception nine years ago and previously taught art for five years at McKelvie.

Olejarz is one of two art educators working with Lurgio’s seventh- and eighth-grade students. The intent is to extend student understanding for the elements of arts and principles of design.

They gain deeper insight into artists’ lives and infuse movement, history and cultural considerations into their artwork.

“It’s amazing what students can do at this age; it’s a fantastic, exploratory time to advance artistic interests,” Olejarz said. “Increased use of vocabulary, materials, tools, processes, problem-solving strategies and even time-management skills contribute to their ability to take the creative process even further.”

Seventh- and eighth-graders are expected to demonstrate greater observational skills and take creative risks.

The program at Lurgio hopes to develop technical and perceptual skills through exploration in visual communication.

“Connecting with students at this age is so important – enthusiasm can be contagious. It’s a very social time of their lives and mutual respect has to be there.

Encouraging students to allow honest, true emotion to show can be a tough thing for anyone to do,” Olejarz said.

She agrees that technology has changed how students think about and create art. Much like Michael Flint at McKelvie, Olejarz tries to keep hands-on creativity a key element to every lesson.

“Increased media exposure seems to cause students to rely on their imagination a little bit less; they draw what they think something should look like, rather than what they actually see,” Olejarz said. “It’s critical for both their art and overall development that they enjoy things that don’t come out of a flat screen.”

However, Olejarz embraces technology, noting, “there’s a time and place for digital,” and it’s an integral part of Lurgio’s art program. For example, a project beloved by both students and teachers centers on digital photography.

“No matter what the medium, whether students are feeling up or down, art is an outlet,” Olejarz said.

Art preps high school students for the future High school art education in 2017 offers a new level of sophistication. Having established a student’s understanding for the elements of art and principles of design, classes like pottery, begin-

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• Technology - ipads/laptops for each student • World Languages French and Spanish • Band - beginner and advanced • Clubs - DI, 3D printing, and homework club • Sports teams - soccer and track

• Technology - ipads/laptops • Outstanding academic scores for each student • K-6 with multi-age classes • World Languages • Excellent teacher-student French and Spanish ratios • Tight knit -supportive community • Band beginner and advanced • Active PTO- DI, with3Dmany • Clubs printing, and homework community events club • Sports teams - soccer and track

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• Technology - ipads/laptops For a student tour call 603-436-5416 or email dlatchaw@sau50.org. for each www.sau50.org/mht • 142 Cranfield St. New Castle, NH • World Languages French and Spanish www.sau50.org/mht • 142 Cranfield St. New Castle, NH • Band - beginner and advanced • Clubs - DI, 3D printing, and homework club • Sports teams - soccer and track

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february 2017 www.parentingnh.com 15

Now Accepting Applications for 2017.

For a tour call 603-436-5416 or email dlatchaw@sau50.org.

Sixth-graders at McKelvie Intermediate School graffiti windows with festive holiday scenery.

ner or advanced drawing, illustration and cartooning, 3D modeling, graphic design, dark room photography, digital photography, and more, home in on the interests and abilities of ninth- through 12th-graders.

Dessa Landry, art educator for 12 years at Timberlane Regional High School in Plaistow and herself a Timberlane graduate, makes it a priority to teach students how to apply the skills learned in art to “the real world” beyond the classroom.

“Information conveyed to students goes beyond the basics of how to use different materials and mediums, and becomes more about how elements of art and principles of design relate to every aspect of their lives,” Landry said. “When we talk about color we bring in color charts from a store, as if we needed to paint the interior and exterior of a house.

We look at flow and talk about emotions that color elicits; we discuss project management and budgets. We’re empowering students to see art in a bigger context.”

Kathryn Thomas, a senior at Timberlane, “really likes” the art program and said the high school program goes into much greater depth than it did in middle school.

“We have more time to focus on and finish things, and can elect to take additional classes once we’ve completed

mandatory art requirements,” Thomas said. “Timberlane has an amazing program. It has helped expand my interest in art and now I plan to focus on graphic design in college.”

A popular project in Timberlane’s program incorporates the foundations of art, graphic design tools and business management skills. Landry tells students she’s the head of a band that needs a new brand, CD cover, tour posters and more.

The assignment is for students to create the band’s identity and pitch it to her, as if she were interviewing them to be hired.

16 www.parentingnh.com february 2017

“Teaching students through art to problem solve with visual solutions, think critically for themselves and collaborate well in team environments are all skills they’ll need, no matter where they go in life,” Landry said.

Jessica Ann Morris is Managing Director of jam:pr, a strategic communications firm providing PR, marketing and freelance writing services.

An eternal Star Wars fan, Jessica believes she was a Jedi in a former life and carries a miniature Yoda at all times. Happily married to a Han Solo look-alike, she lives in New Hampshire with their four Padawans and a Wookie.

Timberlane Regional High School Art Teacher, Dessa Landry, and Senior Kathryn Thomas, collaborate using a graphic design program to create a CD cover and tour poster for a fictional music group. On page 4: Kathryn Thomas used advanced shadowing, depth and texture techniques to create an apple still life.

Susan Olejarz, of the Ross A. Lurgio Middle School in Bedford, works with her class to design a quilt using magazine doodle challenges (layering project with color, texture, movement).

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february 2017 www.parentingnh.com 17

Your savings plan How to set a household budget and buy yourself peace of mind

By Melanie Plenda

RAINY DAY FUND VS. EMERGENCY FUND The purpose of a rainy day fund is to protect you against unforeseen onetime events, and give you the cash to deal with them without upsetting your monthly budget.

Assume, for example, that you had $1,000 squirreled away in a rainy day fund. That money could cover you in the event your car broke down or your washing machine needed to be replaced. Such scenarios would be a pain to deal with, and economically unpleasant. But these challenges are short-term in nature.

By contrast, an emergency fund needs to have enough money to pay your living expenses over a period of three to six months. A healthy emergency fund will help you in the event of a major, long-term disruption in your life, such as divorce, job loss, medical illness or injury.

Whatever your expenses, multiply them times three. Then you'll know how much cash you need for an emergency fund that would last three months. Multiply your monthly bills by six to calculate how much money you'd need for a more prudent sixmonth emergency fund.

— Courtesy of AARP

18 www.parentingnh.com

F

or some people, the idea of making — let alone following — a budget sounds about as appealing as having a root canal done without Novocain. But just by following a few simple steps and collecting some data, even the most budget-averse folks can write up a basic plan to keep track of expenses, spend less and save for the future.

To get started, you need to determine where your money is going before you plan on where you would like it to go.

The first thing you want to do, said Brian Brown, a financial wellness expert with

GreenPath Financial Wellness in Manchester, is track your expenses. There are numerous free apps and websites such as www.mint.com (administrated

by Intuit) that can help you keep track of what you spend your money on in a month, but saving receipts and writing down expenditures for a month is a low-tech method that is just as good, Brown said.

