parenting
COMPLIMENTARY
NOVEMBER 2017
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INSIDE: THE MEDIA’S ROLE IN A DEMOCRACY ParentingNH.com
Elliot Hospital’s Pediatric Emergency Department is the ONLY Dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department in Southern New Hampshire
Your Health, Our Trusted Experts...
...in Pediatric Emergency Medicine. We are proud to offer a dedicated pediatric emergency department at Elliot Hospital staffed by Board Certified Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physicians, backed by a team of Trauma Physicians, Pediatric Surgeon, Pediatric Specialists, and Board Certified Nurses dedicated to caring for your children. And in the rare case that your child may need inpatient care, Elliot Hospital has the only inpatient pediatric unit in the city of Manchester where your child is treated by a team of Pediatric Hospitalists, doctors specifically dedicated to the medical care and of inpatient children on a 24/7 basis. At Elliot’s Pediatric Emergency Department, patients are cared for in a warm, friendly environment that caters to and understands the specific needs of children who face trauma or emergency needs. We offer a separate waiting area apart from the general public of our emergency department, which provides a less-stressful, more comforting environment for you and your child.
Learn more at www.elliothospital.org
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Democracy Deconstructed
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5 The Short List 6 I Want That 8 Cook with Your Kids 34 Dad on Board 36 Learning Curve 37 House Calls 38 Raising Teens & Tweens 39 Out and About 40 Five for Families 43
A SWEET TWIST ON TRADITIONAL FALL FLAVORS
FINAL PART OF A 4-PART SERIES
From the Editor’s Desk
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ON THE COVER: Cover illustration by Nancy Tichanuk.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER:
Sharron McCarthy, x5117 smccarthy@mcleancommunications.com EDITOR:
Melanie Hitchcock, x5157 editor@parentingnh.com GROUP ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR:
Kimberly Lencki, x5154 klencki@mcleancommunications.com CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR:
Jodie Hall, x5122 jhall@nhbr.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER:
Nancy Tichanuk, x5116 ntichanuk@mcleancommunications.com MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES:
Barbara Gallaher, x5156 bgallaher@parentingnh.com Debbie Birch, x5133 dbirch@parentingnh.com
Sore throat, sinus pain or sprain? Count on CMC Urgent Care to treat you and your family when you need it. Urgent care from the hospital you trust. onvenient, quality care C ■ Seven days a week, 365 days a year, even on major holidays ■ Access to CMC’s entire network of primary and specialty care ■
Walk-in or check-in online to save time in the waiting room: CMC-UrgentCare.org Need a primary care provider?
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www.parentingnh.com Subscription: One year (12 issues) $15
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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 SHINING A LIGHT ON DEMOCRACY Industries and jobs disappear over time. We no longer need lamplighters or ice cutters. We don’t have to go to the video store or wait at home for a phone call. Few will argue that electricity, refrigeration, Netflix and cellphones have not made our lives easier. As an editor and reporter for almost 20 years, I’ve watched anxiously as the media landscape has changed in the Granite State and beyond. All media has been affected by declining revenues, staff reductions and changing distribution models. Fifty years ago, if you did not read the newspaper, your only other option was to catch the local or network news when it was on. In 2017, you can get information from infinite sources via the internet and social media and several cable news networks 24/7. Following the logic spelled out above, this would seem a more than adequate replacement for not only a printed product, but also paid, professional journalists. But it shouldn’t be, and it can’t be. In this issue, we are concluding our four-part Democracy Deconstructed series with a look at the essential role the media plays in maintaining a functioning democracy (see Page 26). The existence of a free press, guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, is what separates a democratic country from an authoritarian one. In North Korea, the press is strictly controlled because when you control the press — the flow of information — you control society. You can’t criticize the government or its leader or you will be jailed. In the United States, press freedom is what allows information to get to the citizenry so they can make informed decisions about our government – the government elected by us and that represents us.
That information needs to be produced by professionals who adhere to a strict set of standards and ethics. Anyone can post information on the internet, but as it is stated by the American Press Institute, a “journalist places the public good above all else and uses certain methods – the foundation of which is a discipline of verification – to gather and assess what he or she finds.” A journalist, first and foremost, keeps the powerful in check, and their highest obligation is to the reader. News companies, like other industries, need to make a profit. And there are organizations that have a social, cultural or political agenda they push via “news reporting.” News comes at us in all directions. It is a challenge to figure out who and what to believe. Readers need tools to be able to evaluate the validity and truthfulness of a news source. In this issue, we give you tips on how to improve your media literacy, and more importantly, we provide resources so you can teach your child how to be a consumer of news. When news consumers know what to look for and what questions to ask themselves, they can make better assessments of what they are reading. As a journalist, it is disheartening to see when we sometimes fail to fulfill our mission of reporting accurate, critical information to our citizens. Journalists are not perfect — they make mistakes and can be careless. But destroying press freedoms, threatening journalists and media companies, and failing to defend the First Amendment could be the death knell for our democracy and our country.
Melanie Hitchcock, Editor
Innovator, Pioneer, Applewild Student. We believe in innovative experiences that build character. JOIN US FOR
Open House - Experience Applewild November 5th • 1:00p.m.
Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. Visit applewild.org/openhouse or email admissions@applewild.org for more information.
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the short list ...TIPS, TRENDS & NEWS COMPILED BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK
This month on www.parentingnh.com:
Get ready for Thanksgiving (& Christmas!) Put the Halloween costumes away and grab a turkey! The holiday season kicks into full gear this month with parades, holiday strolls and festivals across the Granite State. And of course, don’t forget you need to figure out what delicious dishes you will be putting on your Thanksgiving table. We can help! Be sure to check out these web-exclusive lists on our website, where you will also find archived issues of Parenting NH and our event calendar. Thanksgiving and fall recipes: www.parentingnh.com/thanksgiving Holiday parades and holiday strolls: www.parentingnh.com/holidayparades Festival of Trees celebrations: www.parentingnh.com/Festival-of-Trees
It’s not too late! Nominate a special teacher by Oct. 31 Does your child have a favorite teacher they can’t stop talking about? Are you a teacher who wants to brag about an inspiring colleague? Are you a principal who wants to bring attention to a special teacher in your school? Nominate them to be recognized in Parenting New Hampshire’s first-ever Top Teacher issue in December. Parenting NH wants to hear from you about those dedicated and talented teachers who not only are excited about teaching but also get students excited about learning. The magazine will select several teachers to feature in the December 2017 issue. One will be selected by Parenting NH to appear on the cover.
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In addition to appearing in the magazine, thanks to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, all teachers featured will be invited to a Fisher Cats game in May at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. The teachers will not only watch the game from a special suite, they will also be recognized in a ceremony on the field before the game. The nomination period ends Tuesday, Oct. 31. Find the nomination form at www.parentingnh.com. For more information on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, go to nhfishercats.com.
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Parenting NH writer releases new book Jacqueline Tourville, a longtime contributor to Parenting NH, has teamed up with writer Amy Guglielmo and illustrator Brigette Barrager to tell the joyful and unique story of the trailblazing Disney artist Mary Blair. Mary Blair lived her life in color: vivid, wild color. From her imaginative childhood to her career as an illustrator, designer, and animator for Walt Disney Studios, Mary wouldn’t play by the rules. At a time when studios wanted to hire men and think in black and white, Mary painted twinkling emerald skies, peach giraffes with tangerine spots, and magenta horses that could fly. You can find the book at www.amazon. com. You can also meet Tourville at the 3rd annual Children’s Author Festival in Portsmouth on Nov. 4. Go to Page 40 for event details.
The Family Place at Concord Hospital earns national excellence award The Family Place at Concord Hospital has been recognized nationally for the excellent level of maternity services it provides. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield presented The Family Place its Blue Distinction Award for Excellence in Maternity Care. The award recognizes Concord Hospital for consistently demonstrating expertise in delivering safe, quality, effective and cost-efficient maternity care. From Jan. 1 through Sept. 30, 2017, The Family Place-Obstetrics team delivered and cared for 921 babies including 11 sets of twins. Concord Hospital is one of only four New Hampshire hospitals with this designation. To learn more about The Family Place, go to www.concordhospital.org.
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Practice time. Show time. College saving time. The first step to helping their dreams come true is to make saving part of your routine. The UNIQUE College Investing Plan account offers tax-deferred growth and some of the lowest fees and expenses in the industry. There’s also the Fidelity Investments 529 College Rewards® Visa Signature® Card, which lets you earn unlimited 2% cash back1 on everyday purchases. Rewards are deposited directly into your 529 account to make sure your saving and spending are in perfect rhythm.
To learn more, or to open an account, visit
Fidelity.com/unique
Managed by:
or call 800.544.1914.
