ParentingNH March 2020

HOMESCHOOLING RESOURCES • FREE SUMMER CAMP EXPOS: MARCH 14 & 21

MARCH 2020

COMPLIMENTARY

2020

Summer Camps Guide

Care Done Right, the First Time and Every Time.

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EDITOR:

Melanie Hitchcock, x5157 editor@parentingnh.com

INSIDE features

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Summer Camp Guide

The New Hampshire experience

Barbara Gallaher, x5156 bgallaher@parentingnh.com

Preparing for overnight camp

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Managing mental health issues

Melissa George, x5133 mgeorge@parentingnh.com BUSINESS MANAGER:

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A great place to get ‘gritty’ Learn social skills during the summer

MARCH 2020 departments 2 From the editor’s desk 4 The short list 6 I want that 38 Dad on board 39 Never a dull moment 40 House calls 42 Out & about 44 Time out

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Summer camp coloring contest winners

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Homeschooling in the Granite State Resources and information for parents

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ON THE COVER: Campers and counselors-in-training from Camp Hawkeye take a break in front of Cloudland Falls on their way to New Hampshire’s Mount Lincoln in August 2019. The tweens and teens, from left, Pascal, Cormac, Anthony, Ryan, Will, Eva, Shelby, Dakota, Neil, Florence, Max, Freddie, and Sophia are from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, England and Spain.

Photo by Jessica Colgan-Snyder, assistant director at Camp Hawkeye in Moultonborough.

www.parentingnh.com

| MARCH 2020 1

from the editor’s desk HOW ARE YOU DOING? HOW ARE YOU REALLY DOING? contributors • MARCH How are you? Be honest. Is it one of the following?

• “I’m overwhelmed. I’m not sure how much longer I can go on like this.”

• “My kids are driving me nuts and I want to run away from home.”

• “I feel like I’m all alone and I have no one to turn to.”

But you aren’t honest. You don’t want anyone — even your spouse or best friend — to think you are a bad parent or that you can’t handle it, so you say, “I’m fine.”

The phrase, “how are you” is much more than a throwaway, a prompt we often use to make polite conversation. It’s a question we need to ask sincerely of those we care about, as in “how are you really doing?”, and be ready and willing to hear the answer.

We need to answer honestly. In this culture, being vulnerable is frowned upon. We instead try to appear strong and project an “I don’t need anyone” mentality. We don’t want to burden others with our problems. We are defensive and use anger to protect ourselves and push others away.

We struggle silently alone. And it’s killing us.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people between ages 10 and 34, and the fourth-leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54.

More alarming is the suicide rate the Centers for Disease Control reported for ages 10-24 in October 2019. Suicide rates increased from 2007 to 2014; the rate for those ages 1014 nearly tripled from 2007 to 2017. Suicide is second only to accidents, such as car-crashes as the leading cause of teen deaths.

No one knows why more tweens and teens are killing themselves. Bullying and social media have been blamed, and they could be contributing factors. For any age, the answer is complicated. But there are signs when someone is in distress, and you can help.

It starts by simply asking: “How are you really doing?”

Most of the time you’ll find that someone

2 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

is just happy that you cared enough to ask so they feel free to vent about their bad day — or bad month or year. They feel better after you talk, less alone, and perhaps hopeful.

You might ask and receive an answer that concerns you. It’s a myth that if you talk about suicide you will put the idea in their head. Ask if they are thinking about hurting themselves and seek professional help (see resources below.)

That teen sitting alone in their room that hasn’t talked to you for a few days (unless they are yelling at you), the teen you think is going through a phase because this is happening all the time? Ask them how they are.

If you don’t get an answer, ask again. And keep asking.

We are all busy with work and our kids and life, but we need to try to check in with our friends and family to see how things are going.

We need to reach out to those who we think might need our help, especially those who can feel isolated like the elderly, and teach your kids to do the same.

Someone may be hoping someone just asks them how they are.

Ask. You could make their day, or save their life.

If you or someone you know needs help: In an emergency: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 1-800-273-TALK (8255) For more information and resources, call NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) NH at 1-800-242-6264.

MELANIE HITCHCOCK, EDITOR

KRYSTEN GODFREY MADDOCKS is a former journalist and marketing director who now regularly writes for higher education and technology organizations in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Mom to 5-year-old Everett, she has lived in the Seacoast area for the past 20 years.

KATHLEEN PALMER is an award-winning editor and journalist, marketing/communications content writer, and occasional comedic actress.

Nothing makes her happier than to make people laugh. She is a single mom to a teenager, so naturally she enjoys a glass of wine, or two. Check out her Never a Dull Moment column in this month’s issue.

THE SUMMER CAMP ARTICLES AND PHOTOS in this issue were provided by the New Hampshire Camp Directors Association at the direction of Garrett Colgan-Snyder, director of Camp Hawkeye.

NHCDA is a nonprofit that works with camps and the state of New Hampshire to help member camps ensure safety and best practices. The organization provides resources for families, camps and businesses. Go to www.nhcamps.org for more information.

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The Pediatric Dental Specialists www.parentingnh.com

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the short list DON’T MISS PARENTINGNH’S FREE SUMMER CAMP EXPOS Summer may be months away, but now is the time to find a summer camp for your child. For almost two decades, ParentingNH has hosted its free Summer Camp and Program Expos — a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to meet one-on-one with experts representing camps from New Hampshire and beyond. For more information on PNH’s camp expos on Saturday, March 14, in Manchester and Saturday, March 21, in Nashua, go to www.parentingnh.com.

ONE COLD NIGHT FOR YOU MEANS ONE BETTER LIFE FOR A LOCAL YOUTH An estimated 15,000 youth in New Hampshire will experience homelessness this year. Waypoint is the only agency in NH that provides comprehensive services for young people experiencing homelessness.

On average, Waypoint makes approximately 1,500 contacts a year with runaway, homeless and at-risk youth.

You can help! Join the Waypoint SleepOut 2020 to aid homeless youth and prevent homelessness from March 20-21.

The SleepOut will take place at two locations this year: Stanton Plaza in Manchester and Christ Episcopal Church in Exeter. For more information, go to www.

Approximately 130 people slept outside in waypointnh.org. downtown Manchester as part of Waypoint’s SleepOut in 2019 to raise funds and awareness to aid New Hampshire’s homeless youth.

COURTESY PHOTO

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Free fun for everyone The Greater Merrimack-Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Southern New Hampshire Kidsfest on Saturday, March 7.

Learn about activities and classes available year-round and summer camps for kids of all ages. Enjoy food, live music and entertainment, games and activities for kids, bounce houses, food trucks and touch-a-truck areas, interactive booths and more.

This free community event is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Westwood Park location of the YMCA of Greater Nashua. ParentingNH is a proud sponsor of this event. For more information, go to the event page on Facebook.

DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE ANXIETY? THIS EVENING IS FOR YOU

Penguin plunge 2020 The Penguin Plunge on Feb. 2 marked its 21st year with 515 plungers hitting the chilly water both as individuals and with teams from various businesses and other organizations.

When the sand and the waves had settled, a total of 931 people — including the annual high school plunge on Feb. 1 — raised $585,509 to support year-round sports training and competition for more than 3,000 athletes in NH. Each year’s plunge has a theme and the “Nifty-Fifties” motif was chosen to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics New Hampshire. COURTESY PHOTO

DAVE & BUSTER’S OPENS THIS MONTH IN MANCHESTER Dave & Buster’s is slated to open its newest East Coast location in Manchester on Monday, March 30, at the Mall of New Hampshire.

This is Dave & Buster’s first location in New Hampshire and it will feature over 34,400 square feet of state-of-the-art entertainment, including a chefcrafted food menu, innovative drinks, hundreds of the latest arcade games and a D&B Sports Bar surrounded with dozens of HDTVs. For more information, go to www. daveandbusters.com.

ONLY ON PARENTINGNH.COM:

MAPLE MADNESS

March is the month we turn the clocks forward, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and welcome back spring. And it’s also one of the sweetest months of the year because it is the height of maple season in the Granite State. Go to www. parentingnh.com to find a list of maple sugar shacks and maple producers to visit, information on Maple Weekend and more.

The Manchester School District, NAMI NH and Southern New Hampshire University are hosting a forum and film screening to raise awareness about anxiety in children and youth.

The evening starts at 6 p.m. with a resource fair and refreshments; the film screening of Angst is at 6:30; and the Q&A panel discussion starts at 7:15 p.m. Parents, children 10 and older, educators and community members are invited to attend.

Angst is a documentary designed to raise awareness around anxiety. The film includes interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts, parents and a special interview with Michael Phelps. The goal of Angst is to help people identify and understand the symptoms of anxiety and encourage them to reach out for help.

Angst screens in schools, communities and theaters around the world. The film and corresponding materials provide tools, resources and above all, hope.

The forum and screening on Wednesday, March 18, is being held at SNHU, in the dining center on the second floor, in Manchester.

www.parentingnh.com

| MARCH 2020 5

I want that

TOYS FOR TODDLERS AND YOUNG ONES

Educational and fun Promote social and emotional development with this set of 24 colorful family counters that represent people and pets in all families by Learning Resources.

They can be used for developing personal identity and learning how to count, sort and pattern.

For ages 3-7.