Once you know where you’re spending your money, it’s time to sit down and map out a budget. According to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), a budget should incorporate all sources of income, living expenses, debt obligations and savings.

When it comes to expenses, Brown said to make sure you capture them all. In addition to fixed expenses like

mortgages, auto loans or rent, there are variable expenses like groceries, haircuts, clothes, kids’ school activities, coffee stops, and gasoline, among many others. Further, there are periodic expenses such as car and home repairs, heating bills and property taxes.

Once you have itemized your expenses and income—which you can do on your own in a spreadsheet, on a handmade list or by using a free downloadable worksheet widely available on the internet —you want to make sure to “pay yourself first,” Brown said. That means setting aside savings.

As you set up your budget, it’s important to establish financial goals early on and write them down, according to the NH Housing Finance

Then, use this month’s information to help you plan next month’s budget.

NOTE: Some bills are monthly and others come less often. If you have an expense that doesn’t occur every month, put it in the “Other expenses this month” category.

My income this month Use a worksheet like this one from www.consumer.gov/ sites/default/files/pdf-1020-make-budget-worksheet_form. pdf to see how much money you spend this month. Use that information to help you plan next month’s budget. NOTE: Some

Income

bills are monthly and others come less often. If you have an expense that doesn’t occur every month, put it in “Other expenses this month” category.

Total monthly income

MONTH

YEAR

Monthly total $ $

$

Income

Monthly total $ $ $ $ $

TRANSPORTATION

Gas for car Parking and tolls Car maintenance (like oil changes) Car insurance Car loan

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

Medicine Health insurance Other health expenses (like doctors' appointments)

$ $ $

Child care Child support Money given or sent to family Clothing and shoes Laundry Entertainment (like movies and amusement parks) Other personal or family expenses (like beauty care)

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Fees for cashier's checks and money transfers Prepaid cards and phone cards Bank or credit card fees Other fees

$ $ $ $

Other payments (like credit cards and savings) Other expenses this month

$ $ $

Total monthly expenses

$

FOOD

$ $ $

HEALTH

Internet, cable, and phones Other housing expenses (like property taxes)

PERSONAL AND FAMILY

If your income is more than your expenses, you have money left to save or spend. But, if your expenses are more than your income, look over your budget to find expenses to cut.

Expenses Rent or mortgage Renter's insurance or homeowner's insurance

Groceries and household supplies Meals out Other food expenses

FINANCE

Don’t factor raises, bonuses, gifts, unexpected tax refunds or winnings into the regular budget. Instead, according to NFCC, save that money, use it to increase your retirement contribution or set it aside for a down payment on a house if that’s what you’re saving for.

“The longer the extra money is in your possession, the easier it is to spend it,” according to the NFCC website. “If you were anticipating using this extra money to buy something special, instead consider using the money to pay down credit card debt, give yourself a small treat, and deposit what’s left over into your rainy day fund.”

Furthermore, according to the NFCC, most people can easily cut 10 percent from each of their non-fixed spending categories without even noticing it much. That savings could very well be set aside each month in a rainy day fund.

As for the rest of the budget, Brown advises being realistic, honest and flexible when it comes to budgeting.

OTHER

Authority. The NHHFA advises estimating how much you need to save for each goal and the time frame you wish to do it in.

“Then break the ‘goal’ amount down into how much you should save per month or pay period,” according to their website. “List this amount as a monthly expense in your budget.”

If you find yourself hunting for dollars to put into savings, there are some easy places to start.

The best way to save money is to have it deducted from your paycheck, according to the NFCC, because “you can’t spend what you don’t have.”

Another great source of money to set aside for savings is the unexpected windfall, according to the NFCC.

HOUSING

My expenses this month

Expenses

$

Income

$

Expenses

$

february 2017 www.parentingnh.com 19

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1. Find small savings that add up to big savings over time. Keep a careful record of all of your spending for a month. You may be surprised to learn how much you are spending on dining out or impulse purchases. One method is to save all your bills and receipts over the month and stack them into categories like “utilities” and “groceries.” See the worksheet on page 19.

2. Comparison shop to find the lowest prices. When you compare prices at different stores before making a purchase, you can often find lower prices for necessary purchases — such as food, transportation, and insurance— leaving you more money to save. Bonus tip: Take a list with you to the grocery store and stick to it. This will help you from buying items you don’t need.

3. Limit spending on gifts. Limit spending for birthdays and holidays.

Friends and family are more likely to appreciate a few well-chosen gifts than a costly pile of gifts chosen thoughtlessly in a shopping mall spree.

4. Put all your loose change in a savings account. For many people, that could add up to well over $100 a year.

5. Ask your bank or credit union to automatically transfer funds each month from your checking to your savings account. The easiest and most effective way to save is automatically. Even as little as $10 or $15 a month helps. After all, that’s $120 or $180 a year.

6. Build an emergency fund to avoid having to take out loans to pay for unexpected purchases. Emergency savings are usually best kept in a savings or share account, despite the low interest rates these accounts pay, because they are easy to access when you need it. Keep a high enough balance in the account to avoid monthly fees.

7. Avoid using high-interest credit card and payday loans. Payday loans typically charge interest rates of 500 percent, and the interest rate on credit card debts can run 25 percent. You can save hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars a year by paying off these high-cost debts. Learn more about how to get out of debt.

8. See if you qualify for an Earned Income Tax Credit. Many low- and moderate-income workers qualify, each year, for an Earned Income Tax Credit that can be over $1,000, and often more than $2,000. IRS Publication 596 explains how to apply, or you can contact your local tax payer assistance center for in-person help. Then pay down debt and save with at least half of the money you receive from this credit.

9. Participate in a Investment Development Account (IDA) program. In return for attending financial education sessions and agreeing to save for a home, education, or business, you typically receive $2 for every $1 you save through an IDA program. So, saving $25 each month could end up as $900 at the end of a year. Find an IDA program near you at www. cfed.org.

10. Take advantage of any matches to retirement savings contributions that your employer offers. Some employers match up to 100 percent of your contributions. If you’re not contributing up to their match, you’re leaving money on the table.

— Courtesy of America Saves, a campaign coordinated by the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America (CFA). Visit www.americasaves.org

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TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY WHEN BUDGETS ARE TIGHT

Camp Marist

Ossipee Lake · New Hampshire

“Budgets are living documents,” Brown said. “They change over time.”

This is why he recommends checking in once a month to compare your expense tracking with your budget to make changes where necessary. And even if you don’t do that, you definitely should revamp the old budget every time there’s a big life change such as a job loss, divorce, new baby, etc., Brown said.

In the end, the idea is to have a workable budget that you can stick to. It’s also a good idea, Brown said, to set aside a small amount of money each month for variable, but expected, expenses, such as property taxes, kids’ sports and extracurricular activities, heating bills and car maintenance. That way, he said, you’re less likely to get socked with a giant payment when the bill eventually comes due. You’ll already have all or most of the money set aside.