Please carefully consider the plan’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. For this and other information on any 529 college savings plan managed by Fidelity, contact Fidelity for a free Fact Kit, or view one online. Read it carefully before you invest or send money. The UNIQUE College Investing Plan is offered by the state of New Hampshire and managed by Fidelity Investments. If you or the designated beneficiary is not a resident of the state of New Hampshire, you may want to consider, before investing, whether your state or the beneficiary’s home state offers its residents a plan with alternate state tax advantages or other benefits. Units of the portfolios are municipal securities and may be subject to market volatility and fluctuation. Account must be open and in good standing to earn and redeem rewards and benefits. You will earn 2 points per dollar in eligible net purchases (purchases minus credits and returns) that you charge. Credits, returns, adjustments, and certain transactions do not earn points. The 2% rewards value applies only to points redeemed for a deposit into an eligible Fidelity account. The redemption value is different if you choose to redeem your points for other rewards such as travel options, merchandise, gift cards, and/or a statement credit. Other restrictions apply. Full details appear in the Program Rules new card customers receive with their card. Establishment or ownership of a Fidelity account or other relationship with Fidelity Investments is not required to obtain a card or to be eligible to use points to obtain any rewards offered under the program other than Fidelity Rewards. The Fidelity Investments and pyramid design logo is a registered service mark of FMR LLC. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917. © 2017 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 790730.1.0
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I want that COMPILED BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK
End the ‘thumb wars’ Veyo mittyz are a new type of baby and toddler glove that feature an integrated thumb pocket and fit perfectly around bulky coats. The gloves have a double-pull wrist strap for securing the glove on children’s hands and quick release wrist-buckle for easy removal. Great for kids with disabilities and 100 percent waterproof. Several designs available. Available at www. veyokids.com; $39.95
Cat lovers unite! Doodle away your days with Catdoodles. From cat feelings to cat colors, and cat dances to cat clothing, this drawing book provides a collection of fun, creative collection of prompts in the style of the beloved game Neko Atume. Scribble, doodle, draw, color, and love this cat-extravaganza. Available at www.amazon.com; $12
Cook from the comfort of your couch On Thanksgiving, quality time should be spent with your family – not in the kitchen. The BLACK+DECKER Wi-Fi enabled 6-Quart Slow Cooker makes cooking easier and stressfree. It connects to your home Wi-Fi network so you can use your mobile device to set time and temperature and to start or stop cooking. Available at Wal-Mart; $49.99
Introduce your child to photography Pixlplay turns an old or unused cell phone into a camera for just for kids. This connected smart phone case looks like a traditional point-and-shoot camera. Once the phone is inside, pair it with the companion app so little photographers can shoot, edit their own pictures, and even go on photo adventures. Available at www.thegrommet.com; $24.95
STEAM kits for girls HoneyBee empowers girls to dream big with each of their create-your-own skin care kits. In every box is a fun activity that will grow your daughter’s interest in STEAM and critical thinking. The SmartGirl Bath Bomb Kit teaches her the chemistry behind these fizzy delights as she measures and mixes her way to a soothing bath. Check out HoneyBee’s other kits on its website. Available at www.handcrafted honeybee.com; $28
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Tues., Wed. & Sat. 10-5 • Thurs. & Fri. 10-6 • Sunday 11-3 292 Route 101, Amherst • 603-471-3820 www.toysatsalzburg.com
St. Christopher School Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6
Moral and leadership development Safe, welcoming community for students and families Comprehensive curriculum, including conversational Spanish
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Painting a picture of excellence T
his summer, readers from across New Hampshire voted online in more than 50 categories to determine this year’s Family Favorites. The readers’ poll, now in its seventh year, gives parents the opportunity to let us know about the people, places and things and that make the Granite State the best place to raise a family. Don’t brush by this list of local businesses. You can paint each of these winners with the same broad brush of greatness.
Amusement Park Family Favorite: Canobie Lake Park 85 North Policy St., Salem 893-3305; www.canobie.com
Bakery and Dessert Family Favorite: Black Forest Café 212 Route 101, Amherst 672-0500; www.blackforest.com Greater Manchester: Jacques Fine European Pastries 128 Main St., Suncook 485-4035; www.jacquespastries.com Regional multi-location: Frederick’s Pastries NH locations: Bedford and Amherst www.pastry.net
Bike Shop Family Favorite: S&W Sports 296 South Main St., Concord 228-1441; www.swsports.com Local multi-location: Goodale’s Bike Shop Nashua, Hooksett and Concord www.goodalesbikeshop.com Seacoast: Exeter Cycles 4 Portsmouth Ave., Route 108 778-2331; www.exetercycles.com
Birthing Center or Hospital Family Favorite: Maternity Center at Elliot Hospital 4 Elliot Way, Suite 401, Manchester 669-5300; www.elliothospital.org Greater Concord: The Family Place at Concord Hospital 250 Pleasant St., Concord 225-2711; www.concordhospital.org
Greater Manchester: Mom’s Place at Catholic Medical Center 100 McGregor St., Manchester 663-6667; www.catholicmedicalcenter.org Greater Nashua: The Birth Place at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center 8 Prospect St., Nashua 577-2000; www.snhhs.org
Bowling Alley Family Favorite: Leda Lanes 340 Amherst St., Nashua 889-4884; www.ledalanes.com Greater Manchester: Spare Time 216 Maple St., Manchester 625-9656; www.sparetimeentertainment.com/ manchester
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Greater Concord: Boutwell’s Bowling Center 152 North State St., Concord 224-0941; www.boutwellbowl.com
Greater Concord: Bellies and Babies by Nylora 3 Partridge Road, Concord 223-4145; www.photographybynylora.com
Greater Nashua: Merrimack Ten Pin Center 698 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack 429-0989; www.merrimacktenpin.com
Greater Nashua: Photography by Genevieve 10 Airline Drive, Amherst 672-0449; www.photographybygenevieve.com
Greater Salem: Park Place Lanes 16 Rockingham Road, Windham 837-6276; www.parkplacelanes.com Lakes Region: Funspot Family Fun Center 579 Endicott St., Laconia 366-4377, www.funspotnh.com
Candy Shop or Chocolatier Family Favorite: Granite State Candy Shoppe Concord and Manchester 225-2591; www.granitestatecandyshoppe.com Greater Manchester: Van Otis Chocolates 341 Elm St., Manchester 627-1611; www.vanotischocolates.com Lakes Region: Kellerhaus 259 Endicott St. North, Laconia 366-4466; www.kellerhaus.com
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North of Concord: Zeb’s General Store 2675 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway 356-9294; www.zebs.com
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Lakes Region: Carey Hough Photography 40 Willowgrass Lane, Gilmanton Iron Works 782-0304; www.careyhoughphotography.com National: Picture People 1500 S. Willow St., Manchester 644-0388; www.picturepeople.com Seacoast: Eye Sugar Photography 22 Canal St., Somersworth 617-6119; www.eyesugarphotography.com
Children’s Local Book Store Family Favorite: Gibson’s Book Store 45 S Main St., Concord 224-0562; www.gibsonsbookstore.com Greater Nashua: Toadstool Bookshops 614 Nashua St., Milford 673-1734; www.toadbooks.com
Child Photographer
North of Concord: Little Village Toy & Book Shop 81 Main St., Littleton 444-4869; www.littlevillagetoy.com
Family Favorite: CLIX Portrait Studios 224 Main St., Salem 890-1372; www.clixne.com
Seacoast: Water Street Bookstore 125 Main St., Exeter 778-9731; www.waterstreetbooks.com
Summer Camp is back at Gymnastics Village with half and full day options (9am-3pm)! Designed for boys and girls from 6 to 14, kids will participate in gymnastics rotations, fitness activities, Ninja Challenge obstacle courses, games, crafts, party apparatus like our inflatables, zip-line and more. Registration for summer camps and recreational classes begins April 1st. Call 603.889.8092 or visit gymnasticsvillage.com.
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Children’s Shoe Store Family Favorite: Alec’s Shoe Store Inc. 1617 Southwood Drive, Nashua 882-6811; www.alecs-shoes.com Greater Concord: Joe King’s Shoe Shop 45 N. Main St., Concord 225-6012; www.joekings.com Seacoast: Red’s Shoe Barn 35 Broadway, Dover 742-1893; www.redsshoebarn.com
Children’s Toy Store Family Favorite: The Toy Chest 2703 White Mountain Highway, North Conway 356-7176; www.toychestnh.com Greater Nashua: Toyland 321 Nashua St., Milford 672-1537 Seacoast: G.Willikers! Toy Shop 13 Market St., Portsmouth 436-7746; www.gwillikers.com
Chiropractor Family Favorite: Crossroads Chiropractic Pembroke, Meredith and Epping 224-4281; www.crossroadschiropractic.com Greater Manchester: Healing Hands Community Chiropractic 195 McGregor St., Manchester 434-3456; www.healinghandsnh.com Greater Nashua: Amherst Family Chiropractic Wellness Center 89 Route 101A, Amherst 673-0010; www.nhchiropractors.com
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New discoveries happening daily.
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Cupcakery
Environmental and Educational Center
Family Favorite: Queen City Cupcakes 790 Elm St., Manchester 624-4999; www.qccupcakes.com
Family Favorite: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center 23 Science Center Road, Holderness 968-7194; www.nhnature.org
Greater Manchester: Cupcakes 101 132 Bedford Center Road, Bedford 488-5962; www.cupcakes101.net
Greater Manchester: SEE Science Center 200 Bedford St., Manchester 669-0400; www.see-sciencecenter.org
Lakes Region: Lakes Region Cupcakes 285 Main St., Tilton 286-7776; www.lakesregioncupcakes.com
Seacoast: Seacoast Science Center 2017 570 Ocean Boulevard, Rye 436-8043; www.seacoastsciencecenter.org
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Seacoast: New Hampshire Academy of Performing Arts 875 Lafayette Road, Seabrook 474-2444; www.nhapa.org
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Greater Manchester: Dimensions in Dance 84 Myrtle St., Manchester 668-4196; www.dimensionsindance.com
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Family Favorite: Dance Inspirations 248 Sheep Davis Road, No. 6, Concord 856-8545; www.danceinspirations.com
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Family Favorite: Children’s Orchard 105 Gosling Road, Newington 436-8704; www.childrensorchard.com/stores/ newington-nh
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Equestrian Center Family Favorite: Lucky 7 Stables 154 Litchfield Road, Londonderry 432-3076; www.lucky7stables.com Greater Nashua: Apple Tree Farm 49 Wheeler Road, Hollis 465-9592; www.appletreefarm.org Seacoast: Hilltop Equestrian Center 242 Green St., Somersworth 692-6313; www.hilltopequestriancenter.com
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Family Favorite: Lindner Dental Associates 72 South River Road, Bedford 624-3900; www.lindnerdental.com Greater Nashua: Kalil & Kress Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 303 Amherst St., Nashua 880-7004; www.kalilandkress.com Greater Concord: Grace Family Dentistry 143 Airport Road, Concord 225-6650; www.gracefamilydentistry.com
WE’RE HONORED TO SERVE YOU. Thank you Parenting New Hampshire Magazine readers for recognizing Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock as your number one pediatric provider throughout New Hampshire, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Obstetrics and Gynecology as your favorite throughout Greater Manchester, and for voting Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center the best medical center north of Concord.