Get ready to ride The TootScoot is America’s original balance bike. Balance bikes are beneficial for developing and mastering balance and coordination. Transitioning to a traditional two-wheeled bike will be easier than ever. The TootScoot II has an adjustable seat and handlebars, so it grows right along with its rider. Available in pink, blue and red. For 18 months to age 3.

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON; $13.49

AVAILABLE AT WWW.TOOTSCOOT. COM; $79.95

Rock on, littles With the three-string Loog Mini guitar and its accompanying app, a child can learn to play songs — not just scales or exercises — on day one. This gives little rockers a sense of accomplishment. Kids are playing, learning and having fun from the very beginning, acquiring skills that stay with them forever. A variety of colors available. For age 3 and older. AVAILABLE AT WWW.LOOGGUITARS.COM; $79

Play and cuddle iPlay’s Plush Animal Bowling set gives your child seven new friends — six animal bowling pins (crocodile, lion, fox, panda, rhinoceros, giraffe) and a bowling ball (owl). The soft pins are easy for small hands to grasp and lift, and of course, cuddle. For age 1 and up.

AVAILABLE AT WWW.IPLAYILEARNTOYS.COM; $29

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Their first doll The Madame Alexander Doll Company has been making high-quality dolls that have been passed down from generation to generation since 1923. Dressed in a gender-neutral mint plush, the My First Mint baby is the perfect first doll. Cute and cuddly, this 12-inch newborn baby doll with a soft fabric body is ready to be hugged. For all ages.

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON, $34

FREE ADMISSION!

Meet with reps from area summer camps and programs:

Saturday, March 14 10 a.m.-1p.m.

NEW LOCATION

The Falls Event Center 21 Front Street

Manchester

Academy of Notre Dame Altitude Trampoline Park Camp Birch Hill Camp Center Stage Camp Gottalikachallenge Camp Grotonwood Camp Hawkeye Camp Marist Camp Sentinel/Sentinel Ministries Candia Springs Adventure Park Currier Museum of Art

Saturday, March 21 10 a.m.-1p.m.

Courtyard by Marriot 2200 Southwood Drive

Nashua

Edge on Science Evo Rock & Fitness Fleur de Lis Camp Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains Girls Inc. of New Hampshire Health Club of Concord Kroka Expeditions LETGO Your Mind Manchester Community Music School Mass Audubon’s Wildwood Camp

After the Expos

Go to parentingnh.com for a list of summer camps and programs.

View photos, videos and more!

Merrimack Parks & Recreation/Camp Naticook Nashua Community Music School N-Step Dance Center Ponemah Green Family Golf Center Road’s End Farm Rustic Pathways SkyVenture NH The Granite YMCA YMCA of Greater Nashua

More information and a current list of camps: parentingnh.com

Summer camp in NH: Your child will have a great experience camping in the Granite State (even if they already live here!)

BY LARA SKINNER

88 www.parentingnh.com www.parentingnh.com || MARCH MARCH 2020 2020

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSICA COLGAN-SNYDER

PHOTO COURTESY OF NHCDA

Summer, only better ummertime is a beautiful time to be in New Hampshire. Whether it’s navigating the rocky shore of tide pooling at local beaches or hiking some of the most challenging trails in the world in the White Mountains, there’s so much to do here in the summer.

And let’s not forget amusement parks, community recreation spaces, movies on the library lawn or a family trip to the Lakes Region. There are so many options.

Why then, in the name of all that is 603, would parents consider sending their child to camp to make summer better?

If your family is lucky enough to live in New Hampshire, enjoying a camp experience can be magical. Whether your child is an outdoor enthusiast or computer-science major in the making, there are more than 100 summer camps to choose from in the state alone, not to mention many more just over the border in Vermont, Massachusetts or Maine.

When children go to summer camp, they experience more than the fun of flipping a canoe — they learn courage when they make that first flip then get back in the boat successfully.

A camper who loves computer science in school gets a boost in self-esteem when they are given the space to experiment with coding and create a working robot. A camper who has never been on stage dares to participate in the camp talent show.

A camper who lives in a large city sees the Milky Way for the first time, illuminated on its own, without the glare of suburban lights to dim it.

IN THOSE MOMENTS, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE Summer camp is a place where children are encouraged to try new things in a safe and supportive community. Let’s face it: not every parent is comfortable flipping a canoe (or is even interested in canoeing). Giving your child a place and a space to explore their interests provides them with a treasure trove of experiences, memories and opportunities. Watching campers expand their world is exhilarating, and for some parents downright startling, when their newly independent child, full of ideas and actions, comes bounding through the door.

Camp is the first place many children will meet someone else their own age, not only from outside of their neighborhood and

school, but from another state or another country.

Last summer, for example, a group of girls from Vermont, New Hampshire and France met for the first time at a New Hampshire summer camp. Their goal was a three-day backpacking trip over Camel’s Hump, the state’s third-highest peak at 4,085 feet, and a beautiful summit along Vermont’s Long Trail.

The backpacking challenge required the girls to get to know each other and come together as a team. For a week before their trek, their counselor had them hiking around camp with all their gear in packs so they could get used to the weight. One of the girls from France had hiked the Pyrenees, the mountain range between France and Spain, so she had experience and stories to share with the others.

Once they started the trip, they worked together to master backwoods skills like filtering water and took on the challenge of an outdoor privy. Many cooked their own food for the first time over a backpacking stove and experienced the joy of a freeze-dried meal. They overcame fears, made new friends, learned new skills and most of all, had fun.

Summers in New Hampshire are wonderful. But you can give your children even more opportunities to truly appreciate living here. Camp communities encourage kids to be self-reliant, develop a sense of personal and community responsibility, and practice cooperation. Camp in New Hampshire is summer, only better.

Lara Skinner is a day camp and outdoor program coordinator with the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains. She loves being part of the magic of giving girls a strong camp experience, and helping them develop a love of nature and enjoyment of the outdoors.

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HOLLIS ACADEMY FOR CHILDREN OPEN REGISTRATION 2020 – 2021 4-A MARKET PLACE HOLLIS, NH HOLLIS ACADEMY FOR CHILDREN OFFERS: TODDLERS | PRESCHOOL | PRE-KINDERGARTEN BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE | SUMMER PROGRAMS 2–12 YEARS | VAN TRANSPORTATION

465-7005 • hollisacademy.net

10 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

Are you ready? Tips on how to prepare for overnight camp • BY DAN SYVERTSEN

amp is a powerful place for children, but making the decision to send your child to overnight camp for the first time can seem overwhelming. It’s important that your child (and you) are prepared. Here are some tips to make sure you’re both ready.

REVIEW POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. Make sure your child knows how things work at camp (phone calls, hand-held devices, lights-out times, etc.), so they are not surprised or confused once they arrive.

PARENT TIP: Being familiar with camp policies and schedules will help you feel more comfortable and give you confidence that the camp is a safe and supportive environment. Be sure to read the parent handbook or check out the website. If you have any questions, call the camp director before camp

PHOTO COURTESY OF NHCDA

PHOTO COURTESY OF NHCDA

Know before you go

starts. Always speak about camp in positive, encouraging ways. Instead of “you will probably be homesick,” try “It’s OK to miss us, but we are so excited for you to have this experience and we know you’re going to love it.”

TRY NEW THINGS. Encourage your child to focus on having fun and trying lots of new things. At camp, they may have the chance to participate in programs or eat foods that they haven’t experienced previously.

PARENT TIP: Provide your child with chances to experience new activities and foods before camp. It’s also a good idea to role model your willingness to get out of your own comfort zone and try new things, too.

BE OPEN TO NEW PEOPLE. If a child is going to camp with a friend, suggest that they also get to know other children, too. Explain that while they don’t need to be best friends with everyone, but they need to be inclusive and kind to all.

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Now Enrolling 2020-21

Inspiring students through hands-on learning Infants through 8th grade Flexible tuition program Londonderry, NH 603.818.8613 www.SNHEC.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF NHCDA

PARENT TIP: Ask the camp director if there are other new campers your child can meet before camp, either in person or via a video call if they live far away.

CHANGE YOUR CLOTHES. You would be surprised how many kids go home with a suitcase or trunk full of clothes that were never worn.

PARENT TIP: Make sure all clothes are labeled, and give your child opportunities before camp to pick out their own clothes so they’re used to making these choices themselves. If you do purchase any new items, be sure your child has the chance to wear them at least once before camp so they look familiar.

SPEAK UP. Before camp, talk to your child about advocating for themselves and for others in their cabin or group so they are prepared to ask for help if and when needed.

PARENT TIP: Ask your child questions: “What would you do if someone in the bunk wasn’t nice to you or someone else?” “What if someone wasn’t including you?” “Who do you think you should talk to if you need help?” Whether it’s social issues or a lost toothbrush, children need to know that it’s important to speak up in difficult situations.

MAKE MEMORIES. Provide your camper with a journal, notebook or paper to write down stories about what happened at camp.

If they’re at camp for longer than a week, be sure to send them with stationery and pre-addressed stamped envelopes.

PARENT TIP: Resist the urge to spend all day checking the camp website for new photos or calling camp every day to check in on your child. Most camps will either call you within the first day or two, or will welcome a call after the first few days. And when you pick them up after their successful camp experience, be prepared for lots of great stories!

Dan Syvertsen is executive director of Camp Spofford in Chesterfield, New Hampshire.