Melanie Plenda is a full-time freelance journalist and mother living in Keene.

Downsize, declutter

I

and de-stress

n today’s world of “go big or go home,” there is a growing movement among many to do the opposite. For Lee resident Amber Lilyestrom, downsizing her family’s home became a priority in August of last year.

“We downsized our home by over 60 percent of the square footage we once owned,” she said.

“We went from 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths to 2 bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths. We gave up a basement and garage for a dirt crawl space and outdoor shed on our new property.”

Acknowledging it was a huge adjustment, she said she and her husband Ben gained much more than they “lost.”

“We gained a home in the exact location and school district we wanted to be in and we now have more land,” said Lilyestrom, whose daughter is three years old. “We live in the woods and we feel more ‘home’ than ever before.”

For those looking to downsize, she has several suggestions.

“I would consider looking toward the future and asking yourself if you will want to expand your family and will need more space as a result,” she said. “This will determine the possibilities with your move and whether or not your new space will have the capability to expand."

She said that the idea of downsizing for them came down to whether they were willing to “give up the superfluous to make space for what was most important to them as a family.”

“The most challenging aspect of downsizing was most definitely looking at our relationship with our material possessions,” she said. “We read the book, The Magic Art of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, and leaned on its principles. Kondo asks a very central question when it comes to decluttering and organizing one's home and that is, ‘Does this bring me joy?’”

In looking to answer that question, she said they took in a larger view of their lives and where they wanted to be in their future.

“We were able to recognize that the attachment to things was actually limiting us,” she said. “It was an incredibly cleansing and healing process to detach from them in order to focus on being fully present for our lives in this moment.”

Lilyestrom said they also had outside help from friend and Feng Shui expert Jen Heilman.

“From a Feng Shui point of view, clutter and stuff make us feel weighed down and heavy, keeping us stuck and blocked in our lives,” Heilman said. “Moving from a larger to smaller home can be tedious if you are trying to figure out where to fit all of your things—but when you start to consider what all of this stuff is doing to your well-being, it becomes easier to get rid of it.”

In working with Lilyestrom and her husband, she said she helped them prepare for a quick and easy sale using Feng Shui techniques to make their home feel more inviting and appealing. She said she then helped them set up their new, much smaller, home in a way that would support their family’s life, financial goals and continued success.

“The fundamentals of Feng Shui helped Amber and her family understand that we should only surround ourselves with things that truly make us happy,” she said.

Lilyestrom said she and her husband were both surprised at how easy it was to let go of things.

“Once we made that choice, the energy translated into so many other aspects of our lives— from our careers to how we parent, to our family budgeting and financial planning,” she said. “We now live in a place where we are making the happiest of memories with our daughter and our friends and family.”

In aligning their hearts’ intentions with the space in which they live, Lilyestrom said they have never once regretted parting ways with “things.”

“It has been a beautiful evolution and also an ongoing check-and-balance system to getting rid of the clutter that life brings along the way,” she said.

You don’t have to wait until you retire to realize big gains

By Rob Levey

Rob Levey is CEO of Exponential Squared, a marketing and organizational development company focused on helping small to medium businesses achieve their business goals and promote wellness in the workplace. Rob never strays too far from his roots – you will find his freelance writing in numerous publications, including Parenting NH.

february 2017 www.parentingnh.com 21

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Fill winter school vacation week with family fun Free (and almost free) ways to spend your days • By Jacqueline Tourville

W

inter school vacation week for most New Hampshire schools bridges the last few days of February and the first days of March. This is the time of year when the winter blahs tend to peak, so why not make vacation week do double duty? Check out this roundup of kidfriendly vacation week events that can help cure even the toughest case of cabin fever.

As vacation week starts, so do the celebrations. In Merrimack, head to Wasserman Park Winter Carnival on Saturday, Feb. 25, from noon to 3 p.m. for a fun-filled day of snowman building, snow art, games and crafts, and an ice fishing derby. Admission is free. www.merrimackparksandrec.org Heading up north? Another free celebration taking place on Saturday, Feb. 25, is the 19th annual Colebrook Kiwanis Winter Carnival. Held at the Colebrook Country Club, highlights of planned events include a cardboard box sledding derby for kids (prizes awarded by age category) and pancake breakfast. www.colebrook-kiwanis.org If you find yourself in the Lakes Region, make your way to the Wolfeboro Winter Carnival, a multi-day bash that celebrates all things ice and snow. On Saturday, Feb. 25, and from March 1-4, scheduled events include free ice skating, snowshoeing workshop, sleigh rides, animal tracking, primitive fire building, inflatable obstacle course competition, as well as ski and snowboard races. www. wolfeborochamber.com A day at the museum can shake you free from your winter doldrums. At the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, families can take a look at artistic masterpieces then have fun making their own in the museum’s Discovery Gallery. As a special incentive, the museum offers a flat rate admission of $5 during vacation week Monday, Feb. 27 to Friday, March 3 (museum is closed Tuesday). www.currier.org In Milford, families are invited to attend two vacation week programs. On Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 1 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium, kids and parents are invited to attend SubZero, a hands-on demonstration showcasing the freezing powers of liquid nitrogen. Participants will learn the science of how liquid nitrogen works and see up close how liquid nitrogen can freeze fresh ingredients into ice cream — and then try some samples. After the science lesson, families are invited to stay for a to-be-announced kid-friendly film. On Thursday, March 2, at 10 a.m., come back to Town Hall for Wildlife Encounters and its Faces of Nature interactive animal presentation. Cost for each program is $5 per person (infants and young toddlers admitted free). For more information, call the Milford Recreation Department at 249-0625.

february 2017 www.parentingnh.com 23

For some out-of-this-world excitement, take in a planetarium show at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord. Each weekday during vacation, the center offers special family programs at 11 (The Little Star that Could) and noon (Space School). www.starhop.com For some unplugged family fun, the Manchester City Library invites kids and parents to drop by the Children’s Room on Tuesday, Feb. 28, for Family Game Night. From 5:30 - 8 p.m., try different board games and puzzles, then browse the stacks for some good books to bring home. www.manchester.lib.nh.us

Or how about learn a new sport?

On Thursday, March 2, the Holderness Recreation Department invites kids ages 7 and older and adults to try out the quirky new sport of Knockerball. The sport is played like soccer, but players are encased in what look like giant inflatable beach balls (you have to see it to believe it). If you and your kids are interested in “bubble soccer,” call the Recreation Department at 968-3700 or email recreation@holderness-nh.gov to register. Cost is $12 per participant; space is limited.

For a more low-key sports experience, Laconia offers open gym times

throughout the week at local public school gyms with special drop-in basketball games for middle- and high-schoolers, and arts-and-crafts activities for younger kids.

Also happening in Laconia is a sledding party on Monday afternoon, Feb. 27, and cardboard sled races on Thursday, March 2, both taking place at the sledding hill located at the end of South Street off Academy Street. Events are free, but registration is required for the sled races. For more information and a detailed open gym schedule, contact the Laconia Parks and Recreation Department at 524-5046.