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Seacoast: Exeter Family Dental Care 193 High St., Exeter 772-3351; www.exeterfamilydentalcare.com
Family Fitness Club Family Favorite: YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown 116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown 497-4663; www.graniteymca.org
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Seacoast: The Works Family Health and Fitness 23 Works Way, Somersworth 742-2163; www.theworkshealthclub.com
Family Mental Health and Counseling Services Family Favorite: Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester 4 Manchester locations www.mhcgm.org Greater Nashua: The Counseling Center 1 Main St., Nashua 689-7902; www.counselingcenter.com Greater Manchester: Bedford Family Therapy 10 Commerce Park, No. 1, Bedford 606-1233; www.bedfordfamilytherapy.com
Family Pediatrician Family Favorite: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Pediatrics 100 Hitchcock Way, Manchester 695-2500; www.chadkids.org
Greater Nashua: St. Joseph Hospital Pediatrics Nashua and Milford locations www.stjosephhospital.com Greater Concord: Concord Pediatrics 248 Pleasant St., No. 1700, Concord 224-1929; www.concordpediatricsnh.com Greater Manchester: Pediatric Health Associates Bedford and Manchester www.elliothospital.org/website/pediatric-healthassociates.php
Family Restaurant Family Favorite: Puritan Backroom 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester 669-6890; www.puritanbackroom.com Greater Manchester: Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27, Raymond 244-2431; www.thetuckaway.com Local multi-location: T-Bones Great American Eatery Bedford, Derry, Hudson, Laconia, Salem locations www.t-bones.com
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Greater Nashua: Gymnastics Village 13 Caldwell Drive, Amherst 889-8092; www.gymnasticsvillage.com
Greater Nashua: Southern New Hampshire Medical Center 8 Prospect St., Nashua 577-2000; www.snhhs.org North of Concord: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center / Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD) 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon 650-5000; www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org
Ice Cream Family Favorite: Haywards Ice Cream Nashua and Milford locations www.haywardsicecream.com
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Greater Manchester: Catholic Medical Center 100 McGregor St., Manchester 668-3545; www.catholicmedicalcenter.org
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Ice Skating or Hockey Facility Family Favorite: Tri-Town Ice Arena 311 W. River Road, Hooksett 485-1100; www.tri-townicearena.com Greater Concord: Everett Arena 15 Loudon Road, Concord 228-2784; www.concordnh.gov Greater Nashua: Conway Arena 5 Stadium Drive, Nashua 595-2400; www.conwayarena.com Lakes Region: Merrill P. Fay Arena 468 Province Road, Laconia 528-0789; www.merrillfayarena.com
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Greater Concord: Concord Hospital 250 Pleasant St., Concord 225-2711; www.concordhospital.org
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Lakes Region: Lakes Region Gymnastics Academy 140 Laconia Road, Belmont 524-3338; www.lakesregiongymnasticsacademy.com
Family Favorite: Elliot Hospital 1 Elliot Way, Manchester 669-5300; www.elliothospital.org
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Greater Manchester: YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown Gymnastics 116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown 497-4663; www.graniteymca.org
Hospital or Medical Center
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Seacoast: The Rinks at Exeter 40 Industrial Drive, Exeter 775-7423; www.therinksatexeter.com
Thank you for voting for us!
Three Convenient Locations:
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Family Favorite: Granite State Gymnastic Center Bow and Hooksett locations www.granitestategymnastics.com
Greater Nashua: Launch Trampoline Park 17 Tanguay Ave., Nashua 318-7600; www.launchnashua.com
Lakes Region: Jordan’s Ice Creamery 894 Laconia Road, Belmont 267-1900
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Gymnastics Center
Greater Manchester: Sky Zone Trampoline Park 500 Valley St., Manchester 413-3533; www.skyzone.com
Greater Salem: Moo’s Place Homemade Ice Cream 27 Crystal Ave., Derry 425-0100; www.moosplace.com
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Family Favorite: Digital Federal Credit Union Hudson, Nashua, Merrimack, Manchester locations 800-328-8797; www.dcu.org
Family Favorite: Children’s Museum of New Hampshire 6 Washington St., Dover 742-2002, www.childrens-museum.org
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Indoor Play Place
Greater Concord: Arnie’s Place 164 Loudon Road, Concord 228-3225; www.arniesplace.com
Greater Nashua: Wholistic Family Wellness Center 31 Old Nashua Road, No. 14, Amherst 673-1181; www.thewholisticfamilywellnesscenter.com
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Family Favorite: Whole Health Concord 91 N. State St., Concord 369-4626; www.naturalmedicinenh.com
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Family Favorite: Pat’s Peak 686 Flanders Road, Henniker 728-7732; www.patspeak.com
Greater Manchester: Puritan Backroom 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester 669-6890; www.puritanbackroom.com
Holistic Medicine and Health Services Practitioner
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Thank you readers for voting us your Favorite local Children‘s Bookstore!
# Pembroke # Epping # Meredith
trial class!
Excellence in dance education since1957
875 Lafayette Rd., Seabrook, NH 474-2444 ◆ www.nhapa.org. 18 www.parentingnh.com november 2017
A complete examination with any necessary x-rays is just $25 this month!
(603) 575-9080 www.CrossroadsChiropractic.com
Lorden Plaza, Milford • 673-1734 12 Depot Square, Peterborough • 924-3543 Main & Emerald St., Keene • 352-8815
toadbooks.com
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Greater Manchester: Bedford Martial Arts Academy 292 Route 101, Bedford 471-0696; www.bedfordmartialartsacademy.com Greater Nashua: Tokyo Joe’s Studio Milford and Nashua locations www.tokyojoes.net
National multi-location: Snip-its 317 Amherst St., Nashua 889-0000; www.snipits.com
Lakes Region: Beyond the Belt Martial Arts Center 77 Court St., Laconia 366-1044; www.btbmartialarts.com
Learning or Tutoring Service Family Favorite: Parker Academy 2 Fisk Road, Concord 228-4209; www.parkereducation.com
Seacoast: Seacoast Martial Arts Centers 26 Willand Dr., Somersworth 516-7622; www.seacoastmartialarts.com
National multi-location: Sylvan Learning Center Salem and Bedford locations www.sylvanlearning.com
Mini Golf
Local Party Supplies Store
Family Favorite: Mel’s Funway Park 454 Charles Bancroft Highway, Litchfield 424-2292; www.melsfunwaypark.com
Family Favorite: Party Center 290 South Broadway, Salem 898-1089; www.partycenterstores.com
Greater Concord: Chucksters 9 Bailey Road, Chichester 798-3555; www.chuckstersnh.com
Greater Concord: Donovan’s Party and Novelty 102 Fort Eddy Road, Concord 226-2225; www.donovansparty.com
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Seacoast: Captain’s Cove Adventure Golf 814 Lafayette Road, Hampton 926-5011; www.smallgolf.com
Movie Theater Family Favorite: Chunky’s Cinema Pub Manchester, Nashua, Pelham locations www.chunkys.com Greater Manchester: Cinemagic Hooksett, Merrimack, Portsmouth locations www.cinemagicmovies.com Lakes Region: Smitty’s Tilton Cinema Pub 630 West Main St., Tilton 286-4444; www.smittyscinema.com
WE THANK YOU!
Thank you to the readers of Parenting NH for again voting us Favorite Pediatric Dentist in Greater Nashua. At Children’s Dental Center of NH our caring nature and expert knowledge set us apart from a general practice.
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National multi-location: Pirate’s Cove Mini Golf Lincoln, North Conway, Weirs Beach, Winnisquam locations www.piratescove.net
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Visit us at childrensdentalnh.com We’re Always Accepting New Smiles!
To schedule an appointment, call 603-673-1000 7 Route 101A, Amherst NH
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Family Favorite: Sweet Snips 105 Lafayette Road, Hampton Falls 601-7610; www.sweetsnips.com
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Seacoast: Children’s Museum of New Hampshire 6 Washington St., Dover 742-2002, www.childrens-museum.org
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Greater Concord: McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center 2 Institute Drive, Concord 271-7827; www.starhop.com
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Greater Manchester: Currier Museum of Art 150 Ash St., Manchester 669-6144; www.currier.org
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Family Favorite: SEE Science Center 200 Bedford St., Manchester 669-0400; www.see-sciencecenter.org
Local multi-location: Tucker’s Concord, Dover, Hooksett, New London locations 206-5757; www.tuckersnh.com
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Kid-friendly Museum
Family Favorite: Manchester Karate Studio 24 Bridge St., Manchester 401-3248; www.manchesterkarate.com
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Regional multi-location: 99 Restaurant 13 New Hampshire locations www.99restaurants.com
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National multi-location: Friendly’s Manchester, Nashua, Concord locations www.friendlys.com
Greater Salem: MaryAnn’s Diner 29 East Broadway, Derry 434-5785; www.maryannsdiner.com
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Local multi-location: T-Bones Great American Eatery Bedford, Derry, Hudson, Laconia, Salem locations www.t-bones.com
Lakes Region: Lakes Region Party & Gift 292 Court St., Laconia 528-4489; www.lakesregionpartygift.com
Greater Manchester: Airport Diner 2280 Brown Ave., Manchester 623-5040; www.thecman.com
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Family Favorite: Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27, Raymond 244-2431; www.thetuckaway.com
Family Favorite: Parker’s Maple Barn 1316 Brookline Road, Mason 878-2305; www.parkersmaplebarn.com
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Greater Nashua: J & J Party & Janitorial Supplies L.L.C. 68 Route 101A, Amherst 672-8555; www.jandjpartyandjanitorial.com
Kids’ Favorite Breakfast Place
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Lakes Region: Funspot Family Fun Center 579 Endicott St., Laconia 366-4377; www.funspotnh.com
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Thank you for choosing Southern New Hampshire Health as Family Favorite in the following four categories:
Immediate Care Center Immediate Care of Southern New Hampshire
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T h a n ks fo r Voti n g fo r US! !
Women’s Care of Nashua
Learn more about our services at SNHhealth.org
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Music or Entertainment Venue
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2017
Day and evening dance classes for children ages 18 months and up.