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June 22, 2020 through August 21, 2020

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.THEWORKSHEALTHCLUB.COM/SUMMERCAMP to learn more about our low ropes course, gardens, swim lessons, tennis, golf, soccer, volleyball, water slide and all the ways we foster

Healthy minds, Healthy bodies, Healthy futures!

Healthy Minds . Healthy Bodies . Healthy Futures Learn more about all our programming. Come in for a tour.

23 Works Way, Somersworth, NH 03878 603-742-2163 Online at www.theworkshealthclub.com

Gymnastics Camps Ninja Camps Summer Camp is back at Gymnastics Village with Junior Camps (ages 4-5) half and full day options (9am-3pm)! Designed for boys and girls from 6 to 14, kids will participate in gymnastics rotations, fitness–activities, • Full Day 9:00 3:30 Ninja Challenge obstacle courses, games, crafts, party • Half Day 9:00 – 12:30 apparatus like our inflatables, zip-line and more.

Registration is now opencamps for summer camps and Registration for summer and recreational recreational Call 603.889.8092 classes begins Aprilclasses.

1st. Call 603.889.8092 or visit gymnasticsvillage.com. or visit gymnasticsvillage.com.

Never underestimate the power of the scribbles and the amazing imagination of children.

Open Registration for 2020-2021 PROGRAMS OFFERED: (12 months to 5 years) • TODDLERS (12 to 35 months) • PRESCHOOL & *PRE-KINDERGARTEN • ALL CLASSES OFFER FULL OR HALF TIME

181 Route 13 BROOKLINE NH 603-721-5531 • scribblesearlylearningcenter.com

These Specialty Camps are for students ages 6-13

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PHOTO COURTESY OF NHCDA

Managing mental health issues at summer camp Camps are prepared to work with your child’s challenges

BY KATHLEEN M. KEARNS

hen parents send a child to residential summer camp, they picture their child looking like the kids in the camp brochure — suntanned, laughing, with an arm wrapped around a new best friend.

While this scenario could be true for many children, it’s not always the case for children who struggle with coping or self-care skills.

Statistics show that one in four youths struggle with a mental health problem — varying from mild to severe — including anxiety and depression, ADHD or hyperactivity disorders, bipolar disorders and severe emotional swings, and even suicidal ideation. www.parentingnh.com

| MARCH 2020 15

at Hampshire Hills Athletic Club Milford, NH

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSICA COLGAN-SNYDER

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If during the school year, your child has had difficulties making friends, regularly struggles with anxiety or depression, or has threatened self-harm or harm to others, their mental state will not magically improve just by sending them to camp. In fact, if the support, counseling, or therapy your child usually receives at school is gone, their mental health problems will likely be exacerbated.

Does this mean that if your child has a mental health concern, they can’t attend summer camp? Absolutely not! Camp directors know that the youth mental health environment has changed dramatically in recent years, and many are equipped to handle children with a variety of diagnoses and challenges.

Mental health challenges come in many forms. Often, camp staff must be ready to deal with a far-ranging spectrum of family dynamics, risk factors and behaviors, ranging from eating disorders and bullying to exposure to abuse, neglect and family substance abuse.

The camp experience can provide a fantastic environment for a child to find new coping tools and to learn how to navigate life’s challenges. Camp adventure programs build self-esteem and resilience, offer a chance to nurture strong relationships with peers

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and adults, and create opportunities to learn life skills that will bolster their social, emotional and physical health.

With a more informed awareness of the changing needs of campers, New Hampshire camps are focusing on finding innovative ways to better support campers.

For example, many camps now provide training for counselors in Mental Health First Aid programs. Summer staff learn to recognize the difference between typical, normal teenage angst and the warning signs that could signify the possibility of a full-blown mental health incident.

Additionally, many camps are hiring school psychologists and mental health professionals to live at camp throughout the summer session.

These professionals have the additional expertise and training required to decelerate a child’s anxiety, anger, or stress in the moment. With this training, they may be able to spot potential behavioral concerns or emotional issues before they escalate.

Campers in need of mental health counseling, day or night, can check in for support, just as they would at school with the school psychologist. Some camps will also arrange for a weekly or “as-needed” phone call to a home therapist or counselor.

If your child has a mental health challenge, how should you find and select the right camp to best support your child?

It’s important that parents research carefully what camps offer to find a program that will meet their child’s specific needs. There are also free camp search services that can help identify camps for consideration.

When speaking with a camp director, it’s vital that parents openly share their child’s previous or current mental health concerns so that staff are not surprised and are prepared to prevent incidents, recognize warning signs, and minimize or prevent potential problems on their child’s behalf. Be sure to ask the camp director about what types of mental health services are provided.

TWO MORE TIPS:

EVO Rock + Fitness offers something for everyone! // Bouldering + Rope Climbing // Climbing + Fitness Classes

Fun for all ages!

Indoor Camp Ages 6-12 // Climb 40’ Walls // Play Games // Tie Dye Shirts // Crate Stack // Make New Friends

NH Adventure Camp // Outdoor Day Camp Ages 10+

// Climb NH’s Iconic Crags // Hike Scenic NH Trails // High Ropes Course

Maine Adventure Camp // Outdoor Overnight Camp Ages 11+ // Climb the Iconic Otter Cliffs // Hike the Trails of Maine // White Water Rafting // Sea Kayaking

10 Langdon Ave., Concord, NH // 603.715.9171 www.evorock.com/concord-nh 18 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

If your child is receiving therapy or mental health support during the school year, be sure to notify the school psychologist or counselor before enrolling your child in a summer program. The school psychologist can convey the treatment plan to the camp psychologist so therapy continues during the summer months without interruption.

Be direct and honest with the camp administrator about your child’s mental health when you fill out the camp application.

Your child is more likely to finish the summer successfully and experience all the benefits of residential camp that will help them thrive.

Kathy Kearns is a freelance writer and recently retired executive director of the Circle Program, a nonprofit organization that offers residential summer camp and year-round mentoring programs to underprivileged New Hampshire girls.

A DAY CAMP

ER!

LIKE NO OTH

le Learn to jugg e Ride a unicycl ire Walk a tightw wn act Create a clo

!

Register today uscamp.org silverliningcirc 74 (603) 562-69 Milford, NH

show Perform in a A program of the Flying Gravity Circus.

Find us on Facebook: @slcc.fgc

Junior Camp: Ages 6-8 6/29-7/3 • 7/6-7/10 • 7/13-7/17 Youth Camp: Ages 9-14 6/29-7/3 • 7/6-7/10 Summer Tour: Ages 11-18 7/13-7/24

“Where everyone belongs.”

Gymnastics Classes Tumbling/Cheer Sensory/Adaptive Ninja/Dance/Yoga New! Cheer Gym and Competitive Team Open Play! (Call or check our

Facebook page for available times)

185 Elm Street #2, Milford, NH (Located in the Fitlab Plaza – Right of Dollar Tree)

★ Full and Half Day Camps for School Vacation Weeks and Summer Break

(603) 554-1097 SkyHighGym.com Find us on facebook® @skyhighgym

Open 7 Days/Week ★Online Booking ★Theme Birthday Parties

www.parentingnh.com

| MARCH 2020 19

2020

Meeting House Montessori School invites children 6-10* years old to join us this summer for some non-stop fun!

• June 15 – 19 and June 22 – 26: Space Camp • June 29 – July 2 and July 6 – 10: Culinary Arts Camp • July 13 – July 25: Theater Camp — Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon, the musical. *Children 6 – 13 years old are welcome to join us for Theater Camp!

• July 27 – August 21: Adventure Camp (four weeks) — choose one or more weeks Monday – Friday 8:30am – 3:30pm or 7:30am – 5:30pm For more information contact the office at casadeibambini@comcast.net or 603-227-9300 28 Logging Hill Road, Bow, NH 03304 • meetinghousemontessori.com

THE FOUNDERS ACADEMY Due to popular demand, The Founders Academy has expanded its summer camps into a six-week-long full-day summer program! Come join us for weeks filled with exciting adventure, enriching activities, and weekly field trips as we explore the core themes that we at Founders — and the rest of these United States — hold dear to our hearts. Each week, we will survey a new theme: character and leadership, history, literature, STEM, art and music, and academic skills.

Each day will be filled with fun projects and valuable lessons, from crafts to athletic events. Registration is open, and our space is limited. Sign up before March 1st to receive our Early Registration Deal — the $50 registration fee waived!

5 Perimeter Road, Manchester NH 03103 (603) 952-4705 | info@tfanh.org thefoundersacademy.org

20 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

A summer camp experience builds character • BY M.J. PARRY

n recent years, the term “grit” has become a buzzword in youth development. It’s considered a highly desirable characteristic, one necessary for young people to truly excel at school, sports and in life.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines grit as “a firmness of mind or spirit, unyielding courage in the face of hardship.” Grit is shorthand for determination, bravery, resolve,

PHOTO COURTESY OF NHCDA

PHOTO COURTESY OF NHCDA

The perfect place for kids to get ‘gritty’

and tenacity — it’s having the perseverance to keep working toward a goal, even when it is hard.

Throughout history, camps have always placed a high value on modeling, practicing and building the “I can do hard things” belief in young people, even if they didn’t call it “grit.”

It’s not easy to be gritty. It takes desire, the ability to ask for support, willingness to learn, the understanding that it’s OK to not succeed the first time and the confidence to try again. Having supportive adults and peers who exemplify, encourage, coach and celebrate successes is critical. Having many opportunities to practice grit greatly accelerates this skill and attitude development... and camp has more opportunities than you can count.