And of course, what’s winter vacation without skiing. Hit the slopes at King Pine in Madison (www.kingpine.com) all week long, or head to the mountain on Tuesday, Feb. 28, to take part in the ski area’s Silly Slalom and Belly Bag races for kids. Race for fun — and for prizes. If you’ve already put the skis away for the year, check out snow tubing at ski areas like Pat’s Peak in Henniker (www.patspeak.com) and slide your way to another fun and memorable winter vacation week.

Jacqueline Tourville is a freelance writer and children’s book author who lives on the Seacoast.

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Summer Camp & Program Expos Parenting New Hampshire’s

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Go Ninja & Bare Knuckle Murphy’s Granite YMCA Highland Mountain Bike Park Kroka Expeditions Lawrence Academy LETGO Your Mind LOFTechnology Merrimack Parks and Recreation Nashua Catholic Regional Junior High School Nashua Community Music School New England Sports Camps New Hampshire Audubon

The Palace Theatre Primrose School at Bedford Hills Tokyo Joe’s Studios UMaine 4-H Camps at Tanglewood and Blueberry Cove Windsor Mountain Summer Camp Workforce Development Center, Manchester Community College YMCA of Greater Nashua

for more information and a current list february 2017 www.parentingnh.com 25

of exhibitors: www.ParentingNH.com

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What you need to know about

TMD If you or a loved one is suffering from jaw pain, treatment is available

C

By Rob Levey

ommonly referred to as TMJ, an acronym for temporomandibular joint, the actual medical condition is Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) with symptoms ranging from facial and jaw pain and headaches to locking, popping and/or clicking in the jaw.

As for the most common form of TMD, which generally affects adolescents and adults, Dr. Tracey Pike of Deerfield Family Dentistry cited orofacial pain in either the connective tissue on the muscles or the muscles themselves. She said other forms of TMD include when the disk (cartilage) is displaced, the jaw is dislocated, or the bone that moves within the joint is damaged.

“Another form is degenerative joint disease, such as arthritis,” added Pike, who said additional symptoms include ear pain, limited mouth opening, numbness in the fingers, and sensitivity of teeth without dental disease.

Dr. Jim Fishbein, DDS of Portsmouth said grinding or clenching one's teeth as contributing factors to TMD. Also, he said injuries to the jaw, face, head and neck region can lead to TMD. “Changes in the anatomy of the joint area or the disc itself can prevent the mandible from moving in a smooth hinge-like fashion, thus causing symptoms of TMD,” he said. “Elevated stress levels seems to be a consistent factor in patients who exhibit TMD.”

More about the TMJ Dr. Fishbein referred to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as “the hinge

connecting the jaw to the temporal bone of the skull located in front of the ear.”

“It is essentially a ball-and-socket apparatus with the ball being the head of the condyle of the mandible, or lower jaw,” he said. “The socket is the fossa which is part of the maxilla, the upper jaw. There is a disc in the joint apparatus that acts as a cushion between the ball and socket. The movement of the jaw is controlled by four groups of muscles.”

For TMJs to function properly, Dr. Pike said the movement must be synchronized.

“The joint apparatus must be aligned properly,” she said. “If it is not, it can

lead to pain and an inability to chew properly.”

Treatment According to Dr. Fishbein, initial treatment of TMD could include instructions to the patient to adhere to a soft diet and avoid hard and chewy types of food.

He said alternate applications of ice and heat to the joint area could also help.

“Overuse of the jaw should be avoided, such as gum chewing, excessive yawning, and talking,” he added.

He said taking non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, NSAIDS, (i.e., ibuprofen, naproxen) can also be effective,

february 2017 www.parentingnh.com 27

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TMD? These are the most common signs and symptoms of TMD: • Jaw discomfort or soreness (often most prevalent in the morning or late afternoon) • Clicking or popping of the jaw • Pain spreading behind the eyes, in the face, shoulder, neck, and/ or back • Earaches or ringing in the ears (not caused by an infection of the inner ear canal) • Headaches • Locking of the jaw • Limited mouth motions • Clenching or grinding of the teeth • Dizziness • Sensitivity of the teeth without the presence of an oral health disease • Numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers • A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together — Courtesy John Hopkins Medicine Visit www.hopkins medicine.org

but suggested patients consult with their primary-care physicians before taking these drugs. “[You want] to ensure there are no contraindications with any medical conditions they may have or with medications they may be taking already,” he said.

Dr. Pike said other treatments could involve dental bite appliances, stress management, counseling, trigger point therapy, neurological treatment or posture training.

“In some cases, pain is managed with Botox,” she said. “In rare cases, surgery is recommended.”

Dr. Fishbein noted, however, no single treatment protocol is successful in every case.

“Often times in these cases, it is a trial-and-error process to determine what treatment modalities provide a decrease in symptoms and relief,” he said.

Dr. John Fitzsimons of Families First Health and Support Center in Portsmouth said treating TMD can be complicated due to the complex nature of the medical condition itself. “It is so complicated because it is a musculoskeletal disorder with a neurological component,” he said.

If you are having symptoms, Dr. Fitzsimons suggested going to the dentist first. “I would tend to start off with a dentist first in part because there are contributing factors that could be easily addressed,” he added.

“Other conditions can mimic TMD, which we can also rule out.”

Treatment options do not just rest with dentists though, as Dr. Fitzsimons cited the important role

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physical therapists can play. “I have referred to physical therapists before, but we probably underutilize them,” he said.

Mike DelloRusso of Orthopedic & Sport Therapy Services in Somersworth and Rochester, who works with many dentists to treat TMD, said it is a condition more prevalent than people realize.

“Between 50 to 75 percent of the U.S. population have signs of TMD and 20 to 25 percent have symptoms of pain,” he said.

Noting it affects between 5 to 7 percent of the population, Dr. Pike cited one myth about TMD she would like to dispel.

“I’ve heard some remark that most cases are temporary and self-limiting [and] not a long-term concern,” she said. “In some cases, it can be associated with fibromyalgia and chronic in nature. Some experience life-altering pain and need to be managed on a regular basis.”

With such possible outcomes in mind, DelloRusso said that anyone experiencing any symptoms, including loss of function, should seek treatment.

“Don’t wait,” he said. “I had one patient who suffered for two years before seeking help…There is help out there.”

For more information, consult your dentist, physical therapist, or general practitioner.

Rob Levey is a longtime contributor to Parenting NH.

collins dentistry for children Pediatric dentistry and OrthOdOntics

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february 2017 www.parentingnh.com 29

cook•with•your• kids

CELEBRATE MARDI GRAS WITH CREOLE AND CAJUN FAVORITES

By Susan Nye

A

New Orleans-style Mardi Gras bash is perfect for chasing the winter blues away. Mardi Gras falls in the days leading up to Lent, which begins March 1, making this the right time to don some glittery beads while you and your kids cook up Cajun and Creole dishes.