TAP, JAZZ, BALLET, HIP-HOP, CONTEMPORARY, TUMBLING AND COMPETITIVE TEAMS 248 SHEEP DAVIS ROAD, UNIT 6, CONCORD, NH 856-8545 • WWW.DANCEINSPIRATIONS.COM
Where Families Get Nearer to Nature
Family Favorite: The Palace Theatre 80 Hanover St., Manchester 668-5588; www.palacetheatre.org Greater Manchester: SNHU Arena 555 Elm St., Manchester 644-5000; www.snhuarena.com Lakes Region: Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion 72 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford 293-4700; www.banknhpavilion.com Seacoast: Prescott Park 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth 431-8748; www.prescottpark.org
Greater Manchester: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Nurse Midwifery at Dartmouth-Hitchcock 5 Washington Place, Bedford 695-2900; www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/obgyn.html Greater Nashua: Women’s Care of Nashua 10 Prospect St., No. 303, Nashua 577-3100; www.snhhealth.org
Orthodontist
Musical Instruction
Family Favorite: Lindner Dental Associates 72 S River Road, Bedford 624-3900; www.lindnerdental.com
Family Favorite: Manchester Community Music School 2291 Elm St., Manchester 644-4558; www.mcmusicschool.org
Greater Nashua: Elliott Orthodontics Merrimack and New Boston locations www.elliottorthodontics.com
Greater Manchester: Bedford Youth Performing Center 155 Route 101, Bedford 472-3894; www.bypc.org
Greater Concord: Concord Pediatric Dentistry 16 Foundry St., No. 101, Concord 224-3339; www.concordpediatricdentistry.com
Greater Concord: Concord Community Music School 23 Wall St., Concord 228-1196; www.ccmusicschool.org
Greater Manchester: Mehan and Johnson Orthodontics 113 Mammoth Road, Manchester 623-8003; www.facebook.com/ MehanandJohnsonOrthodontic
www.nhnature.org | 603-968-7194 | Route 113, Holderness, NH
Greater Salem: Let’s Play Music 114 Rockingham Road, Londonderry 425-7575; www.letsplaymusic.com
OB/GYN Family Favorite: Bedford Commons OB/GYN Bedford and Derry locations 668-4646; www.bcog.com Greater Concord: Concord Obstetrics And Gynecology 189 North Main St., Concord 228-1111; www.concordhospital.org
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Seacoast: Seacoast Orthodontics 45 Lafayette Road, North Hampton 964-2220; www.seacoastorthodontics.com
Party Entertainment or Entertainer Family Favorite: Wildlife Encounters 152 Charles St., Rochester 923-1168; www.wildlifeencountersnh.com Greater Manchester: A Party Palace 459 Shaker Road, Northfield 286-4555, www.apartypalace.com
Pediatric Dentist Family Favorite: Concord Pediatric Dentistry 16 Foundry St., No. 101, Concord 224-3339; www.concordpediatricdentistry.com Greater Nashua: Children’s Dental Center of NH 7 Route 101A, Amherst 673-1000; www.childrensdentalnh.com Greater Salem: Haas Dental Associates 4 Manchester Ave., Derry 434-1586; www.haasdentalnh.com Lakes Region: Children’s Dentistry of the Lakes Region 369 Hounsell Ave., No. 1, Gilford 527-2500; www.childrensdentistnh.com
Pizza Family Favorite: 900 Degrees Epping and Manchester locations www.900degrees.com
Greater Manchester: Alley Cat Pizzeria 486 Chestnut St., Manchester 669-4533; www.alleycatpizzerianh.com Greater Concord: Constantly Pizza Concord and Penacook locations www.constantlypizza.net Regional chain: Sal’s Pizza 10 NH locations www.sals-pizza.com
A Family Holiday Tradition at Red Jacket Resorts
in North Conway, New Hampshire
Seacoast: La Festa Brick & Brew 300 Central Ave., Dover 743-4100; www.lafestabrickandbrew.com
Place for Arts and Crafts Family Favorite: You’re Fired Nashua, Bedford, Salem, Concord locations www.yourefirednh.com Greater Manchester: Muse Paint Bar 486 Chestnut St., Manchester 669-4533; www.musepaintbar.com
Three Fun-filled Holiday Packages!
THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S All Holiday Packages include: Delicious Holiday Dinners Daily Breakfast Daily Kahuna Laguna Indoor Water Park Passes Fun-filled Family Activities and more! Thanksgiving and Christmas packages, 2 night minimum New Year’s package, 3 night minimum (12/30-1/2)
800-752-2538 redjacketresorts.com north conway, nh
vacations perfected Rates vary. Terms will apply.
november 2017 www.parentingnh.com 23
Lakes Region: Art Escape 636 Union Ave., Laconia 527-2529; www.artescapenh.com
Place to Buy a Family Car Family Favorite: Grappone Auto Group 594 Route 3A, Bow 528-8993; www.grappone.com Greater Manchester: AutoFair Manchester, Nashua, Plaistow, Stratham locations 888-370-6822; www.autofair.com Greater Nashua: Peters of Nashua 300 Amherst St., Nashua 889-1116; www.petersauto.com Greater Concord: Banks Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC 137 Manchester St., Concord 224-4055; www.banksautos.com
Restaurant for Date Night Family Favorite: The Copper Door 15 Leavy Drive, Bedford 488-2677; www.copperdoorrestaurant.com
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Spa Day for Mom Family Favorite: Serendipity Day Spa 23 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke 229-0400; www.serendipitydayspa.com Greater Nashua: Innovations The Salon and Spa 228 Naticook Road, Merrimack 865-7647; www.innovationsnh.com Greater Manchester: Chill Spa 1224 Hanover St., Manchester 622-3722; www.chillspa.com Greater Concord: The Common Man Inn & Spa 231 Main St., Plymouth 536-2200; www.thecmaninn.com/plymouth Lakes Region: Lake Opechee Inn and Spa 62 Doris Ray Court, Laconia 524-0111; www.opecheeinn.com Seacoast: Wingate Salon and Spa 139 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham 772-8400; www.wingatespa.com
Sporting Event for Families Family Favorite: New Hampshire Fisher Cats 1 Line Drive, Manchester 641-2005; www.nhfishercats.com
2 017
Youth Programs at The Works
OnlÄąne Registration Now Available
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Greater Manchester: Bedford Village Inn 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford 472-2001; www.bedfordvillageinn.com
Seacoast: Holy Grail Food & Spirits 64 Main St., Epping 679-9559; www.holygrailrestaurantandpub.com
F AV O
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Today!
2016
Learn to swim with us!
23 Works Way | Somersworth, NH | 03878 www.theworkshealthclub.com 603-742-2163
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Pick up your free copy of Parenting New Hampshire magazine at hundreds of locations throughout the state! You can also visit us at parentingnh.com. Our website is mobile and tablet compatible, so you can read us anytime, anywhere!
Swing Sets and Outdoor Play Systems Family Favorite: Swings and Things 16 Route 125, Kingston 642-4500; www.swings-things.com
Urgent or Immediate Care Center Family Favorite: Elliot Urgent Care at River’s Edge 185 Queen City Ave., Manchester 663-3000; www.elliothospital.org/website/rivers-edge. php Greater Concord: Concord Hospital Walk-In Urgent Care Center 60 Commercial St., Concord 230-1200; www.concordhospital.org Greater Nashua: Immediate Care of Southern New Hampshire 29 Northwest Boulevard, Nashua 577-2273; www.snhhealth.org Regional multi-location: ConvenientMD Urgent Care 9 New Hampshire Locations www.convenientmd.com
Water Park Family Favorite: Water Country 2300 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth 427-1112; www.watercountry.com
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Creating Generations of Beautiful Smiles! TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
27 Loop Road in Merrimack â—† 52 High Street in New Boston 603-424-1199 | www. elliottorthodontics.com Complimentary Consultations
november 2017 www.parentingnh.com 25
No news is DEMOCRACY
DE
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This is the final part of a four-part series that takes a closer look at how our democracy functions in New Hampshire and beyond. Topics include civics education, teaching tolerance, participating locally in the democratic process and the role of media in keeping government accountable – all with a focus on educating our kids to be better and engaged citizens. Missed an installment? Go to www.parentingnh.com to view the entire series.
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bad
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emocracy Dies in Darkness.”
The Washington Post rolled out this phrase in early 2017 as its first slogan in its 140-year history. The phrase is not original to the paper. Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos, also the founder of Amazon, said he cribbed it from Watergate and former Post reporter Bob Woodward. Woodward has reportedly said he grabbed it from the pages of a Supreme Court decision on the First Amendment. Whoever said it first, the sentiment and idea behind it is as old as our Republic: without a wellinformed citizenry, we cannot make informed decisions about our government, our leaders or our communities. “The role of the press in America is outlined by the First Amendment,” said Joe McQuaid, publisher of The New Hampshire Union Leader and Sunday News. “Their job was to report and inform the public so that they could know what their government was doing and be a part of it. …The worst thing that the United States has to fear is an ignorant populace that is either ignorant, apathetic or both about their role of civics in the country and participating in their role in the government.” With so many hurling allegations of “fake news,” and with actual fake news flying onto social media platforms at breakneck speed, it can not only be hard to remember what the purpose of the press is in our democracy and how to be discerning consumers of media, but also how to convey that information to our children. “Media is really our children’s currency — their language and primary source and means of information and communication,” said Rona Zlokower, executive director of Media Power Youth, a Manchester-based media literacy organization. “They are receiving [information] all the time and often times we have not made the effort to teach them how to understand and interpret as well as access and create media that has validity and that comes from a valid source…whether it’s trying to get the reader to do something or think something and what is not being told in that story. And it’s really very, very important.”
The journalist’s role “The press does not have a role in government but it plays an important watchdog role, sounding an alarm when government doesn't seem to be serving the public's best interests,” said Howard Altschiller, executive editor of Seacoast Media Group, which publishes the Portsmouth Herald/Foster's Daily Democrat.
news
How the media plays a key role in maintaining democracy By Melanie Plenda
The First Amendment is on display near Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA.
november 2017 www.parentingnh.com 27
How to spot ‘fake news’ Fake news is news that is knowingly published using false or misleading information with the intent to deceive readers. In a recent talk with students at Oyster River High School in Durham, Howard Altschiller, executive editor at Seacoast Media Group, offered the following 10 questions students should ask themselves when weighing the credibility of a news story.
At President Trump's first solo press conference in February, he discussed several topics including "fake" news.
Is the person speaking in a position to know what he or she is talking about? Are they an expert in the subject they are discussing? Do they have direct knowledge of what they’re discussing? What is this person’s track record for giving accurate information? Have they told the truth in the past or have they made questionable statements? Is the source in a news story attributed or anonymous? What does the news source have to gain or lose by sharing this information? Is the information an offhand comment or an official statement or document? A statement someone makes while giving a sworn deposition under the threat of committing criminal perjury will have more credibility than a comment made when there are no consequences for misstating the truth. Are you seeing the whole video or something that has been edited? Raw video is better than edited video. If the video has been edited, worry about the parts you are not seeing. Regarding news organizations, who owns them? Who is on their board of directors? Where do they get their funding? Remember to apply your common sense. If something seems outlandish it probably is.