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| MARCH 2020 21

NH AUDUBON

amp C y a D e r u t a N t! is d if f e r e n

PHOTO COURTESY OF NHCDA

Every day

Trails & Treks Explore Natural Habitats Fun & Learning Live Animals

APRIL CAMP

Apr 27-May 1 SUMMER CAMP JUN 22-AUG 14 Ages 4-12.

School vacation weeks and summer camp.

Financial aid available.

Dates, details & registration online at www.nhaudubon.org.

Massabesic Center, Auburn

603.668.2045

McLane Center, Concord

603.224.9909

One obvious practice ground is in camp programs, whether it is learning a new swimming stroke, shooting for a bullseye in archery, throwing a bowl on the pottery wheel or perfecting a soccer kick. Another opportunity to demonstrate grit is the experience of living in a camp community. Every day at camp, there are opportunities to practice problem-solving, negotiating, effective communication, compromise and collaboration.

A third area to demonstrate grit is when dealing with homesickness. Missing home is a natural experience that some children have at camp, but happily, most work through it with the support of caring adults and fellow campers.

It can be hard for a child to decide to embrace the duality that they can love camp and miss home at the same time. After embracing that idea, they often find that staying busy, making friends and focusing on the fun and adventure of camp can result in greatly diminished (or even forgotten) homesickness. By taking these steps, a child can leave camp with a very powerful experience of “I can do hard things.”

Camp actively supports our children in building the hard-to-learn life skills of perseverance, resilience, and perhaps, “grit”.

Singing * Yoga * Dancing, Swimming * Film-Making * Acting Star-Gazing * Team Building Campfires * Tenting * Leadership

Committed to providing leadership skills through the arts in a non� competitive environment!

Session 1: July 7 � 19 Session 2: July 21 � August 2 Session 3: August 4 � 16 at Maple Lane in Livermore, Maine

207 - 500 - 2233

info@campcenterstage.org

22 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

Marijean Parry is the executive director of Fleur de Lis Camp in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire.

AGES

Amherst Bedford�Concord� Dover�Londonderry�Manchester� Nashua�New London�Pelham� Portsmouth�Salem

THE #1

TECH CAMP

FOR AGES 7-19 Coding. Game dev. Robotics. Digital arts.

This isn’t just a camp. It’s an experience unlike any other. Here, you push past the boundaries of school, finding your squad and bonding over the latest tech. Led by expert instructors, you will build the skills needed to forge a brilliant future.

HELD AT 150+ ELITE CAMPUSES INCLUDING: SNHU | University of Vermont | Endicott | Bentley Cambridge | NYU | UPenn | Carnegie Mellon | Caltech

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www.parentingnh.com

| MARCH 2020 23

LEARN, PLAY AND EXPLORE THIS SUMMER AT

Camp NDA!

• Ages 6-12 • 8 weeks Available • Before and After Care • Full and 1/2 Day Options • Canoeing/Kayaking • Hiking Trails • Two Ponds on 200+ acres • Outdoor Classroom

200 Bedford Street, Manchester, NH 03101

CAMP

Become a Counselor-In-Training (CIT) • Students Age 13-14 • Receive half off registration fee (Except Week 5) • Gain leadership skills • Help lead team-building activities • Build your resume

S

UMMER CIENCE

Amazing Feats of Science

For more information, visit ndatyngsboro.org/summercamp/

Early Bird Savings for Registrations received by April 18 180 Middlesex Road, Tyngsboro, MA • 978.649.7611 ext. 335

One Week of Fun Hands-on Activities!

Ages 7 - 13

July 13 - 17 or July 20 - 24 Save $15 before May 15th use code: EarlyBird

MOVIE MAKING CAMP Create an adventure & discovery film using Stop-motion Animation & LEGO® Bricks July 27 - 31 Ages 8 - 12

YMCA OF GREATER NASHUA

Registration for Summer Camp Starts in March!

Traditional Day Camp, Sports Camps, Art and Humanities Camps and So Much More!

#BestSummerEver

nmymca.org/camps

24 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

INVENTION CHALLENGE CAMP Be the first to try the new challenge for the 2020-2021 FIRST® LEGO® League season!

Program LEGO® EV3 MINDSTORMS® Aug. 3 -7 or Aug. 10 - 14 Ages 9 - 14

see-sciencecenter.org 669-0400

Camp fun + new social skills =

an A+ summer Five social skills (and more) your camper can work on away from home

BY EMILY GOLINSKY

s schools turn more attention to test preparation and meeting complex curriculum goals, teachers have limited time to work on character and socialskill development. Recess, social time and interactions that do not directly relate to curriculum standards take a back seat to reading, writing, math and STEM. This focus on academics means that parents should emphasize different goals for summer out-of-school time — from simply keeping kids engaged with backyard games or beach trips to creating meaningful opportunities for social development. Summer camps present the opportunity for children to be immersed in a social-skills-rich environment and actively develop their own social growth.

Here are a few essential social skills your child can build at camp.

FACE-TO-FACE CONNECTION AND COMMUNICATION. At camp, your child will be in a social-group setting for at least six hours daily at day camp (24/7 at overnight camp). Unplugged from technology, your child will engage in intentional conversation and interpersonal connections that

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| MARCH 2020 25

APPLE TREE FARM

Tiny Trotters: June 29 – 30 • July 14 – 15 Aug. 4 – 5 and Aug. 18 – 19

Young Riders: (ages 6–16) July 6 – 10 • July 20 – 24 Aug. 10 – 14

Week includes daily riding lessons and many fun activities & games focusing on horsemanship, health care, and barn safety.

603-465-9592 Hollis, NH 03049

www.appletreefarm.org

can’t happen during the short bursts of non-academic time during a school day. At camp, your child will get to know new people and begin to understand more about their own needs and preferences. As they chat and play with friends, they are also practicing eye contact (no phone screen to talk across!), active listening and give-and-take conversation skills.

PARTICIPATION AND RISK-TAKING. It’s essential for development that children be exposed to safe risk. At camp, children are presented with opportunities that take them just far enough out of their comfort zone to allow for growth in self-confidence, self-realization, physical fitness and more. Up on the ropes course or on stage for the camp play, with bunkmates cheering them on, children learn their inner strengths and find new interests in hobbies, sports, the arts and more.

UNDERSTANDING GROUP NORMS. While the school day may offer opportunities for group work, it’s just that — work. At camp, being part of a group conveys not only instant membership but also meaningful inclusion. There is a natural expectation that campers walk together between activities, share supplies, practice their crawl stroke together, celebrate their triumphs and challenges, and act as a cohesive unit. This gives children the opportunity to internalize group norms and to observe and replicate positive role modeling of both staff and peers.

DEVELOPING FRIENDSHIPS. Making friends doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and teachers in the classroom have limited time to help children find and nurture friendships. Camp staff, on the other hand, see the development of friendships between campers as a main goal of the camp experience. They receive training on how to facilitate getting-toknow-you games, how to pair up campers for activities or free-play time, and how to identify children who may need additional support for lagging social skills. At camp, children also learn the importance of being a good friend, with the built-in help of a “cool” adult (read: not a parent) to walk them through the squabbles or rough spots that inevitably arise.

COOPERATION AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS. Camps are big on teaching teamwork and responsibility, which is good news for your camper. They’ll come home from camp talking excitedly (yes, really!) about the chores they did or the way they set the lunch table and volunteered to bring everyone seconds on sandwiches. Team-building activities built into the camp schedule allow for active practice of cooperation. Away from home, children quickly develop self-advocacy and problem-solving skills with support and encouragement from staff.

Successfully navigating new challenges, like identifying which clothes to put on after swimming or making it through homesickness, becomes a badge of pride and helps campers develop lifelong skills.

In addition to these five social skills, there are plenty of others, such as being a good sport, recognizing expected vs. unexpected behaviors, respecting personal space, following directions and understanding that one’s actions affect other people. Camp staff are committed to helping your child learn, grow and have fun, so they seek out teachable moments and actively create opportunities that enable your camper to have a successful camp experience. And, bonus points: when your child shows off their newfound skills at school in September, the teacher will give your summer plans an A+.

Emily Golinsky was executive director of Camp Starfish in Rindge, NH for the past 14 years. She recently launched Bright Moose LLC, a training, consulting and advocacy organization.

26 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

978.206.1188

2020 SESSIONS: June 28-July 3 in New Durham Aug 2-Aug 7 in Rindge

SUMMER LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR CURRENT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Our signature Summer Leadership Program is a dynamic residential week of leadership development, self-discovery, and social connection.

NHTEENINSTITUTE.ORG • FACEBOOK.COM/NHTEENINSTITUTE

Hollis Preschool offers summer camps for children ages 2 and older. Our camps range from 2-4 days in length and include a healthy, nut-free snack for each child.

Visit our website to view our 2020 schedule, camp themes and pricing information.

5 Market Place, Hollis, NH (603) 465-3089 www.hollispreschool.com

CAMP BIRCH HILL With a focus on each individual camper Birch Hill offers over 50 activities to choose from to create a personalized schedule. Let’s have a fun summer!