Let Louisiana’s wonderful cuisine inspire you. A melting pot of French, Spanish, Italian, Native American and African cultures, New Orleans has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the food capitals of the world. Louisianans have a passion for food and take joy in cooking and eating together. With their flavorful gumbo, spicy jambalaya, wonderful red beans and rice, sweet bananas foster and beignets, who can blame them?

Call up a few of your favorite families, put on your dancing shoes, turn on some jazz, and laissez les bons temps rouler!

Susan Nye writes for magazines throughout New England. She shares many of her favorite recipes and stories about food, family and friendship on her award winning blog, Around the Table, at www.susannye.wordpress.com.

CREOLE CHICKEN Serves 8

• Olive oil • 1 lb. andouille sausage, finely chopped • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs • 1 large onion, chopped • 1 carrot, finely chopped • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

• • • • • • • • •

4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp. dried Italian herbs 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika 1 T. (or to taste) hot sauce 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 c. dry white wine 1-2 c. chicken broth 1 bay leaf Garnish: fresh chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until lightly browned. Remove sausage from pan, drain and reserve.

Working in batches, if necessary, and starting skin-side down, brown chicken in the skillet, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from pan and reserve.

If necessary, add more olive oil to the pan. Add onion, carrot, celery and bell pepper; season with the herbs, paprika, salt and pepper, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add garlic, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce and cook for 2 minutes more. Return sausage to pan and toss to combine.

Put chicken in a single layer in a roasting pan or large casserole. Arrange vegetables and sausage around and over the chicken. Add the white wine, chicken broth and bay leaf. Transfer chicken to the oven and roast at 375 degrees until cooked through and golden, about 30 minutes.

Garnish chicken with fresh, chopped parsley and serve with a spoonful of cheesy grits.

CHEESY GRITS Serves 8

• 2 c. instant grits or polenta • 2 T. butter

• 1/2 c. half & half • 3-4 oz. grated cheddar cheese

Make grits according to package directions. When grits are done, add butter, cream and cheese. Stir until melted and well combined.

30 www.parentingnh.com february 2017

RED BEANS AND RICE Serves 8

• • • • • • • •

1 lb. dried red beans Olive oil 1 lb. andouille sausage, chopped 1 1/2 onions, peeled and finely chopped 2 stalks celery, finely chopped 1 carrot, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 2 tsp. dried Italian herbs • 1/4 tsp. (or to taste) cayenne pepper • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste • 5-6 c. chicken broth or water • 1 bay leaf • 2 c. long-grain white rice

Pick over beans and discard any stones or shriveled beans. Rinse well and soak in 8-10 cups of water in the refrigerator overnight.

Heat a little olive oil in large casserole over medium-high heat. Add sausage and sauté until lightly browned. Remove from pan, drain and reserve.

Reduce heat to medium and, if necessary, add a little more olive oil to the casserole. Add onions, celery, carrot, bell pepper and garlic. Sprinkle with herbs, season with cayenne, salt and pepper and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add garlic and sauté 2-3 minutes more. Add sausage back to the casserole.

Drain and rinse the beans. Put beans in the pot with vegetables. Add broth and bay leaf and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to very low, cover and simmer until beans are very tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

While beans simmer, cook rice according to package directions.

Spoon white rice into bowls, top with beans and serve.

NOTE: The beans are even better if made ahead. Cool to room temperature, cover and store in

the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Gently reheat on low.

Red beans are a really good source of folate, dietary fiber, copper and molybdenum. They are also a good source of iron, manganese, phosphorus, protein, vitamin B1, potassium and magnesium.

BANANAS FOSTER Serves 8

• • • • • •

8 T. (1 stick) butter 1 c. brown sugar 1/4 tsp. allspice 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. salt

• Pinch cloves • 4 bananas, peeled and cut on the diagonal in 1/2-inch slices • 1/2 c. dark rum • Vanilla ice cream

Melt butter in a large, heavy skillet over low heat. Add brown sugar and spices and stir until sugar dissolves. Raise heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Add bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes, carefully spooning the sauce over the bananas.

Remove pan from heat and add rum. Ignite the rum, then return the pan to the heat and continue cooking, swirling the sauce until flame dies out and the sauce is syrupy – about 1-3 minutes.

Spoon warm bananas and sauce over vanilla ice cream and serve.

february 2017 www.parentingnh.com 31

dad on board That time when peace broke out EVEN WHEN MY DAUGHTER REBELS, IT IS ON HER OWN TERMS

BY BILL BURKE

A For more information, visit our website at www.bgcn.com or call Christine Miller, Membership Secretary, at (603) 883-0523.

Visit our table at the Parenting NH Summer Camp Expo, March 18, 2017.

Meet our staff, receive information, raffles, giveaways & more!

s the father of a young teen, I’ll never be naïve enough to say that my kid won’t rebel. But if her recent behavior is any clue as to what’s to come, I’d say we’re in decent shape.

Her mom and I recently went out with some friends, leaving her home alone after dark for the first time. She’s 14, so she’s plenty old enough to watch out for herself, but normally she’ll visit her grandparents or cousins overnight. This time, she was to stay home.

There’s not a lot of trouble she can get into, but if you hunt hard enough you may discover a couple of jugs of the devil’s mouthwash – unlocked and otherwise unsecured. I’m not worried at all that she’ll get into it, but as I said, I’m not walking around with blinders on.

As we got ready to leave, we had the “if you touch the hooch, there will be dadrage,” and “if the house catches fire, leave the dog behind, run next door and call 911” talk. She assured me she wouldn’t be playing with fire and did her best to calm me. I can be a little overprotective.

However, she did rebel. Just not in a way I could’ve predicted.

Before we left, we talked about what was on TV and how she could read, do some homework or play her bass. Oh, and if all that was exhausted, she could play video games.

She played video games, of course. But that’s not the notable part. It’s how she played.

She plays a game called Overwatch – a team-based first-person shooter where everyone runs around killing everyone else on the other team. The team with the most kills at the end wins. She logged on, met up virtually with some friends from school and started. Only then, she was struck with an idea. What if peace broke out in the game world?

She organized her fellow Overwatchers so that everyone would stop shooting, wave hello at all the other combatants, and sit in what she called, “a support circle.”

Her theory was that if everyone did that, the other team would follow suit. It would be really odd, but also hilarious. She relayed this to me with a subversive glint in her eyes.

She said her online teammates, who called her the “team mom” because she was the only girl playing, agreed to give it a try. She brought up a video of the event: There they all were – a group of tanked-out, armor-clad avatars sitting cross-legged in a circle, armed to the teeth, waving at one another and saying hello. There was no justice raining from above, trash talk at high noon or fire in the hole. At first.