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Image courtesy of nbcnews
“The press holds government officials accountable for their actions by alerting citizens. It renders complex topics understandable and, on a positive side, fosters an exchange of ideas and information between the people and their elected representatives.” And not just the government, adds Lisa Miller, associate professor of journalism and English at the University of New Hampshire. A journalist’s job includes monitoring what anyone in power does, she said, as well as “giving voice to people who are affected by what those in power do, but don't have power themselves.” Anyone from a reporter paid to work for a news organization to a person posting on Twitter can and do call themselves journalists. Anyone can post a photo or a blog on a website. But a journalist, regardless of platform or pay, is expected to adhere to standards and ethics. To understand the nuts and bolts of what a journalist is and does, the American Press Institute (API) put together a list of elements common to good journalism they drew from the book The Elements of Journalism, by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel. Among the elements listed is the idea that a journalist’s first obligation is to the truth. That means gathering accurate and reliable facts and then putting them in a meaningful context. “This ‘journalistic truth’,” according to API, “is a process that begins with the professional discipline of assembling and verifying facts. Then journalists try to convey a fair and reliable account of their meaning, subject to further investigation.” To do this they have to be transparent about sources and methods as much as possible so that their audience can assess and ultimately judge the information for themselves, according to API. Another element is that a journalist has to be loyal to citizens above all else. That means whether they are working for a big media corporation or they are an at-home blogger, a journalist has to put the public interest and truth above their own self-interest and assumptions and even the corporation’s shareholders and advertisers. Furthermore, a cornerstone of journalism is verifying information and then verifying it some more. “While there is no standardized code as such, every journalist uses certain methods to assess and test information to ‘get it right,’” according to API. “Being impartial or neutral is not a core principal of journalism. Because the journalist must make decisions, he or she is not and cannot be objective. But journalistic methods are objective.” That means a journalist will seek out multiple witnesses, disclose information about sources when possible and ask various sides for their comments, according to API. Moreover, a journalist has to be an independent monitor of power. Enter the watchdog journalist.
Watchdog journalism Some consider watchdog journalism to be simply muckraking or playing “gotcha” with sources. But what it means is being more than a passive observer of the news, being someone who seeks out the news and goes deeper. “We are supposed to be making sure that A) government is open; and B) whatever it is doing, the press is reporting on it for its readers. That’s the watchdog role,” McQuaid said. “It doesn’t have to be a 10-month investigation and thousands of dollars, which few people have anymore, nor does it have to be a ‘Deep Throat’ just dumping information in your laps. Rather it is just the hard grunt work of attending government meetings, looking at government contracts and listening when someone said, ‘Hey, how come someone is doing this? How come someone is doing that?’” For example, a reporter might go to a city council meeting to cover an issue. He or she will take notes and report what was said. Watchdog journalism means taking that information and then digging deeper to get opposing views, supporting documents, and researching the context in which the issue is occurring, among other things. The result could mean the uncovering of some malfeasance or scandal, an unreported problem or success, or it could simply mean providing more information to the public than they had previously. “All journalism should be watchdog journalism,” said veteran journalist Nancy West, who founded the nonprofit New Hampshire Center for Public Interest Journalism and is the executive editor of www.indepthnh.org. “I tell my students that all reporters must be investigative reporters. There are too few of us and we are all working harder than ever, mostly with few raises.” That’s a problem, Miller said, “…because news organizations have had to cut staff
in recent years, there are fewer reporters covering local and state government, fewer acting as watchdogs. That's not a good thing for citizens.” And yet, distrust of the media is growing. According to a September 2016 Gallup Poll looking at Americans’ trust in the mass media, 32 percent of those polled say they have "a great deal" or "a fair amount" of trust, down from an all-time high of 72 percent in 1976, the era of investigative journalism surrounding Watergate and Vietnam. The Gallup poll also found that this dip is nonpartisan. Between 2015 and 2016 trust in the media fell from 55 percent to 51 percent among Democrats, 33 percent to 31 percent among independents and 32 percent to 14 percent among Republicans. “In my experience most reporters are straightforward, honest people who work hard to get the facts and try to present their stories in a fair, impartial and unbiased manner under tight time constraints,” Altschiller said. “Unfortunately, I don't think that's the common perception of news reporters.” That perception isn’t helped by the proliferation of partisan news sources offering one-sided coverage, by politicians calling news they don’t like “fake” or by the infiltration of actual fake news into easily sharable platforms.
‘Fake news’ Miller describes “fake news” as “false information presented as an objective news story, in the format of a news story.” Some recent examples floating around online, as reported by the fact checking and general debunking website www.snopes.com, include Disney World permanently closing after damage caused by Hurricane Irma and Arizona Senator John McCain accidentally voting no on the Affordable Care Act vote.
or call 603-818-8613 to schedule a personal tour today
november 2017 www.parentingnh.com 29
Media literacy resources for parents and teachers Media Power Youth: A NH-based organization that works with schools, institutions, businesses and government to create and implement research-based media literacy programs. Media Literacy Now: Educational resources for teachers and parents. www.medialiteracynow.org In October 2017, the Newseum announced a new initiative in partnership with Facebook to develop and distribute media literacy resources worldwide to students, adults and learners of all ages. The partnership is being spearheaded by NewseumED, which provides free online content and tools to equip people to be better, more informed media consumers. www.newseumed.org
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PBS Teachers: Media Literacy: The PBS Teachers section on media literacy includes a quiz that parents can take about kids and media use, as well as links to resources and classroom ideas for educators. www.pbslearningmedia.org
that works with educators and journalists to teach middle school and high school students how to sort fact from fiction in the digital age. www.thenewsliteracyproject.org
American Press Institute’s News Literacy resources: API provides many different resources that news organizations, educators, advisors, parents and students can use to better understand how news and media works. www.americanpressinstitute. org/youth-news-literacy/ resources Center for Media Literacy: Resources for educators. www.medialit.org/educatorresources The News Literacy Project: The News Literacy Project is a nonpartisan national education nonprofit
Image courtesy of www.medialiteracynow.org
It is important to teach your child how to be an educated news consumer.
About anonymous sources In a perfect world, all information in the AP report would be attributed to named, on-therecord sources who could be held accountable for the accuracy of their information. At times, however, there may be a need to use anonymously attributed information to tell an important story. This is allowed by AP in carefully defined circumstances: if the information is from a credible source with direct knowledge; if it brings to light important facts that otherwise would remain in the shadows; and if the information can be obtained no other way.
These examples are demonstrable fake news stories. But there have been many stories published by arguably reputable news sources that have also been given that label by politicians, namely President Donald Trump. But for those who think the tension between the White House and the press is new, it’s not. “The distrust that built up between reporters and the White House during the Vietnam War came to a head during the Watergate scandal and never abated,” Altschiller said. “While President Trump's high-profile attacks on the press are troubling, President Obama in his eight years prosecuted more leakers and whistleblowers than the three presidents before him.” Fake news, and even the tension between politicians and the press, can be barrier for people seeking that information. A recent Poll from The Pew Center showed that 83 percent of Americans think current tensions have made the relationship between the Trump administration and the news media unhealthy. And 73 percent of Americans say these tensions are getting in the way of access to important national political news and information. This is an issue because those who are engaged and informed, at least on a local level, tend to be the ones making the decisions. For example, a 2016 Pew Research Center study found that roughly one in five U.S. adults who feel highly attached to their communities have much stronger ties to local news than those who do not feel attached. In other words, they have more of a desire to stay up on current local events. Of those, 59 percent follow local news very closely — about twice the share of the unattached, the Pew study showed. Moreover, 44 percent of those people regularly get community news from three or more different source types, and about a third think their local media do a good job of keeping them informed, the study showed. And 27 percent of the highly attached people, who say they always vote in local elections.
Being media literate The public has a job to do, Zlokower said, when it comes to the press: to be conscious consumers of news and to help their children be the same. Read or watch the news with your children. Ask questions, such as what is the story being told? and who is telling it? who is telling the story? The latter question, she said, can help figure out what the presenter or author’s bias, if any, might be. Miller offers similar advice. “People should pay attention to sourcing of a story,” she said. “How does the journalist know what he or she knows and tells you? It should be clear from the story. Sources should be clearly and thoroughly identified; their connection to the story or the news should also be clear. “Journalists must try to get sources as close to the main news as possible. So readers should also ask themselves how knowledgeable they think a source is, based on what the reporter includes in a story about the source.” Parents should also ask, what is the story not telling me? Do I need to do more research to find out what was left out of the story? And is this story trying to influence or persuade me to do something? “So many people can now produce news. It’s so important that kids understand that there are a lot of people out there who want to get them to do things whether it’s to vote a certain way or to believe a certain way or to spread a certain story or to buy a certain thing or to adopt a certain lifestyle,” Zlokower said. “They need to have basic media literacy skills and know how to access real information, how to interpret it, how to analyze it, how to take it apart, and then how to create their own media that does have clarity and truthfulness and is not meant to be hurtful or influence somebody in a negative way.”
Valuable news often originates from whistleblowers who would be in danger of losing their jobs, or in some countries their freedom or their lives, if the information was traced back to them. News of official abuses, human rights violations, war crimes or environmental dereliction are some of the areas where anonymous sourcing has broken a story wide open — think Watergate or Abu Ghraib. In addition, for anonymously sourced material, the AP routinely requires extra corroboration in the form of more than one independent source. — Excerpted from July 21, 2017, by John Daniszewski, www.blog.ap.org
Melanie Plenda is a full-time freelance journalist living in Keene.
november 2017 www.parentingnh.com 31
Maple, may I Image courtesy of www.brewbakerskeene.com
aple season in New England may still be a few months away, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy that sweet nectar this time of year. In fact, maple’s warming and rich flavors only complement autumn – pumpkin can’t have all the fun this season. So while you’re prepping that turkey and baking those pies, save some time to enjoy a different kind of fall treat. Here are a few places around the state to indulge.
MAPLE LATTE
Brewbakers Café 97 Main St., Keene 355-4844 www.brewbakerskeene.com
WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: This isn’t your typical latte. Brewbakers’ Maple Latte combines the café’s very own freshly roasted Terra Nova Organic Espresso Blend, local maple syrup – from Borden’s Sugar House right down the road - and steamed milk. The coffee’s even roasted in small batches right in co-owner Jeff Murphy’s barn in Surry. (Brewbakers’ roastery will soon be moving to Emerald Street in Keene). “We offer [the maple latte] all year; hot or iced. It’s our signature espresso drink and my personal favorite,” Murphy said.
MAPLE RAISIN WALNUT CREAM CHEESE
The Works Bakery Café
Multiple locations: Keene, Concord, Durham, Portsmouth 800-536-9787 www.worksbakerycafe.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: Overnight guests are in abundance over the holidays, so when you’re slammed with Thanksgiving prep, treat them all to bagels for breakfast. The Works Bakery has just the treat to make those bagels a little extra special (and autumnal): Maple Raisin Walnut Cream Cheese. The Works’ hormone-free cream cheese is hand-whipped daily and is from Vermont family farms. Enjoy this dairy treat on a bagel for yourself or get it in a tub for those out-of-town guests to enjoy.