AN AUTHENTIC SLEEPAWAY CAMP EXPERIENCE IN THE LAKES REGION OF NH

BOYS & GIRLS AGES 6 –16 • 2, 4 & 6 WEEK SESSIONS

CONTACT US 603-859-4525

summer@campbirchhill.com

WWW.CAMPBIRCHHILL.COM www.parentingnh.com

| MARCH 2020 27

Summer camp colori n ongratulations to the four lucky artists whose camping-themed art has been chosen to be featured in PNH’s 2020 Summer Camp issue. This is the sixth year of holding the contest and we received more entries than ever.

Because there were so many great drawings, several more masterpieces will be featured on www.parentingnh.com in March.

Also, stay tuned to Facebook, where we will announce the winner of a $50 gift card to Michaels. The winner will be randomly selected from all of this year’s entrants.

— MELANIE HITCHCOCK, EDITOR

28 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

i ng contest winners ELIZA BARSORIAN GRACELYNN MEHTA

Age 11, of Nashua

Age 7, of Hooksett

ANNALISE ROBINSON Age 10, of Laconia

ANNA STANTON Age 10, of Auburn

www.parentingnh.com

| MARCH 2020 29

at the Health Club of Concord

Saturday, March 14 10 a.m.-1p.m.

NEW LOCATION

The Falls Event Center 21 Front Street

Manchester

Saturday, March 21 10 a.m.-1p.m.

FREE ADMISSION!

Courtyard by Marriot 2200 Southwood Drive

Meet with representatives from regional summer camp programs.

Nashua

www.parentingnh.com

June 22nd through August 21st Camp sessions are 5 days a week from 9–4 with options for early drop off and late pick up. Weekly swim and tennis lessons are included. Sign up for one week or all nine.

Reserve your spot today!

603-224-7787 www.healthclubofconcord.com membershipinfo@healthclubofconcord.com

Get creative.

Make friends.

Have fun.

Week-long Art Camps for children, ages 5-12 Week-long half-day, and select full-day Art Intensives for middle schoolers, teens & adults

All at the Currier Art Center this summer. Join us! Learn more and register at Currier.org 180 Pearl Street, Manchester, NH 03104

30 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

Homeschooling in the Granite State Where to find information and resources related to educating your child at home

BY KRYSTEN GODFREY MADDOCKS

W

hether you are new to homeschooling in New Hampshire or are looking for some new ways to supplement your instruction, the New Hampshire Homeschooling Coalition (NHHC) offers a wealth of information to homeschooling families.

Stefanie Marsh, of Wolfeboro, is the coordinator of the NHHC and has been homeschooling for 27 years. When she started, there were only about 15 families in her Wolfeboro area homeschool support group,

but with the huge growth of homeschooling over the years, the group now boasts about 200 families.

The NHHC works to support homeschooling families all over the state. The role of the coalition is to connect and support families, no matter how they decide to homeschool.

“They might need legal information, curriculum, or a way to find others and get connected,” Marsh said.

NHHC’s website, www.nhhomeschooling.org, points to homeschooling laws, curricula, support groups, tutors, and more.

The NHHC formed in 1989 and is run by volunteers. The group supports all types of homeschooling philosophy and is not tied to any particular religion or method. Run by members, its board of representatives is member-selected, and incudes a representative from each region of New Hampshire.

www.parentingnh.com

| MARCH 2020 31

Successful homeschooling families do not need specialized degrees, and most parents who homeschool have interesting backgrounds and diverse reasons for deciding to homeschool, she said.

The reason families choose homeschooling in lieu of public or private schools has changed radically since Marsh began. Two of the biggest reasons families used to homeschool were related to religion or the desire for their children to learn in freedom. Today, more families are opting to homeschool because their children are experiencing bullying or high anxiety, she said.

“They find that their children learn well at home and that they can focus more easily on core subjects. Besides covering academics, homeschoolers spend a lot of time mixing with other kids, whether they are doing theater, soccer, or 4-H. It’s a more lowpressure environment. It’s a different feeling than having to stay in one building for five or six hours,” she said.

Fewer families today meet face-to-face to discuss homeschooling with other like-minded families, and many rely on the group’s Facebook page and website to point them to local support groups and upcoming events held throughout the state.

Because homeschooling can take on

32 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

different forms — from strictly following an online curriculum, to mixing textbook work with homeschooling co-op classes and self-structured “unit studies” with library books, to the independent learning of “unschooling” — the coalition provides as many resources as possible to interested families.

• From the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center to Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, many organizations offer special enrichment classes that meet during the day for homeschool students.

• If you are looking for a way for your children to experience physical education, the NHHC website can direct you to dance, gymnastics, martial arts, and group-run physical education classes.

• For children who want to dive deeper into a subject area, or for parents who prefer that their kids receive instruction in a particular subject from someone else, the coalition also lists writing classes and math enrichment classes, as well as foreign language, art, and music classes.

District representatives in each area of the state can also help families navigate New Hampshire state law, answer questions, and help make connections.

All coalition representatives and officers are volunteers; they attend quarterly business meetings of the NHHC and are homeschooling parents themselves.

Families can find their local coalition representative on the website.

If you are just getting started or thinking about homeschooling for the first time, the NHHC can guide you through the laws related to homeschooling, how to get started, and how to formulate a plan.

Home education in New Hampshire is governed by RSA 193-A, which went into effect on July 1, 1991. Under this law, parents or legal guardians who wish to homeschool their child(ren) are required to: • Contact a participating agency (in most cases, the local school superintendent or a participating

OTHER STATEWIDE HOMESCHOOLING GROUPS CATHOLICS UNITED FOR HOME EDUCATION Catholics United for Home Education–New Hampshire (CUHE-NH) was incorporated in the State of New Hampshire in September 1989. It serves as a network for Catholic homeschoolers, providing support through an email list which connects groups throughout the state. It was established “to provide encouragement and support for [NH] Catholic parents who desire to educate their children at home…to protect the rights of parents to home educate their children and to provide information on Home Education.” To join or if you have questions, go to www.cuhenh89.wordpress.com or find them on Facebook.

GRANITE STATE HOME EDUCATORS (GSHE) Granite State Home Educators is an all-volunteer statewide grassroots organization created to support and empower families who wish to actively direct their children’s education through homeschooling. All are welcome — prospective, current and retired home educators. They believe in empowering parents, parents’ rights to direct their children’s education, and the power of community.

Membership is free. Go to www.granitestatehomeeducators.org or contact them at their Facebook page for more information.

RELAXED HOMESCHOOLERS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE Relaxed Homeschoolers of New Hampshire is a social network of relaxed, eclectic homeschoolers living and learning in New Hampshire. Members might practice life learning or unschooling in some areas, follow interest-led unit studies in other areas, and loosely follow curriculum in yet others. In addition to online discussion, the network offers opportunities for arranging local co-ops, learning groups, and field trips. Membership is inclusive, and events are purely secular. Find them on Facebook.

UNSCHOOLINGNH UnschoolingNH is a secular group for New Hampshire unschoolers to discuss unschooling ideas, how to extend unschooling principles to the rest of our lives, peaceful parenting and the logistics of unschooling in New Hampshire. Find them on Facebook.

www.parentingnh.com

| MARCH 2020 33

BEST SUMMER EVER

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SQUAM LAKES NATURAL SCIENCE CENTER

Summer at The Granite YMCA is lled with excitement, adventure, new friends, lifelong memories, and most of all discovery! Our day camps inspire kids to work together and play together, creating friendships that can last a lifetime.

CONVENIENT 5 & 3 DAY OPTIONS Camps vary by location. Call for availability.

Manchester | 603.623.3558 Goffstown | Camp HalfMoon | 603.497.4663 Londonderry | Camp Pa-Gon-Ki | 603.437.9622 Rochester | Camp Coney Pine | 603.332.7334 Portsmouth | Camp Gundalow | 603.431.2334

Traditional Day Camps Gymnastics/Cheer Adventure Sports Teen Trips Discovery Fortbuilding Tennis, and more!

THE GRANITE YMCA | www.graniteymca.org/camps | nancial assistance available

Take part in the largest fundraiser for Girls Inc. NH

Girls Inc. Gala 2020

A Night to Ignite!

“Fuel Her Fire and She Will Change the World” Friday, April 17 | 6–9 p.m. | $75 pp Courtyard Marriott, Exit 8, Nashua GOLD SPONSORS:

• 100 silent auction items,15 live auction items • Hearty hors d’oeuvres and carving stations • Delicious desserts and cocktails

ONLINE AUCTION: March 18–April 16 200 additional auction items!

For tickets and online auction go to: www.bit.ly/GINHAuction20 SILVER SPONSORS: WXRV – 92.5 The River, The Union Leader, Nash Foundation, Patsy’s Bus, Piccola Ristorante, Eastern Bank, WMUR, McLane Middleton, Earl Prolman

34 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

private school) of their intent to homeschool.

• Keep a portfolio of the homeschooled child’s work and log of reading materials.

• Have an annual evaluation demonstrating educational progress commensurate with the child’s age and ability.

You also must notify, in writing, of your intent to withdraw your PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHILDREN’S child from school to homeschool.

MUSEUM OF NEW HAMPSHIRE The NHHC includes notification letter templates to help parents comply with the notification law. Other resources include a list of evaluators who can review your child’s work, and guidance related to compiling a student portfolio.

The coalition also provides a section on its site that lists local support groups, cooperatives, and social groups led by homeschooling families. You can find local representatives listed under at www. nhhomeschooling.org/nhhc-representatives.