After a few minutes of some really weird peace, love and unity, a figure dressed like a futuristic High Plains Drifter appeared. He walked toward the support circle cautiously. He’d approach, back off, approach again and then carefully expose his position to get a look at the friendly group greeting one another.

He watched for a moment, seeming to ponder the welcoming, friendly gathering before him. And then he opened fire and massacred the entire room, winning and becoming player of the game.

One of her teammates sent the victor a message: “Thanks for chilling with us.”

Note to kid: Keep on playing it your way, rebel.

Bill Burke is a writer who lives in a support circle in southern New Hampshire with his wife, his notquite rebellious daughter and their Xbox.

32 www.parentingnh.com february 2017

COMPLIM

ENTARY

learning curve Get a jump start

MARCH

2016

NE W HA

MPSHIRE

IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO START PLANNING AHEAD FOR THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR

BY ELIZABETH FEINGOLD

Parenting NH

.com

DON'T

MISS OU R FREE SUMMER

visit parentingnh.com CAMP

EXPOS

– MARCH

12 & 19

F

ebruary is a great time for you to start planning your student’s transition to the next school year.

You’re probably thinking that it is way too early because your child is only a little more than halfway through this year. But it’s never too early to start planning for your child’s next school year, particularly if they are moving on to another school. Parents and children become naturally comfortable with the school in which they are involved, so planning ahead will help you and your child have a positive approach to the inevitable changes in schedule, personnel, programs or physical layout of the new grade level or new school.

Visit!

Visit your child’s new school or classroom. Sometimes it may just be a visit to a different part of the building if your child is moving from the lower elementary grades to the upper, or it could be to a new building if they are going to another school. If administration informs you that it hasn’t been determined yet what teacher your child will have – which is usually the case – ask for a brief visit with each teacher.

Taking a tour of their rooms and asking to speak with each of the teachers briefly will help you and your child begin to get to know them, and for them to begin to get to know you and your child.

Even if your child isn’t moving to a new school building, he or she may be in a new area of the current school. The bathrooms may be in a different spot, or it may be a different walk to the nurse’s office or lunchroom. If they are moving from the lower elementary level to the upper, there may be more changes during the day, including different classroom teachers for math/science and English/social studies, or “specials” in separate classrooms. It’s really helpful to get to know those changes so you can prepare your child for them.

Map out the plan If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan, ask to meet with the new educational team in February. You’ll want to meet next year’s case manager and the other specialists involved with your child. Write down questions you may have about the programs and services they offer, and be ready to talk about the needs of your child. The earlier you start working with your child’s team, the better the experience will be next year.

Then map out a structured transition plan for your child. This doesn’t mean everything needs to be decided by the end of February for the next year, just that you are starting the process. If developmentally and/or age-appropriate, your child should attend that meeting, as it’s important for all to hear what their feelings and ideas are about the upcoming school year.

It’s also a great way for the new team to get to know your child without the mayhem of the usual back-to-back spring IEP/504 meetings. This gives everyone the chance to begin proactive communication and collaboration to forge a positive team approach throughout the following year.

When August comes around, you, your child and the team will be happy you began preparing now for next year.

Elizabeth Feingold retired from Kearsarge Regional School District, where she worked for over 30 years as a special education teacher and coordinator at the elementary, middle and high school levels. She is now a consultant and advocate. She can be reached through www.seacservices.com or email seacsvcs@gmail.com.

Hits for the

whole family!

Z107fm.com february 2017 www.parentingnh.com 33

Winter fun is here, but there are some precautions that should be considered. Helmets should be worn while skiing, snowboarding, skating and sledding to prevent head injury. Proper dress and being mindful of wind chill values should be observed. Pond ice must be at least 6 inches thick before skating is safe. And lastly, wrist guards should be worn with gloves while snowboarding.

Have fun this winter but be safe!

house calls Be food allergy aware FOOD ALLERGIES ARE MORE COMMON, AND SOME RECOMMENDATIONS ARE CHANGING

BY BY MARCUS SHAKER, MD

Your kids come first with us!

Our board-certified pediatric physicians give patients and their families their personal attention.

Our extended hours, and devoted staff provide your children the continuity of care they deserve.

Now accepting new patients ages newborn–18 years

25 Buttrick Road, Bldg. E, Londonderry, NH (603) 437-1003 • www.londonderrypediatrics.com

P

eople often ask me, “No one ever had food allergies when I was growing up, so why do so many now?”

It’s true. Food allergies are a lot more common than they used to be.

Currently nearly one in 10 kids will have a food allergy. That’s a big change from a decade ago. Experts still don’t know all the reasons why, but it may have something to do with the types of gut bacteria babies have when they first try new foods, and when these new foods are first tried.

You may remember your pediatrician’s past advice to avoid possible allergens until two, or even four years of age, but this recommendation has completely changed.

We now know that introducing possible food allergens like peanut protein early – as early as 3-4 months – can decrease the risk of peanut and other food allergies.

But there are some caveats: babies with eczema or an egg allergy may need to have allergy testing first and babies need to have foods given in forms that are safe so they won’t choke (the American Academy of Pediatrics still recommends nuts and seeds be avoided in kids younger than 4 to prevent choking).

Symptoms of allergy can occur during or right after a meal, and can include coughing or trouble breathing, rash or hives, vomiting or diarrhea, and other symptoms that may be even more severe. Sometimes symptoms occur later. There are conditions that can mimic food allergy, so a correct diagnosis is as important as a timely follow-up with an allergist to safely identify the many patients who may outgrow their food allergies in time.

Food allergies can be life-threatening, so food allergens need to be carefully avoided. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection ACT (FALCPA), which took effect in 2006, went a long way to help people living with food allergies because it requires major food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, and soy) be clearly outlined on packaged FDA-regulated foods.

However, food-allergic individuals must still be vigilant because not all allergens are subject to FALCPA and not all foods are FDA-regulated (i.e., non-packaged restaurant foods, meat and poultry products, and others).

Fortunately fatal food reactions are rare, but because of this risk food-allergic patients prescribed an epinephrine autoinjector should always have it available. Patients, providers, and lawmakers are still frustrated by the 400 percent EpiPen price hike, but a competing device known as the Auvi-Q is expected to return in 2017 and there is some hope for more rational pricing. In the meantime, online coupons have provided discounts for some patients.

Experimental oral food allergen desensitization remains an active area of research, but unfortunately the therapy seems to cause more reactions than it prevents. In addition, it is not clear how long any protection it offers will last if the treatment is stopped. Still, work continues in this area while potential alternative therapies, such as a peanut skin patch, receive careful study.

So yes — the number of kids who have food allergies has increased. Being food allergy aware is important to keep our friends, family, and neighbors safe. For more information on food allergies, go to www.foodallergy.org.

Marcus Shaker, MD works in the allergy department at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth. For more information, go to www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org.