32 www.parentingnh.com november 2017
MAPLE SWISS BURGER
Parker's Maple Barn
1316 Brookline Road, Mason 878-2308 www.parkersmaplebarn.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: No maple roundup is complete without mentioning Parker’s Maple Barn. While it would take this entire article to list all their maple offerings, the Maple Swiss Burger may be the most drool-inducing. Served during lunch hours, Parker’s burger is topped with maple-caramelized onions and Swiss cheese. Sweet, savory, cheesy – and a welcome break from all those inevitable turkey leftovers.
CRANBERRY MAPLE WALNUT FUDGE
The Mill Fudge Factory
2 Central St., Bristol 744-0405 www.themillfudgefactory.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: Available through the rest of 2017 (and perhaps longer), this seasonal fudge flavor at The Mill Fudge Factory is a must-try. This treat consists of pure New Hampshire maple fudge that is brimming with walnuts and dried cranberries, and bursting with varying textures and fall flavors. Cranberries not your thing? The Mill Fudge Factory also offers flavors like Maple Walnut and Cabin Fever Maple Whiskey. These flavors are available in Bristol, but can also be shipped nationwide via The Mill Fudge Factory’s website.
Image courtesy of www.themillfudge factory.com
?
Maple is a sweet twist on the traditional fall flavors By Michelle Lahey
MAPLE SQUARE
Harvey’s Bakery & Coffee Shop 376 Central Ave., Dover 742-6029 www.harveysbakery.com
WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: Harvey’s Bakery has been making its Maple Squares for 85 years and they’ve developed quite the cult following. The made-from-scratch Maple Square is a soft, flaky pastry iced with maple buttercream frosting, which is made with real maple syrup. Its lesser-known twin, the Maple Round, is also a treat. It’s made just like its square sibling, but is filled with a sweet French cream. Pro tip: show up early, as these suckers tend to sell out. GRILLED SALMON
Atlantic Grill
5 Pioneer Road, Rye 433-3000 www.theatlanticgrill.com WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: This dish at Atlantic Grill features grilled salmon, maple-bourbon glaze, applewood smoked bacon, sweet potato hash, and fried Brussels sprouts. But the real star is the glaze: made with maple syrup from Labrie Family Farm (Atlantic Grill’s
owner’s farm) in Rye, bourbon, molasses, and local apple cider. “This dish stands out because the accompaniments with the salmon reflect our local area and farms,” said Becky Donovan, general manager. “The smoky bacon in the sweet potato hash also complements the sweet flavor of the glaze.” (Editor’s note: This is the restaurant’s best dish.)
Michelle Lahey is a food writer who was born and raised in New Hampshire. She also blogs about food at www.ahoppymedium.blogspot.com.
MAPLE CREAM-MAPLE CANDY-FUDGE ICE CREAM
Sanctuary Dairy Farm Ice Cream 209 Route 103, Sunapee 863-8940 www.icecreamkidbeck.com
WHY IT’S WORTH TRYING: It’s never too cold for a delicious bowl of ice cream. And at Sanctuary Dairy Farm, you will find just that. Their Maple CreamMaple Candy-Fudge ice cream is a mouthful – made with creamy maple-flavored ice cream (made with real New Hampshire maple syrup), chunks of maple candy, and their homemade fudge swirled throughout. If you’re looking for something a little simpler, Sanctuary Dairy Farm also offers Maple Cream, Maple Pecan and Maple Walnut flavored ice cream.
november 2017 www.parentingnh.com 33
cook•with•your• kids LET’S TALK TURKEY
By Susan Nye
W
hen I was a kid, Thanksgiving morning started early. It was still dark but I could hear my parents in the kitchen talking in hushed tones. They were having their annual debate of when to put the bird in the oven. Dad always worried that it would be undercooked and we’d all die of ptomaine. Mom worried the turkey would be overcooked and dry as dust. Or maybe it was the other way around.
1. HOW TO ROAST A TURKEY
• 1 whole turkey with giblets – depending on how much you love leftovers, plan on 1 to1 1/2 pounds per person • Butter or olive oil • 1/2-1 tsp. dried sage • 1/2-1 tsp. dried thyme • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper • 1 carrot, cut in large pieces • 1 celery stalk, cut in large pieces • 1/2 onion, cut in large pieces • Giblet Gravy (recipe follows) Make stuffing using your favorite recipe. Let it cool to room temperature and refrigerate until you are ready to stuff turkey or cook stuffing in a baking pan. I like to stuff my turkey, but you decide. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
34 www.parentingnh.com november 2017
I think cooking a turkey is more art than science. Check a dozen cookbooks and you’ll find a dozen opinions. Google “how long to cook a turkey” or “turkey hotline” and you’ll find hundreds more. So, here’s the deal. Avoid confusion and pick one source. It can be your grandmother’s favorite cookbook, the infamous Butterball hotline, or try my approach. Then go for it. 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.
Remove giblets and neck from the bird. Don’t let them intimidate you. They are in an icky, drippy bag in one end of the bird or the other. Save them to make the gravy. If you are stuffing the turkey, now’s the time. Rub bird with a little butter or olive oil, sprinkle with herbs, salt and pepper and put it on a rack in a large roasting pan. Add about 2-3 cups water to the bottom of the pan. Cover with foil, put turkey in oven and roast for 30 minutes.
following as a guideline: POUNDS
UNSTUFFED
10 to 18
3 to 3½
3¾ to 4½
18 to 22
3½ to 4
4½ to 5
22 to 24
4 to 4½
5 to 5½
24 to 30
4½ to 5
5½ to 6¼
(HOURS)
STUFFED (HOURS)
Turn pan, reduce temperature to 325 degrees and continue to roast turkey, basting every hour or so.
About 90 minutes before the turkey is due to finish, remove foil. Put carrot, celery and onion on bottom of the roasting pan. You want to keep about an inch of water in the bottom of the pan, so add more if necessary. Continue to roast, basting every 30-45 minutes.
For the total cooking time, you can use the
While turkey is roasting, make giblet broth.
2.
GIBLET BROTH
Enough for a 12- to 16-pound turkey
• Giblets and neck from the turkey • 4 c. chicken broth • 1 bay leaf Put neck in a small pot with chicken broth and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce to low and simmer covered for 30 minutes. Add giblets and continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Discard neck and bay leaf. Remove giblets, strain broth, and store the giblets and broth in refrigerator until ready to make the gravy.
3.
GIBLET GRAVY
Enough for a 12- to 16-pound turkey
• The giblets and giblet broth you cooked earlier • 1 c. dry white wine • 3-4 T. all-purpose flour Transfer vegetables from roasting pan to blender; add giblets and enough giblet broth to cover. Blend until smooth. Add remaining broth and process to combine. Skim fat from roasting pan juices and discard all but 2-3 tablespoons fat. Reserve. Heat roasting pan over two burners on medium-high heat. Add wine and gibletvegetable broth and, whisking constantly, bring mixture to a boil and deglaze the pan.
When your guests arrive, allow them time to give you their opinions on how to cook a turkey. When you think the turkey is done, you can wiggle the legs to see if they move easily. You can also poke the bird to see if the juices run clear. Poke it enough times and all the juices will run out and you will have a dry turkey. Alternatively, use an instant read thermometer. Insert thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. As soon as it reaches 160 degrees, it’s done.
Let everyone admire the turkey. If the cooking-time debate continues, smile and have a glass of wine or walk around the block. Draft a volunteer to help you wrestle the turkey out of the pan and onto a large platter. Reserve juices and vegetables in the roasting pan for the gravy. Loosely cover turkey with foil and let it rest for about 30 minutes. While turkey rests, make gravy.
Meanwhile, heat reserved turkey fat in saucepan over medium-high heat. If you don’t have 2-3 tablespoons, you can substitute butter. Continue whisking flour and fat while you slowly add giblet broth and juices from roasting pan. Bring gravy to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes. If gravy is too thick or you think you need more, extend it with more chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour into gravy boat to serve.
Carve the turkey and arrange it on large serving platter. Scoop the stuffing out of the bird, add it to the platter or put it in a bowl. Serve with giblet gravy. Happy Thanksgiving!
november 2017 www.parentingnh.com 35
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MY DAUGHTER DOESN’T HAVE TO ASK MY EXPERT OPINION ON MUSIC — IT’S AUTOMATIC
I
BY BILL BURKE
’ve recently become aware of an unexpected option in my car — evidently the driver’s seat can double as a soap box. I renewed my satellite radio subscription, so we continue to have access to a wide range of tunes you won’t hear on commercial radio. For the daughter of a guy who has very strong opinions about music, every trip to the grocery store, every drive to a cousin’s house and every mundane errand has turned into a master class on music. At least that’s how I see it. I think from her perspective it’s more like “old guy pontificates about things that don’t really matter.” This is how it usually goes: I’ll start the car, turn on the radio, then flip through all the channels until something strikes me as interesting. That’s when the lecture starts. I’ll ask her opinion, talk about the history of whatever band is playing, or make a weird face and change the station again. It makes our time in the car fun, though. Instead of riding in silence or having her stare at her phone for the duration, we have a back-and-forth about what we’re hearing. While carting her to a bass lesson in Derry, I kept an account of the music we heard and the commentary it prompted. For scientific purposes, of course. BAD BRAINS
PRESENTED LOCALLY BY:
Me: “These guys were really pioneering for their time, and the guitarist’s name is ‘Dr. Know.’” Her: “Does he even have a medical degree?” BON JOVI (Changes the channel immediately.) SEX PISTOLS
When Johnny Rotten wrote the lyrics to “God Save the Queen” in 1976, there’s no way he could’ve known that some graying dude in New Hampshire would be singing along to it with his daughter 40 years later. Maybe it’s lost some of its controversial gut-punch, but when my daughter plugs in her bass and I punch out the chords on my Tele, I think we could be a safety-pinned Partridge Family. Me: “No future!” Her: “You can say that with a straight face at 50?” Me: “You’re grounded.” JUDAS PRIEST
Me: “Tell me what album this song is on and I’ll stop for ice cream.” Her: “Greatest Hits?” Clever, but there would be no ice creams of victory this day. CAT STEVENS
BENEFITING
Me: “How do you say Cat Stevens in Spanish?” Her: “Cat Stevens.” Me: “Isn’t it Gato Stevens or something?” Her: *Looks at me with a mix of bemusement and disappointment* IRON MAIDEN
Sunday, November 12, 2017 Doors: 1:00pm – Show Begins: 2:00pm The Palace Theatre – Manchester, NH For Tickets Call 603.668.5588
36 www.parentingnh.com november 2017
When this band comes on the radio, my true oratory skills come to the fore. It’s a well-known fact I am North America’s foremost Iron Maiden scholar. I have a PhD in Running to the Hills, and she knows that if these guys come on the radio, we’ll spend the rest of the drive talking about the Crimean War, “Young Goodman Brown” or the story of the R101 airship. The way I see it, if the lyrics to “Alexander the Great” helped me pass a Western Civilization test in college, I’m being a responsible parent. Me: “I first became a fan of this band…” Her: “In 1982.” Me: “For the longest time I preferred Di’Anno, but…” Her: “Bruce Dickinson is superior.” I’ve taught her well. Bill Burke is a huge rock star writer who lives in southern New Hampshire with his wife and daughter. He is also managing editor of custom publications for McLean Communications.