Krysten Godfrey Maddocks is a frequent contributor to ParentingNH.

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VISION AND HEARING: Q + A Hearing and vision examinations are an important part of a child’s overall health. Parenting NH reached out to a trio of experts to talk about when, how and why such testing is vital.

OUR EXPERTS: Gerald Astorino, OD, Amoskeag Health Optometry. amoskeaghealth.org; Dr. Adam Grimm, Optometrist, Evision Eyecare. evisioneyecare. com; Dr. Jennifer Dionne, Audiologist with Specialty Certification in Pediatric Audiology, Core Physicians. corephysicians.org

Why are vision screenings so important?

Astorino: “A vision screening detects if a patient needs glasses and it can reveal any underlying conditions that may need further testing or treatment such as diabetes, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.

All pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients should have their vision checked once per year to ensure eye health, to track vision changes, and to make sure that any abnormalities are caught early.”

Grimm: “Nearly 80% of what a child learns is obtained visually. Undiagnosed vision problems can cause your

child to suffer. Periodic school screenings aren’t as thorough and can miss up to 60% of eye problems in children. Vision is the dominant sense and forms the basis of a child’s perceptual, cognitive, and social development.

Many common and developmentally impactful childhood eye problems come with little to no signs or symptoms. Left untreated, many of these problems can lead to permanently reduced vision throughout a person’s entire life. Luckily, through a series of regular vision screenings during the early childhood years, these – and many other problems – can be detected, treated, and remedied, setting a child up for a long healthy life unhindered by preventable vision problems.”

www.parentingnh.com

| MARCH 2020 35

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Core Otolaryngology & Audiology

Otolaryngologists diagnose and manage diseases of the ears, nose, sinuses, voice box, mouth and throat, as well as the neck and face. Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat hearing and balance problems, and fit patients for hearing aids.

Speech/language pathologists diagnose and treat disorders of speech, language, voice and swallowing.

Exeter – 603-772-8208 Portsmouth – 603-766-6400 corephysicians.org

How common is hearing loss in children?

Dionne: “Thankfully it is not terribly common, because perfect hearing is a gift. If you have it, treasure it. Sadly though, one to three in 1,000 babies are born in the U.S. with permanent hearing loss. Thanks to the tireless work of the late, great audiologist Marion Downs (fun fact, she smoked in the soundproof booth in the ‘60s and ‘70s, oh my!) all babies born in New Hampshire and throughout the U.S. are screened for hearing loss at birth.

However, the prevalence of hearing loss increases as we age. By school age, the number of children with permanent hearing loss rises to 9-10 per 1,000. Broadly, the factors that can influence this increase are injury, disease, and genetic factors. As early as fourth grade we can start to see the effects of unsafe loud noise exposure! The vast majority of pediatric hearing loss is due to acute otitis media, commonly known as an ear infection. 70% of children in the U.S. will experience an ear infection by age 2. Those episodes generally do not cause permanent hearing loss with appropriate medical care.”

How common are vision impairments in children, and what milestones should I watch for?

Astorino: “Some common signs and symptoms of vision problems in children are unusual sensitivity to light, complaints of double vision or ‘seeing double,’ squinting, turning/tilting of the head while watching TV, avoiding reading altogether or reading very close to the face, or lack of interest in objects or people at a distance. These vision problems are in addition to those signs and symptoms of a medical eye problem, like red/ pink eye, swollen eyelids, constant tearing, or any other symptom that isn’t normal for the child. All should be evaluated by your child’s medical provider or by an optometrist as soon as possible.”

When should I have my child’s vision checked?

Astorino: “Your child’s medical provider will examine their eyes during their pediatric well-check visit from birth to 5 years old. After age 5, children should transition to an optometrist for yearly eye exams.”

1245 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101

How often should my child’s hearing be screened?

Dionne: “All infants should have their overall development screened at ages 9, 18, 24 and 30 months of age or any time there is a family member or professional concern. If an infant doesn’t pass the speech-language or hearing screening, that child should be referred for a speech and language evaluation and a comprehensive hearing test. Children should be further screened in preschool through fourth grade, and in seventh and ninth grade. By screening all children according to this schedule, we are able to catch over 90% of hearing losses. Any child with an identified permanent hearing loss should be tested every year or more often if recommended by his or her audiologist.”

Are there any vision-related milestones I should watch for in my child, and what should I do if he/she misses one of those milestones?

Quality care to help you see clearly

Language assistance is available. Call us today to become a patient at Amoskeag Health. 603-626-9500 36 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

Grimm: “There are two major developmental milestones that can be easily observed at home. By 12 weeks of age your child should be able to maintain eye contact with a caregiver and to be able to fixate on and follow a close moving target. By 6 months of age your child should demonstrate normal ocular alignment. If the eyes appear to cross, drift apart, are misaligned in any way, the child will not have met this milestone. If you are concerned that your child has not met these milestones, they should be seen for a comprehensive eye exam by a licensed eye care provider. Children should have a comprehensive eye exam by the time they are 3 years of age, and just before they enter kindergarten around age 5.”

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Why is screening hearing so important?

Dionne: “Routine hearing screenings provide crucial heath information about a concern that might otherwise go undetected. In the vast majority of cases, a child who failed a hearing screening will be found to have an ear infection or non-infected fluid in his or her ear. These conditions can cause hearing loss which generally resolves when the fluid clears. So often I hear from parents who say their child “wasn’t complaining” when we discover that child had fluid in his or her ears or an ear infection they weren’t aware of. These conditions can be chronic in some children or more occasional in others. In many but not all cases they can resolve without medical intervention. I recall bringing my preschooler to work on a school snow day and for “fun” we tested his hearing. He had a hearing loss in his left ear from fluid in his middle ear which I didn’t even know about because he wasn’t a complainer even though he understood what I did for work! The lesson here — never assume!”

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What vision services are available at Amoskeag Health?

Astorino: “Amoskeag Health Optometry provides comprehensive eye exams, diabetic eye exams, and can see anyone for an acute same day medical eye problem, like conjunctivitis (pink eye) or an object in the eye. If the patient’s vision screening or eye exam suggests that the person requires eyeglasses, we can fit and order glasses inhouse or we can provide a prescription for the person to buy glasses wherever they choose. If eyeglasses are needed, children may qualify for a free pair. Amoskeag Health uniquely offers interpretation services to all patients who prefer a language other than English.”

What new technologies are being used in eye exams at Evision Eyecare?

Grimm: “Evision Eyecare is proud to use state-of-the-art vision technology, ensuring the most accurate ophthalmic prescriptions and personalized eye health services for you and your loved ones. We also feature the highest quality vision solutions for your family’s optical needs.

Our eye care professionals hold themselves to the highest level of excellence. Our team continuously strives to keep current on the latest techniques and standards so we can provide our patients with the most optimal care & the clearest vision solutions available.

“Some of the eye exam technology we use includes, but is not limited to: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT); Visual Field Testing; and Optomap (Fundus Photography / Retinal Camera). We Also Offer personalized eye exams for the whole family; contact lens exams; medical eye problem visits; contact lens purchases; name-brand eyewear; blue-light blocking lenses and more!”

What services are available at Core Physicians?

Dionne: “Core Otolaryngology & Audiology has nine practitioners who take a team approach to diagnosing and treating hearing loss of any type and degree. We perform hearing tests on patients beginning at age 7 months and work with all populations of any developmental ability. We provide hearing tests, hearing aids, and implantable devices, however young cochlear implant candidates are referred elsewhere. We perform Central Auditory Processing Disorder testing which helps to determine how the brain interprets the signal the ears are sending. We also provide hearing assistance technology and collaborate with area educational audiologists and Teachers of the Deaf to ensure a child with hearing loss issues is getting the support services they require.”

Coming in May Best Places New Hampshire This special edition of New Hampshire Magazine will map out the best places in the state to get a new job, buy a home, find the right school or stroll the sweet spots of local culture, nightlife and tax-free shopping.

Interested in advertising?

Contact Kimberly Lencki at (603) 413-5154 or klencki@mcleancommunications.com. www.parentingnh.com

| MARCH 2020 37

dad on board ONE STEP CLOSER TO COLLEGE I’M IN NO RUSH, BUT TIME WON’T STAND STILL

BY BILL BURKE

Summer camp For girls ages 5 and up Nashua & Manchester locations Open 7:00 AM to 6 PM 8 weeks: full summer or weekly $175/week, financial assistance available Sign up!

Nashua: 603.882.6256 Manchester: 603.623.1117 Online: girlsincnewhampshire.org

ü Field trips ü Special events ü Swimming in city pools and local lakes ü Theme weeks ü Licensed ü Staff to child ratio is 1:15 ü Breakfast | lunch | snack | dinner

Inspiring the next generation of writers!

Enter the NHPBS Writers Contest Today!

nhpbs.org/kidswrite All entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2020

38 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

Apparently, the finish line is in sight.

My daughter, a high school senior, was recently accepted to her No. 1 college choice.

So by this time next year she’ll likely be living somewhere that’s not our house and this whole parenting thing will be over. Mission accomplished.

I know that’s not entirely true, and more importantly, I don’t want it to be. Right now it just seems that way.