34 www.parentingnh.com february 2017

raising teens and tweens

CAMP WIYAKA

Located on beautiful Sandy Pond in Richmond, NH

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Communication: It’s all in how we speak and hear

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HOW TO BETTER COMMUNICATE WITH TEEN AND TWEENS

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BY TRACEY TUCKER

2016 noVEMbER

nEw HAM

PsHiRE

CREAM of THE CRoP TI

NG

NE W HA M

P SH

R

I LY

M

our Inside: Y ay D n o ti c Ele er 2016 prim

ITE

PA R

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EN

r’s This yea y il m a F Favorites !

Winners

FA

Tracey Tucker is Executive Director of New Heights: Adventures for Teens and a licensed mental health counselor at Tradeport Counseling Associates in Portsmouth.

Coming in 2017 g n i t n e r pa ARy CoMPliMEnT

T

o kick off the new column, I wanted to address a common thread of issues we will face with our tweens and teens.

Communication is the most important skill set to have when parenting adolescents. Not just communication as in conveying a message, but also in how we listen. It’s how we sound, react and how we help them through the many challenges and moral dilemmas they will face.

Many years have passed since our teen years, so it can be hard to feel empathy for our own teens, especially as their emotions are so irrational and erratic. When facing dilemmas, teens often act completely contrary to how we think they should.

Parents often listen to their kids’ concerns, thoughts and struggles with a keen eye on helping them immediately solve the problem through our own experiences and a little (or a lot) of parental advice. Because we feel as if we already have the answer to their problem, even though we feel like we are being helpful, we move away from active listening and deliver messages that can often be construed as condescending, critical or stupid.

This communication pattern does little to allow our kids to process their thoughts and feelings, and often leads to a complete shutdown of any conversation between parent and child. If a tween or teen feels as though a parent does not understand or thinks their thoughts and feelings are stupid, kids will stop talking. They will choose to confide in safer places, often their friends who are having similar thoughts and feelings. This can lead to parents feeling completely shut out from their child’s life and can also lead to teens making choices based on irrational thoughts and feelings. Once this dynamic is in play, kids and parents can feel rejected and disconnected, leading to frustration and sadness.

Recognizing this pattern among many of my teen clients and their parents, I often work with the parents to talk through their perception of communication with their kids. I have told hundreds of parents about the “bite your tongue” rule. This rule requires patience and recognition that sometimes less is better.

When a scenario arises where your teenager wants to talk to you – just when you want to give advice, critique their actions or help them with an answer – bite your tongue.

Ask them how they think they should handle the issue or solve the problem. Instead of offering them your thoughts, understand what their thoughts and feelings are.

It is through this interaction you are more likely to receive an invitation to help them.

When kids feel free to talk without judgment, they are more likely to request input and accept your thoughts. Biting our tongue can be difficult, as we want to solve our child’s problems or stop them from making mistakes. We also may get angry with our kids because we feel that their choices were wrong or as though their behaviors were inappropriate. Although it would be easier to get mad and give a lecture, sometimes the greatest lessons are learned in silence.

Being there for our kids in a space that is non-judgmental and loving can be the greatest gift we can give our kids. Working on this might be one of the hardest skills to master, but it will be worth it in the end.

F AV O

2016 Parentingn

H.com

Programs & s p m a C ummer ) Guide to S ring Edition p S ( s ie il m Healthy Fa eds Special Ne n in NH u F r e m m u S r Baby Planning fo ool Back to Sch eens Issue T & s n e e w T all Edition) F ( s ie il m a Healthy F rs rites Winne o v a F y il m 2017 Fa eds Special Ne

Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept.

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To adverTise: 603.413.5154

out about

february SNOWSHOE STROLLS SATURDAYS IN FEBRUARY LACONIA – Prescott Farm, 928 White Oaks Road.

Now that the snow has fallen it’s time to get outside and enjoy it! Snowshoe strolls take place on Saturdays in February. Whether you are an avid snowshoer or just starting out, take a refreshing walk and explore the winter landscape of Prescott Farm. Wear boots and dress appropriately for the weather.

Snowshoes available if you don’t have your own. All ages welcome.

Cost: $10 non-member/$8 member, if you preregister; $12 at the door.

Times: 10-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m.

366.5695; www.prescottfarm.org

Courtesy of Prescott Farm

STORY PIRATES 8 WEDNESDAY

CONCORD – Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St. Story Pirates shows feature stories written by kids, performed by some of the best improvisers and musicians in New York and Los Angeles. Story Pirates recruit top talent from comedy hubs such as Upright Citizens Brigade, Second City, and the Groundlings.

These incredible performers faithfully bring to life the unfiltered world of kids’ imaginations. When the curtain rises, cats can fly, hot dogs save the world, fried foods battle dairy foods, and the characters you’re likely to meet are Captain Waffles, Moneyhead Alan or Snufflepants. For grades K-5.

Tickets: $7. 10 a.m. 225-1111; www.ccanh.com

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER 10 FRIDAY

NASHUA – Court Street Theatre, 14 Court St. The new Tony-winning play, based on the best-selling novels, upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan boy becomes the legendary Peter Pan. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher explores the depths of greed and despair and the bonds of friendship, duty and love. It uses ingenious stagecraft and the limitless possibilities of imagination to bring to life the story of Neverland you never knew. Rated PG. The show is at 7 p.m.; show times through Feb. 19. Tickets: $12/$15/$17. www.peacockplayers.org

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NOISES OFF 10 FRIDAY12 SUNDAY CONCORD – City Auditorium, 2 Prince St. Noises Off, an iconic farce, follows a troupe of bumbling actors as they blunder from a bad dress rehearsal to a spectacularly disastrous performance.

Presented by The Community Players of Concord. Tickets: $18. Show times: Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Suday, 2 p.m. 344-4747; www. communityplayersof concord.org

ALICE IN WONDERLAND TEA PARTY 11 SATURDAY

DOVER – Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, 6 Washington St. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the wonderful world of Lewis Carroll at the Museum’s Alice in Wonderland Tea Party.

Meet Alice and the Queen of Hearts, decorate tasty Valentine treats, do some festive crafts, and enjoy

some tea or apple juice all while being immersed in a magical Wonderland atmosphere. Fancy dress and whimsical attire is encouraged. Registration required. Cost: $20 per adult/child pair (members) and $25 per adult/child pair (non-members); $8/$10 per additional child for members and non-members. 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. 742-2002; www.childrens-museum.org

LIFE IN THE DEEP FREEZE 11 SATURDAY WILTON -- Sheldrick Forest Preserve, Town Farm Road.

When the trees are bare, the ground is covered in a blanket of snow and the temperature barely reaches the single digits, winter can often feel quiet and lifeless. In reality, it’s a season teeming with life. Many animal and plant species have developed ways to survive in cold and snowy weather. Strap on your snowshoes, explore how some of the local plants and animals survive the cold and snow, and see winter in a whole new light with Dr. David Patrick and The Nature Conservancy.