learning curve Preparing for the annual IEP meeting STRATEGIES YOU CAN USE TO IMPROVE COLLABORATION AND REDUCE FRUSTRATION
F
BY ELIZABETH FEINGOLD
or many families that have children with specialized learning needs, annual IEP meetings can be perplexing, overwhelming, and maybe even annoying. By law a team of your student’s teachers, specialists and administrators must gather every year to provide updates about your student’s progress, to discuss continuing needs and to develop the Individualized Education Program. Because many districts have changed from holding end-of-the year IEP meetings to “birthdate” meetings (held near the student’s birthday, or the initial evaluation date), this is the time to think about how to best approach this year’s meeting. There are strategies you can use to ensure these meetings are more collaborative. Consider the following when you are notified that it’s time to set up your child’s annual IEP meeting or an IEP review meeting: Be available to schedule the IEP meeting. Provide your email address or phone number — whatever form of communication is best for you — and let the school know when you are most available to communicate, as well as to meet. Ask for and review the IEP drafts prior to the meeting. Make notes about the IEP draft and bring them to the meeting. Also prepare questions to ask at the meeting that are specifically focused on the IEP draft as it pertains to your student’s profile and needs. At the meeting, focus on your child’s needs. Make sure the team stays focused and doesn’t devolve into negative discussions about district resources or other issues. Ask the team to talk first about your student’s progress and strengths before discussing continuing needs and supports. Include your student in the process. If you think they are too young to attend the meeting, talk to them beforehand to get feedback and input about how they think things are going at school. If your student is old enough, encourage them to attend the meeting. (Students should attend as soon as they feel comfortable, usually in the upper elementary grades, as they are critical members of the team and their input is essential to their continued growth. This also builds self-advocacy skills and learner persistence.) What are your student’s priorities? Make sure those are addressed at the meeting. Take notes during the meeting you can review at home. Provide data and information from your home observations. Some of these could be specifically school-related, and some could be based on how your student responds to routines, structure, relationships, changes in weather or changes in health. All of your observations are essential to help the team understand your student and to create the best learning plan. Actively listen to all team members. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone, however try to be open to new ideas and be willing to hear other points of view. Be open to and willing to negotiate and collaborate. Voice legitimate concerns that you can back up with data. Implementing these strategies when approaching your student’s next IEP meeting will help in developing a collaborative team. Everyone working together to best meet the needs of your student will help sustain your child’s success throughout the year.
Holiday Event
An empowering day for girls 8-12
Nov. 18th Devens, MA 10am-4pm
NobleExpos.com
ExplorE possibilitiEs togEthEr
• • • • • •
Hits for the whole family!
• •
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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 a consultant and advocate. Email her at seacsvcs@gmail.com.
Z107FM.COM/LISTEN november 2017 www.parentingnh.com 37
house calls From living at home to living away REDUCE STRESS ON YOUR CHILD BY HELPING THEM MAKE A PLAN FOR HEALTH SERVICES
T
BY LISA PLOTNIK, MD
ransitioning from adolescence to adulthood affects many aspects of a person’s life. A child’s “job” is to go to school and get an education. As teens move to the next level — vocational training, college, the workforce, etc. — it is a major life change. The loss of a familiar structure can lead to significant mental stress for youths in transition, and present challenges for the entire family. In preparation for these life changes, both health and mental health should be on a parent’s radar when looking at schools or day programs. There are some great resources available to young adults and parents to facilitate this transition. That’s important because nearly 50 percent of all college-age adults have some form of a psychiatric disorder. College students are seeking behavioral health treatments and help in record numbers. Based on a large compilation of College Mental Health center data: 1 in 2 students have received psychological services in the last five years. 1 in 10 students have been hospitalized previously for psychiatric issues. 1 in 4 students report self-injurious behaviors (such as cutting, erasing, etc). 1 in 3 students have seriously considered suicide. Additionally, the age of onset for symptoms related to mental illnesses is 18-25, typically when youths have left home for the first time. How can our young adults be supported through these challenging times? If your child is leaving the area for school or employment, here are some tips: 1. Know the crisis numbers in their area to call or text in an emergency. 2. If your youth remains on your health insurance, but is out-of-state, contact your insurance plan to determine whether their location is in- or out-of-network and what the outof-network benefits are. Be aware that student health insurance offered through a college typically only covers the student during academic periods, not during school breaks. 3. Know the college’s policy about sharing academic or health information with parents. Even if parents are paying tuition, this does not ensure they will be notified — because most college students are older than 18 and considered to be legal adults. If your youth is in treatment prior to leaving for college, continuing treatment for the first year of the transition often is helpful, even if the issues appear resolved. Having a connection with a therapist while facing the challenges of being away from home, living with new people, managing a new lifestyle and interacting with peers, can help your youth stay safe and healthy. If a connection between your child and their therapist has to be severed because of distance, finding a provider at school or near school can ensure continued treatment. What if your child has intellectual disabilities? What will their next phase look like? Typically these experiences are not as structured, nor as supported, as they were in the school system. The transition to less intensive supports can be a struggle and may present parents and staff with behavioral changes. Anticipating the challenges can prevent some of the problems your youth may experience during this process. Be sure to include your youth’s primary care provider and behavioral health team in creating a plan. Additional resources: www.jedfoundation.org www.settogo.org www.gottransition.org
• • •
Lisa Plotnik, MD is a practitioner in the Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Department at Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester. For more information, go to chadkids.org
38 www.parentingnh.com november 2017
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is the second of a three-part series about healthcare transitions. Dr. Plotnik will discuss transitioning with special health care needs in the December issue. If you missed last month’s column about transitioning from a pediatric to adult provider, go to www. parentingnh.com.
raising teens and tweens The freshman test PARENTS FACE NEW CHALLENGES WHEN THEIR TEEN BECOMES A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BY TRACEY TUCKER
T
he start of the school year can be stressful and this feeling is more pronounced if your child has moved from middle school to high school. When parents talk to me about their eighth-grader moving on to high school, they often question how much control and freedom to give their new freshman. They might ask about how to talk about dating, friends, parties and drugs. Many parents also struggle with how much or how little to be involved in their child’s academics. There are also changes at home — such as your teen wanting to keep their phone on later or throughout the night. They may also struggle to manage their time as their academics become more difficult. This is a time of huge developmental growth. Many incoming ninth-graders are just beginning to seriously consider the issues of sex, relationships and substances in a more adult perspective. This expanded scope of ideas can cause conflict between parent and child. They may ask 'Why is my curfew so early? Why can’t I go out with my friends tonight? Why can’t I go out on a date with my boyfriend/girlfriend?' It is important for parents to talk with each other first to understand how each other thinks. It is not uncommon for parents to have drastically different parenting styles, which can make these decisions more difficult. It can also be too easy to become extremely rigid with rules and expectations. Although there are no one-size-fits-all answers, there are ways to find balance and peace during this time: 1. Your kids are going to make mistakes. Help them understand how to learn from their mistakes and get back up on their feet. Natural consequences are good and can be created by the school, peers or even parents. 2. Don’t get caught up in their emotional roller coaster. One day your child will be mad at you or mad at their friends or mad at the world. Most often these feelings go away. Let them process through their rapidly changing feelings, and with any luck they will talk to you about them as well. But they will only share with you if you listen without advice and criticism. 3. Many kids will have irrational issues that arise as they are figuring out their social environment. Stains on their shirt, makeup that’s not right, and hair that just won’t do what they want it to. All of these “catastrophic events” will ultimately end up invading your morning. Our best defense is to allow them to rapidly burn up like a phoenix and know that when you see them again they will have arisen from the ashes as a brand new person. 4. If you make the decision to follow your child through their cell phone or social media and monitor all of their texts and communication with their peers, be prepared to see the best and worst in your kids. Don’t react to everything you see or hear. If we constantly correct our kids, they will forget the most important lessons. Look for patterns and be mindful of how you present the messages. 5. Sometimes parents should worry. Certainly when their kids withdraw from academics, friends and extracurricular activities — especially if it lasts for more than two weeks. If your child shows changes in eating or sleeping or if you observe risk-taking behaviors, parents should seek help from their PCP or a counselor. Sometimes the challenges of adolescence can be overwhelming and it is important to offer them support outside our parenting world. Tracey Tucker is Executive Director of New Heights: Adventures for Teens and a licensed mental health counselor at Tradeport Counseling Associates in Portsmouth.
ADVENTURE
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Birthday shout-out on TV & online Special kids events with VIP Status Exclusive family e-newsletter Surprise gift for kids
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november 2017 www.parentingnh.com 39
out about
november
Courtesy photo
3RD ANNUAL CHILDREN’S AUTHOR FESTIVAL 4 SATURDAY
PORTSMOUTH – Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St. The Children’s Author Festival welcomes local children’s book authors and illustrators to read from and sign their books, available for purchase at the event. Games, prizes and book-related activities are all part of the fun. Acclaimed author and illustrator JoAnn Adinolfi leads off this year’s event with a special reading. Parenting NH’s own Jacqueline Tourville will
VETERAN’S DAY SCIENCE SHOWCASE also be in attendance. Children 12 and under receive a ticket for free skating at the museum’s Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond. Free. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For complete list of participating authors and illustrators, go to www. strawberybanke.org.