When she was born, her mother and I envisioned things that might come to pass (note: If you start Peter Gabriel’s “Solsbury Hill” right now, this will all seem very cinematic). I could see her learning to walk, color, read, swim, root against Roger Goodell and eventually finish high school.

But that’s where the visual images end. In the movie about our family that plays in my head — starring a dashing Bradley Cooper as the charmingly irascible dad — she throws her graduation cap into the air and everything fades to black and the credits roll.

Freeze this moment a little bit longer/Make each sensation a little bit stronger I never looked beyond that point, and even now when I try, I can’t see anything. I think it’s because whatever does come next won’t happen in front of us. I’m sure we’ll get updates and reports about how things are going, but we won’t be in the next room if she needs anything. For the last 18 years, our lives have been defined by being her parents, and now that’s going to shift a bit.

I hate and hope in equal parts that she doesn’t need us quite as much.

I know this is normal, and nudging your kid out of the nest is something every other parent has to do at some point — but that’s everyone else, not us.

I let my past go too fast/No time to pause As a music major with her whole future in front of her, she offered this eventuality the other day: “What if an opportunity comes up for me to play somewhere in another part of the country and I never live in our home again?” It’s not unheard of. We have friends whose daughter arrived at college as a musical theater major and has found work in productions every summer since.

I was proud of my response. At first.

“We want you to pursue your dreams. We believe in you.”

“But… Don’t do that.”

In just a few months, we’ll move her into her dorm room and head home with only two of us in the car. On the ride back to New Hampshire, I will probably not be listening to one of my favorite Rush CDs, because if the song “Time Stand Still” comes on, some of the lyrics of which appear in this column, I’ll very likely drive off the Piscataqua River Bridge.

Summer’s going fast, night’s growing colder/Children growing up, old friends growing older Despite my best efforts to keep her perpetually 7 years old, I know that everything is about to change.

Bill Burke lives with his wife and (for now) his daughter in southern New Hampshire, where he’s feverishly attempting to invent a time machine so we can do this all over again. If you haven’t figured it out, Dad on Board is a huge fan of the rock band Rush, just like the editor of this publication. He’s also the managing editor of custom publications for McLean Communications.

never a dull moment ALL MY DAUGHTERS

Now Enrolling for Fall 2020!

Openings for 12-18 months. . - 5:30p.m.

0a.m 7:0 n e Op

year ’rou nd

I MISS EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM

BY KATHLEEN PALMER 51 OLD BEDFORD RD When we reproduce, most of us have the no-brainer understanding that these children will, fate willing, grow up before our eyes. We are prepared to watch them grow and develop and change.

But there’s a parallel phenomenon that occurs, and it isn’t quite the same. For me, it’s been rather jarring — and a little heartbreaking.

In my parenting journey it hasn’t always felt as if my daughter is developing on a linear track, which of course she is. For me it feels as if I have raised several different daughters over the last 14 years. They come and go, and I mourn the loss of each of them.

As I write, I start to wonder if this is how foster parents feel as they temporarily parent children who come into then leave their lives. As I look at the progression of photos that line our home’s hallway, I see several different little girls that have come and gone in my life. If I’m not careful, it can make me really sad to think about never seeing them again.

I will never hold that sweet, little bald baby again. I will never nurse her or hold her tiny foot in my hand or hear her little baby laugh.

Nana won’t put that toddler with the cotton candy wisps of hair on the phone to say good night to me as I work a job that keeps me out too late. She will never again crawl into bed with me after a bad dream.

The inquisitive, hilarious and happy elementary school girl will never again ask me if the tooth fairy is coming tonight, or the Easter Bunny, or Santa.

The tween who struggled with knowing how to be a good friend, how to present her appearance, how to navigate middle school — the one who started to argue with me, to yell back at me, who stopped accepting my full parental authority — has moved out.

I parented those girls to the best of my ability. In their place, and in their bedroom, now lives a whip-smart, confident, fiercely independent and incredibly driven high school student.

She doesn’t take crap from me or from anyone else. And although it is daunting for me some days, I know that she will have a completely different and positive experience as an adult with those skills and characteristics.

I will love all of my daughters forever. But I sure would love to hold that baby one more time.

BEDFORD•(603) 669-2811 LEARNINGADVENTURESNH.COM

VISIT US ONLINE!

DISNEY WORLD WITHOUT THE KIDS • HOLIDAY HELP FOR FAMILIES

NOVEMBER 2019

COMPLIMENTARY

The

Sweet taste of victory ParentingNH’s 2019 Family Favorites

PARENTINGNH.COM

Kathleen Palmer is an award-winning editor and journalist, marketing/ communications content writer and occasional comedic actress. Nothing makes her happier than making people laugh. She is a single mom to a teenager, so naturally she enjoys a glass of wine, or two.

www.parentingnh.com

| MARCH 2020 39

Pick up copy of winning at 500+ in New H each mo

Availabl parentin

house calls SHOULD MY CHILD HAVE THEIR CHOLESTEROL LEVEL CHECKED? THE ANSWER IS YES, ESPECIALLY IF HEART DISEASE RUNS IN YOUR FAMILY

BY MARY MCGOWAN, MD Lisa Khalafi of Bedford was 16 when her mother, Jane, 39, had a heart attack and bypass surgery. Even though Jane’s mother died of a heart attack at age 43 and her maternal grandmother died at 39, it never occurred to Jane she might be at risk. She wasn’t overweight, she didn’t smoke, her blood pressure was normal and she didn’t have diabetes. What Jane did not know was that her cholesterol put her at risk.

Jane’s LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C) was over 350 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) at the time of her heart attack (LDL stands for low-density lipoproteins and is sometimes called the ‘bad’ cholesterol). Normal LDL-C is less than 100 mg/dL and it should be less than 70 mg/dL in people with heart disease.

Even though she was treated with cholesterol-lowering medications, it wasn’t until I met Jane five years later that she learned her diagnosis — familial hypercholesterolemia — which is a common genetic disorder. Lisa inherited the familial hypercholesterolemia gene and so have three of Lisa’s four children.

Familial hypercholesterolemia affects one in every 250 people worldwide and should be suspected in adults with an untreated LDL-C greater than 190 mg/dL and in children with an LDL-C over 160 mg/ dL. Some populations, including French-Canadians, are at higher risk.

Each time a person with familial hypercholesterolemia has a child there is a 50 percent chance of that gene being passed on. Diet is not sufficient to normalize cholesterol levels; everyone with familial hypercholesterolemia requires medication.

Lisa, now 47, has been on cholesterol-lowering medications since her 20s and has never had a cardiac event. Her children have been treated since they were 10 years old. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association recommend that children from families with premature heart disease have a cholesterol profile at age 2 and that all children be screened between the ages of 9 and 11 and again between ages 17 and 21.

Children suspected of having familial hypercholesterolemia should be treated with both a low-fat diet and cholesterol-lowering medications starting at age 10. Studies have shown that by this age children with familial hypercholesterolemia begin depositing cholesterol in their heart and other arteries. Individuals treated when they were children had far fewer heart attacks and deaths from heart disease as adults compared to their parents who were not treated until later in life.

If you have a family history of heart disease, ask your health care provider to screen your children at age 2. If you do not have a family history of heart disease, have your children’s cholesterol tested between the ages of nine and 11.

Mary McGowan, MD, is the co-director of the Lipid Clinic at DartmouthHitchcock Heart & Vascular Center, and is an assistant professor of medicine at The Geisel School of Medicine.

SPONSORED BY

40 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

Get ready for

summer

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Coming in June!

Available at hundreds of locations throughout New Hampshire.

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| MARCH 2020 41

out & about Keith MacKenzie of Rochester Police and Ian Gill of Concord Fire battle in front of the net during the 2019 CHaD Battle of the Badges Hockey Championship in Manchester.

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

CHaD Battle of the Badges Hockey Championship 13 FRIDAY MANCHESTER – SNHU Arena, 777 Elm St. Police officers and firefighters from across the region will face off in the annual CHaD Battle of the Badges Hockey Championship, presented by AutoFair. This rivalry pits community heroes against each other in a fun, highly competitive affair to raise money for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Tickets: $10; free for children 6 and younger. 7 p.m. www.chadhockey.org

RECYCLED PERCUSSION 29 SATURDAY – 1 SUNDAY CONCORD – Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St. You may have seen New England drumming group Recycled Percussion impressing the judges on America’s Got Talent, in Las Vegas or on their TV show “Chaos & Kindness.” Don’t miss this show packed full of surprises and crowd favorites in an incredible turbocharged performance. Showtimes: Saturday, 4 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m. Tickets: $35-$45. 225-1111; www.ccanh.com.

42 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

TAP INTO MAPLE 7 SATURDAY LACONIA -- Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road. Experience an old-fashioned New England tradition — making maple syrup. From tapping a tree to tasting the syrup, you will participate in every step of the process.

Environmental educators will help you to build tree identification skills; learn the parts of a tree and their functions; use measuring tools to find an appropriate tree to tap; use historical and modern tree tapping tools; learn the history of maple sugaring including Native American legends; and discover the math and science in the boiling process. Cost: $10.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This program will also be held March 14, 21 and 28. www.prescottfarm.org

GIANT STEPS ACROSS NEW HAMPSHIRE 7 SATURDAY CONCORD -- New Hampshire Historical Society, 30 Park St. Have you ever wanted to travel from Peterborough to Pittsburg, or from Portsmouth to Plymouth, all in one afternoon? Stop by the Society for games and activities using the Giant Traveling Map of New Hampshire. Kids will play with this room-sized map to explore the regions, resources and history of the state we all love.