Bring your own snowshoes and expect moderately strenuous winter snowshoeing conditions. Approximately 1.5 miles of trail. For ages 10 and older. Register online. Free. 10 a.m. to noon. www.nature.org

ROCKIN’ ROAD TO DUBLIN 12 SUNDAY ROCHESTER – Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St. Rockin' Road to Dublin is the new sensation changing the

Irish Dance world. A fusion of rock and Irish, Rockin' Road combines the best of both worlds to thrust Irish dance back into the spotlight. This stylish, can't-miss spectacle is the perfect balance between concert and stage show.

Tickets: $48/$42/$36. 7 p.m. www.rochesteroperahouse. com

ANTIVALENTINE’S DAY PARTY FOR TEENS 14 TUESDAY NASHUA – Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St. Uncelebrate Valentine's Day at a party dedicated to being un-romantic, un-attached and un-hung up on Valentine's Day. Eat loathsome snacks and create some black heart art.

For ages 12-17. Free. 6-8 p.m.

589-4600

LET’S GO ICE FISHING 17 FRIDAY18 SATURDAY MANCHESTER – Amoskeag Fishways, 4 Fletcher St. Learn how to ice fish with staff and volunteers of New Hampshire Fish and Game during this two-part program.

Friday will cover ice safety, fish ecology, equipment, and more. Parents and participants over 16 do not need a fishing license during the organized field trip on Saturday. All angling gear provided. Bring your own lunch and wear proper outdoor clothing for Saturday. Ages 8 and older.

Advance registration required.

Free. Friday, 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.amoskeagfishways.org

CARDBOARD BOX SLED DERBY 25 SATURDAY MOULTONBOROUGH – Castle in the Clouds Meadows, 586 Ossipee Park Road. Work with your families and friends to create your very own sled out of cardboard and try it out on the snow at Castle in the Clouds. Cardboard box

sleds and riders will be judged on creativity, design and theme.

Ribbons will be awarded in multiple categories. After the derby, guests are invited to stay and continue the sledding fun. Warm up by the fire pit and enjoy hot cocoa and goodies, compliments of Castle in the Clouds and the Moultonborough Recreation Department. Riders are encouraged but not required to wear safety gear such as helmets and sturdy boots.

Free. 1-3 p.m. 476-5900; www. castleintheclouds.org

25TH ANNUAL WINTER CARNIVAL 25 SATURDAY MERRIMACK – Wasserman Park. Merrimack Parks & Recreation invites you to the 25th Annual Winter Carnival for a day full of outdoor activities, games, crafts and much more for the whole family. Activities include youth fishing derby, cardboard sledding contest, ice carving demonstration, campfire, games and raffles. Check the website for updated schedule of events. Free. Noon-3 p.m. www. merrimackparksandrec.org

WORKSHOP: STARTING YOUR FAMILY GENEALOGY 25 SATURDAY CONCORD – New Hampshire Historical Society, 30 Park St. Learning about who you are, where you came from, and “meeting” the thousands of people who came before you can be a rewarding, life-changing experience. But where do you start? In this workshop, New England Historic Genealogical Society director of research services Lindsay Fulton will help you navigate the first steps to uncover your family history and learn basic research strategies. Even if you've already been doing research for a few years, you’re sure to learn new tips. Registration required.

Cost: $35 (members)/$50 (nonmembers). 228-6688; www. nhhistory.org

Manchester

Saturday, March 11, 2017 10am-1pm The Derryfield Country Club

If you would like to send your child to summer camp but don’t know where to start, swing by one of Parenting New Hampshire’s Summer Camp & Program Expos! Meet with representatives from over 50 overnight, day, arts, sports, adventure & abroad camps.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Nashua

Saturday, March 18, 2017 10am-1pm The Courtyard Nashua

Exhibit Space Available! Call 603.413.5154 february 2017 www.parentingnh.com 37

CAMP PONEMAH ids Find Their Happy K Pl a re e h

ce

W

at Hampshire Hills Athletic Club

Lasting Friendships. Exceptional Staff.

Full Day/5-12 Yrs Half Day/3-5 Yrs Bus Transportation Swim & Tennis Lessons Weekly Themes & Field Trips Early Drop Off/Late Pick Up

CAMP PONEMAH at Hampshire Hills Athletic Club

50 Emerson Rd, Milford, NH 03055

603.673.7123

ldesmarais@hampshirehills.com

hampshirehills.com 38 www.parentingnh.com february 2017

five•for families

COMPILED BY JACQUELINE TOURVILLE

Newport Winter Carnival: The Sunapee region town of Newport transforms into a winter wonderland of activities from Wednesday, Feb. 8, to Sunday, Feb. 12. Now in its 101st year, visitors and locals alike are invited to celebrate community and winter with planned events including midnight skating, a Winter Carnival parade, the Axe Man Challenge, horse-drawn wagon rides, horseshoes on snow, broom hockey and much more. www.newportwintercarnival.org Life in the Deep Freeze: Looking for ways to put your snowshoes to good use? On Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon, join the Nature Conservancy and naturalist Dr. David Patrick for a 1.5-mile guided snowshoe hike through the Sheldrick Forest Preserve in Wilton to explore how local plants and animals survive the cold and snow.

Recommended for kids older than 10. The hike is free. Register at www. nature.org/nhevents.

Ice Castles: With more than an acre of frozen ice walls, tunnels and slides, a waterfall and turrets that reach up to 40 feet in height, Ice Castles in Lincoln will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a live-action version of Frozen. After dark, the castles are lit from within with colorful, changing light, adding even more magic. Open daily, except Tuesdays, weather-permitting. The Ice Castles can be found on the grounds of the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln. Go to www.icecastles.com for admission prices and tickets.

The shortest month is long on fun things to do in New Hampshire. Is your family’s calendar in need of filling? Check out five ways to make February fantastic.

Ice Harvest & Winter Carnival: The Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm in Tamworth is celebrating the old-time winter traditions of New Hampshire with a traditional ice harvesting party and day of fun on the farm on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Try your hand at cutting blocks of ice from the frozen pond, enjoy outdoor games and live music, take part in crafts, make s’mores around the fire, pet Chinook dogs (New Hampshire’s state dog!), visit with farm animals, and more. Tickets are $10 for ages 11 and older, $5 for ages 5-10, and free for ages 4 and younger. www.remickmuseum.org

New Hampshire Farm & Forest Exposition: Billed as “New Hampshire’s Greatest Winter Fair,” the muchanticipated annual Farm & Forest Expo takes place Friday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Radisson in Manchester. The Expo offers educational workshops, unique New Hampshire-made products, a winter farmers market, and a chance to meet plenty of fuzzy and furry animals. The Kids Zone offers games, crafts, and learning demonstrations all about farm life in New Hampshire. Admission is $7; 16 and younger admitted free. Bring two non-perishable food items to benefit the NH Food Bank and save $1 off admission. www.nhfarmandforestexpo.org

Jacqueline Tourville is Parenting NH’s travel and tourism guru.

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