CHRISTMAS AT THE FELLS 4 SATURDAY – 12 SUNDAY
NEWBURY – 456 Route 103A. Tour The Fells Main House and get inspired! Professional
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10 FRIDAY RYE – Seacoast Science Center, 570 Ocean Boulevard. School is out today, so the science center has extra special programs planned. Learn how we care for our animals, become a marine biologist for a day and explore Odiorne Point State Park’s history and our maritime heritage. See a fish dissection magnified on the big screens in the Gregg Interactive Learning Studio and for a small additional fee, dissect a squid (space limited-preregistration recommended). At noon, take a history walk and learn about Odiorne’s military years when Fort Dearborn was built to protect Portsmouth Harbor during WWII, and see many of the fortifications that remain. In addition to scheduled programs, the center will be filled with fun crafts and activities for all ages throughout the day. Admission: Adult, $10; age 3-12, $5; younger than 3, free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 436-8043; www.seacoastsciencecenter.org interior designers, floral artists, decorators and talented volunteers have sprinkled their magic throughout to create this one-of-a-kind Christmas showcase. On weekends, tourgoers can enjoy lunch in the Dining Room Café. The Holiday Gift Boutique will also be open. Tickets: $23; $5 for children. For hours and more information, go to www.thefells. org.
BE NICE TO THE WEATHER GUY, WITH JOSH JUDGE 11 SATURDAY
CONCORD – Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 South Main St. Join Gibson's Bookstore for a special story time as guest author Josh Judge (yes, that Josh Judge!) shares his illustrated children's book Be Nice to the Weather Guy,
about Josh at the TV station on Christmas Eve wishing for snow and then it comes... and boy does the snow ever come down! Josh will be donating all profits from book sales to Children's Hospital at Dartmouth. Free admission. 11 a.m. 224-0562; www.gibsonsbookstore.com
WARREN MILLER FILM SCREENING
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
MANCHESTER – Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St. Celebrate the upcoming winter sports season with the annual Warren Miller Film screening. Winter sports enthusiasts and supporters of CHaD will come together to raise critical funds for the Kristen’s Gift Endowment Fund at CHaD. Miller’s latest picture, “Line of Descent,” takes viewers by land, air and sea to explore the ties that bind the ski culture worldwide. Destinations include Jackson Hole and Squaw Valley to Norway, France, New Zealand and more. Proceeds from the event will directly support Kristen’s Gift, the pediatric oncology fund at CHaD established by John and Patty Xiggoros of Manchester after their daughter’s battle with a rare form of childhood cancer. Silent auction, goodie bags and door prizes. Tickets: VIP, $55.50; $30.50. 1 p.m. 668-5588; www.palacetheatre.com
CONCORD – Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St. History in 50 minutes – seven actors, two feet off the ground, share 21 square feet of space and recreate the entire American fight for independence from Lexington to Yorktown. Using only the actors’ bodies, voices and (pantomimed) cannons, the show evokes an epic time period in American history. The American Revolution combines tonguein-cheek humor with a dash of derring-do. Grades 4 and older. Tickets: $7. Show times: 10 a.m. and noon. 225-1111; www.ccanh.com
12 SUNDAY
13 MONDAY
CALLING ALL CROWS! 18 SATURDAY
MANCHESTER – Amoskeag Fishways, 4 Fletcher St. As trees become bare and days grow shorter, large flocks
of American crows in Manchester become more noticeable. Regarded by some as a nuisance, crows have more in common with humans than we realize. They live together in families, are highly intelligent, and can recognize individual human faces. Learn to appreciate these clever neighborhood birds as we explore their lives and take a walk outdoors to look for crows and observe their behavior. Advance registration with payment required. $8 per family. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. www. amoskeagfishways.org
GREENSGATHERING AND WREATHMAKING 29 WEDNESDAY
HOLLIS – Beaver Brook Association, 52 Brown Lane. Take a hike to gather evergreens: Eastern hemlock, white pine and mountain laurel plus pine cones and winter berries (season permitting). Return to Brown Lane barn and enjoy tea and cookies while you learn to fashion a lovely, longlasting holiday wreath. Bring your own clippers if you have them; Beaver Brook will supply the wreath rings and wire. Register online. $25. 9 to 11 a.m. www.beaverbrook.org
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November is GOvember Family fun this month – no turkey necessary
J
By Jacqueline Tourville
ust a reminder: November has 29 other days that are not Thanksgiving. Looking for some fun activities to fill out the rest of the month? Whether you’re in the mood for holiday events, outdoor activities, or something different, here’s how to turn your family’s November into GOvember. Naturally November Animals are busy preparing for winter this month. But what about the fairies? Head to Waterville Valley and help the wee folk of the forest get ready for the colder weather ahead at the Rey Center’s fairy-house building event on Saturday, Nov. 4. Then go back to the Rey Center on Saturday, Nov. 18, for a free evening of dark sky star gazing from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Volunteers from the NH Astronomical Society will give a guided tour of the late fall sky. Both events are held on the grounds of the Curious George Cottage at 7 Noon Peak Road. www.thereycenter.org The full moon will be shining bright on Saturday, Nov. 4, and at Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, all ages are invited to a full moon hike to experience the trails surrounding the glistening waters of Shannon Pond. Moon rise is at 6:21 p.m.; hikers are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to watch the great silvery moon appear over the Ossipee Mountains. Before and after your hike, gather around the fire pit and enjoy light refreshments. This free event is co-sponsored by the Moultonborough Recreation Department. www. castleintheclouds.org Whooo’s up for learning about owls? On Saturday, Nov. 4, Amoskeag Fishways in Manchester, learn all about these birds of prey at a workshop led by New Hampshire owl experts Marcia and Mark Wilson. See owls up close and learn some of their calls. Choose from two presentation times: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. If you’re really into birds, return to Amoskeag Fishways on Saturday, Nov. 18, for Calling All Crows, a learning event about these clever birds that live
in families and neighborhoods just like humans do. Find out how a crow spends its day then take a walk outdoors to look for crows and observe their behavior. www.amoskeagfishways.org
Thankful for community Catamount Womenaid in Deerfield is a local nonprofit that provides short-term financial assistance to families in need. On Sunday, Nov. 5, help this organization help community members by running or walking in the Deerfield Veterinary Clinic Catamount 5K. The run takes place at the Deerfield Fairgrounds, with a special division for kids younger than 12. All proceeds go to continuing the mission of Catamount Womenaid. For more information or to register, go to www.catamountwomenaid.org. Live theater productions are a staple of family entertainment in New Hampshire. Why not support them by taking in a local production? In the spotlight this month is Community Players of Concord’s premiere of the epic new musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Featuring a lush and soaring score — including songs from the Disney movie version — this is live theater at its family-friendly best. Performances are Friday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Nov. 19. www. communityplayersofconcord.org
Hint of the holidays On Saturday, Nov. 4, Strawbery Banke brings the history of the Thanksgiving holiday to life with a 90-minute fast-paced and multi-sensory program that explores 300 years of Turkey Day celebrations in New England. Meet costumed role players, create a harvest craft and explore the museum’s homes to understand how some Thanksgiving traditions have changed over time — and how some traditions have stayed the same. Recommended for ages 5 and older. www.strawberybanke.org
Peterborough prepares for the holidays and invites you to join in the fun. Since 1994, Peterborough churches have joined together the Saturday before Thanksgiving to host a town-wide craft fair and holiday stroll. Each church puts their own flair on the day and people from all around spend the day strolling from church to church to start their holiday shopping. Along the way, visit with Santa, snack on cookies and other treats, and enjoy the warmth of small-town holiday fun. This year’s holiday stroll is Saturday, Nov. 18. What are your post-Thanksgiving plans? For a different twist of Black Friday, visit the White Mountains villages of Jackson, Intervale, Glen, Bartlett and Hart's Location for the kick-off weekend of Traditionally Yours, the region’s holiday extravaganza. Starting Friday, Nov. 24, visit local shops for snacks and storytelling, then get ready for Santa’s arrival on horse-drawn sleigh on Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Jackson Village gazebo at 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, Nov. 26, wrap up your holiday weekend at the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa’s annual open house. Marvel at the decorations, try some tasty treats, and best of all feel the holiday spirit. Jacqueline Tourville is a longtime contributor to Parenting New Hampshire.
five•for families
Shrek takes to the stage: Get November off to a fairy tale start with Shrek: the Musical, which is being performed at UNH’s Johnson Theatre in Durham. The heartwarming story of everyone’s favorite ogre is based on the blockbuster Dreamworks movie of the same name and is set to song. Performances are Wednesday, Nov. 1 to Saturday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. www.unharts. com
Free Saturdays at the Currier: On the second Saturday of each month, the Currier Museum in Manchester offers free admission for New Hampshire residents from 10 a.m. to noon. Browse the galleries and enjoy fun family art activities in the museum’s Creative Studio. The Currier is one of New England’s premier art museums, making this a can’t-miss cultural opportunity for all ages. www.currier.org
Celebrate an oldfashioned Thanksgiving: On Saturday, Nov. 18, stop by the New Hampshire Farm Museum in Milton to celebrate Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, the museum’s annual living history holiday event featuring costumed role players, homemade pumpkin pie and hot cider in the farmhouse kitchen, horse-drawn wagon rides through the fields, visits with farm animals and popcorn over the campfire. Plus, learn the story of Sarah Hale, the New Hampshire-born woman who persuaded President Lincoln to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday. Free with museum admission. www.farmmuseum.org
What’s there to do in New Hampshire for late fall family fun? Make it a November to remember with these kid-friendly picks.
Pizza for a good cause: On Saturday, Nov. 4, everyone can fill up on pizza at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s super yummy annual fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. For a reasonable price, enjoy all-you-can-eat pizza samples by local chefs and restaurants, then vote for your favorite. Restaurants will serve up both cheese and specialty pizzas for guests to sample and judge in the categories of Kids’ Choice Cheese and Grown-Ups’ Choice. Hands-on activities and raffles make this an exciting and fun evening for all ages. Discounted tickets available online. www.childrens-museum.org
Meet Tomie dePaola: On Saturday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m., Gibson’s Bookstore in downtown Concord welcomes legendary children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola for an afternoon of sharing stories. He will also answer questions from both young and not-so-young audience members. Know Strega Nona by heart? Don’t miss out on this kid-friendly opportunity to meet the creative mind behind this children’s classic. Free. www.gibsonsbookstore.com
Jacqueline Tourville is a freelance writer and PNH’s travel and tourism expert.
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Coutersy self portraits by Tomie dePaola © 2007
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