No shoes are allowed on the map, so be sure to wear socks.

For kids ages 7 to 11, but all ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free admission. 1 to 3 p.m. 228-6688; www.nhhistory.org

EMPTY BOWLS FUNDRAISER 8 SUNDAY MANCHESTER – Brookside Congregational Church, 2013 Elm St. The 17th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser raises money for Families in Transition-New Horizons.

Empty Bowls is an international project to fight hunger.

Bowls are created by

10 TUESDAY PORTSMOUTH -- Louise Yates’s New York Times bestseller comes to life in ArtsPower’s newest musical about the irresistible dog who loves everything about books. In fact, he loves books so much that he decides to open his own bookstore. Dog decides that the best way to sell books is to act out all kinds of fun stories for his customers — everything from dancing dinosaurs to funny fairy tales. ArtsPower’s musical celebrates the power of the imagination and the satisfaction that comes when you share books with others. For Grades K-2. Tickets: $6. Showtimes at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. www.themusichall.org

Disney film. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises “Anything can happen, if you let it.” Tickets: $12-$19. Go to website for showtimes: www.peacockplayers.org.

DANCE NORTHEAST

QUEEN CITY KAMIKAZE

14 SATURDAY

21 SATURDAY

ROCHESTER – Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St. Sole City Dance and the Rochester Opera House join together to showcase talented dancers from companies and dance education centers around the region. Junior companies and student choreography at 2 p.m., $9; Senior companies and guest artists at 7 p.m., $15, adults/$11, students and seniors. www.rochester operahouse.com

MANCHESTER – Memorial High School, 1 Crusader Way. Naruto run, don’t walk, to Queen City Kamikaze, Manchester’s oneday anime-gaming-geek culture-convention. Events include cosplay competition, panel rooms, video game tournaments and TCG Card Tournaments: Magic the Gathering, DBS, YGO, Cardfight!! Vanguard, Final Fantasy and Argent Saga. Admission: $10. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. www.queencitykamikaze.com

21 SATURDAY – 22 SUNDAY CANTERBURY – Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Road. Experience a sweet weekend in Canterbury. Start your weekend off by enjoying a pancake breakfast followed by demonstrations by North Family Farm, programs and exhibits at the historic site. Tour local sugar houses and taste samples and other maple treats from Lamb’s Maple Syrup, Hill’s Corner Shack, Briar Bush Farm and Sunnyside Maples. For a map and schedule, go to www.shakers.org.

CIDER FLIGHTS AND TASTY BITES 28 SATURDAY

MARY POPPINS JR.

COURTESY PHOTO

MARCH 13-22 NASHUA – Court Street Theatre, 14 Court St. Your favorite practically perfect nanny takes center stage in this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious adventure based on the award-winning Broadway musical and classic Walt

CANTERBURY MAPLE FESTIVAL

COURTESY PHOTO

DOG LOVES BOOKS

COURTESY PHOTO

local artists and donated to be sold. Soup is donated by local restaurants. Cost: $25 per bowl; $5 per child (soup only). 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. www.fitnh.org

PYSANKY EGG DECORATING WORKSHOP 21 SATURDAY MILTON – NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mountain Highway.

Pysanky is the traditional Ukrainian decorative art of creating beautifully designed eggs in celebration of Easter and spring. Ruth Kenneway will teach you how to create them using a wax-resist method and dyes.

No artistic talent is needed! All supplies provided. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Children under 9 must work one-on-one with an adult. Cost: $20 per person (includes materials to make two eggs).

10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Call to RSVP: 652-9191.

DOVER -- Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, 6 Washington St. Grown-ups, head to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire for an evening of hard cider sampling and tasty nibbles. This 21-plus event will feature tastings of four all-natural hard ciders provided by North Country Hard Cider, based in neighboring Rollinsford. Included in the ticket price are five, four-ounce pours of cider, paired with tasty bites from local restaurants and activities sure to bring out your inner child. Tickets $25- $35 (VIP early entry). 7 to 9 p.m. www.childrens-museum.org

www.parentingnh.com

| MARCH 2020 43

time out A WEEK FULL OF ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVENTS

BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

W

ith St. Patrick’s Day on a Tuesday this year, there are a number of events and shows on the calendar leading up to the holiday. Whether you choose to go out the weekend before or the day of (lucky you!), you won’t need the luck of the Irish to find 21-plus fun across the state.

ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Get ready to rumble Check out some great boxing matchups on March 12 and donate to a good cause at the same time.

The second annual Manchester PAL vs. Nashua PAL St. Paddy’s Day Rumble will feature multiple bouts including Manchester PD vs. Nashua PD; Manchester Fire vs. Nashua Fire; and MPAL vs. Nashua PAL. Food, drinks and alcohol will be available for purchase. Funds raised go to support PAL programs. MPAL and Nashua PAL serve 3,000-plus youth through sports, afterschool programs and positive interaction with Manchester & Nashua police officers.

Nashua Community College Gymnasium 505 Amherst St. • Nashua www.nashuapal.com

Laugh your shamrocks off Comedy gold at the end of the rainbow can be found in Portsmouth on March 14 courtesy of the Boston Comedy Festival. Comedian Jim McCue is becoming a Saint Patrick’s

tradition in Portsmouth. Be part of this annual tradition that also features comedy and Irish dance provided

by The Murray Academy and led by John Grimes from Riverdance.

The Music Hall 28 Chestnut St. • Portsmouth www.themusichall.org

Solve the mystery Averill House Vineyard and Chef Wheeler del Torro present, The St. Patrick’s Day Murder Mystery, a four-course food and wine pairing event. On March 14, a small number of “detectives” will be able to join a one-night-only St. Patrick’s Daythemed murder mystery event with an international celebrity chef. The mystery of the four courses is always on theme and a surprise. Wear your holiday best and get ready for an evening of role-playing, intrigue and amusement.

Averill House Vineyard 21 Averill Road • Brookline go to Eventbrite

Get in the mood

Get your ‘Buzz’ on

Start the St. Patrick’s Day celebration early with the Glengarry Bhoys.

The Glengarry Bhoys, a hybrid of Canadian Highland Scots and French-Canadian musical idioms, has evolved into a sound that is weighty, authoritative and extremely entertaining. The Celtic-Stompers’ energy and good humor, as much a part of the show as their musicianship, crosses all cultures and ages.

Join Greg and the Morning Buzz during their broadcast on St. Patrick’s Day from Club Manchvegas Bar & Grill. Hang out and get to know the Buzz crew, enjoy an Irish breakfast, play games to win a ton of prizes, and get your drink on from 6 a.m. to noon.

Tupelo Music Hall 10 A St. • Derry www.tupelohall.com

St. Paddy party Head to O’Shea’s Irish Tavern & Cigar Bar on March 14 for its annual St. Paddy’s Day party. There will be live music all day, free tastings, raffles, prizes and more. The fun starts at 1 p.m.

O’Shea’s Irish Tavern & Cigar Bar 449 Amherst St. • Nashua Find on Facebook

Club Manchvegas 50 Old Granite St. • Manchester Find on Facebook

Get started early Celebrate the best excuse for shenanigans at the Shaskeen. The day kicks off with breakfast at 5:30 a.m. and first pints at 6 a.m. Enjoy homecooked meals, drink promotions and live music all afternoon and night, with an occasional bagpiper thrown in. Teddy and Laura from 96.5 The Mill will broadcast from the pub. The live music lineup includes The Gobshites and The Rebel Collective.

The Shaskeen 909 Elm St. • Manchester Find on Facebook

And more…

New Hampshire boasts a good number of Irish pubs and restaurants. To celebrate the unofficial drinking holiday, many establishments where you can enjoy Irish music and food will open early on March 17 or host special events.

A short list of places to check out in March, or any day of the year when you want to feel closer to the Emerald Isle includes Peddler’s Daughter in Nashua;

44 www.parentingnh.com | MARCH 2020

Olde Kilkenny Pub in Milford; Kilkenny Pub in Keene; Salt Hill Pub, 5 NH locations; Kathleen’s Irish Pub in Bristol; Cara, a true pub of Ireland in Dover; The Halligan Tavern in Derry; Holy Grail Food and Spirits in Epping; The Shannon Door Pub and Restaurant in Jackson; Wild Rover in Manchester; and Murphy’s Taproom in Manchester and Bedford.

St. Joseph Hospital Pediatrics Extended Hours Care Monday through Thursday until 7:30pm.

Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to noon.

Call Ahead to Reserve your Child’s Seat!

603.889.6671 | Nashua NH

Congratulations to the St. Joseph Hospital Pediatrics team!

Selected as the Family Favorite Winner by ParentingNH Readers

A great way to get prenatal care Join a small group of other mothers-to-be and learn about topics that matter most to you and your baby.

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Studies show Centering moms are up to 47% less likely to have a preterm birth than those who receive traditional prenatal care

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Group members have higher breastfeeding rates

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Convenient schedule and more time with your health care team

To reserve your spot or for more information, contact: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (603) 653-9300 d-h.org/obstetrics/centering_pregnancy.html Cheshire Medical Center (603) 354-6640 cheshire-med.com/pregnancy_birth/centering_pregnancy.html

4 www.parentingnh.com | DECEMBER 2020