ParentingNH November 2019

DISNEY WORLD WITHOUT THE KIDS • HOLIDAY HELP FOR FAMILIES

NOVEMBER 2019

COMPLIMENTARY

The

Sweet taste of victory ParentingNH’s 2019 Family Favorites

Thank you to our patients and community!

Elliot named “Family Favorite” for the ninth consecutive year.

Elliot Urgent Care at River’s Edge Family Favorite Urgent or Immediate Care Center in New Hampshire

Elliot Hospital Family Favorite Hospital or Medical Center in New Hampshire

Maternity Center at Elliot Hospital Favorite Birthing Center or Hospital in the Greater Manchester Region

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

WE ARE

NOVEMBER 2019

INSIDE features

8

The best of New Hampshire Check out the list of this year’s Family Favorites as determined by our readers

24 No mouse, no kids, no problem An expert’s tips on how adults can make the most of Disney World

30 Social media ‘Santas’ A Seacoast group is using Facebook to connect needy families with gift-givers

departments 3 From the editor’s desk 4 The short list 6 I want that 39 Dad on board

40 Never a dull moment 41 House calls 42 Out & about 44 Time out

ON THE COVER: Ava Krueger, 11, of Bedford, enjoys an award-winning cupcake made by Cupcakes 101 in Bedford — this year’s winner for Favorite Cupcakery (Greater Manchester).

Her brother, Michael Krueger, 7, of Bedford, is pictured above. Photos taken at Cupcakes 101

by Kendal J. Bush of Kendal J. Bush Photography (www.kendaljbush.com) www.parentingnh.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 1

Thank you 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, x5126 ntichanuk@mcleancommunications.com

Where heart meets distinction.

SENIOR SALES REPRESENTATIVE:

Barbara Gallaher, x5156 bgallaher@parentingnh.com MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE:

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

Mista McDonnell, x5114 mmcdonnell@nhbr.com EVENT & MARKETING MANAGER:

Emily Samatis, x5125 esamatis@mcleancommunications.com

“Parenting NH 2019 Family Favorite”

BUSINESS & SALES COORDINATOR:

Heather Rood, x5110 hrood@mcleancommunications.com DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST:

Favorite Hospital or Medical Center in the Greater Manchester Area

Morgen Connor, x5149 mconnor@mcleancommunications.com SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR:

Favorite Urgent or Immediate Care Center

Angela LeBrun, x5120 alebrun@mcleancommunications.com

in the Greater Manchester Area

150 Dow Street, Manchester, NH 03101 (603) 624-1442, fax (603) 624-1310 www.parentingnh.com SUBSCRIPTION: ONE YEAR (12 ISSUES) $15 ©2019 MCLEAN COMMUNICATIONS, LLC

CatholicMedicalCenter.org

2 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

ParentingNH® 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.: ParentingNH disclaims all responsibility for omission and errors.

from the editor’s desk THANKFUL FOR THE SMALL THINGS

When I see a social media posting titled, “Things I am Grateful for — Day 49,” my immediate thought is that whoever wrote it is lying.

I don’t wake up every day grateful to be alive and thinking that I’m the luckiest person on earth.

That only happened once when I was in Ireland, but that was overseas so I’m not sure it counts.

It’s easier to think about what’s going wrong than what’s going right on any given day, never mind all the things for which I am grateful.

So I challenged myself to recreate an elementary school exercise — to think hard about thankfulness and about the small things I appreciate and write them down. It doesn’t matter that I don’t have 49 things, or that I started this challenge last Thanksgiving, it matters now that I have a list.

I am thankful: I live where there are four seasons: Snow/ ice, mud, hot as Hades and road construction. It’s hard to get bored when you live in a place where you can leave the house in a winter coat in the morning, need an umbrella at lunch and are in shorts by early evening.

Road construction season is nearing an end: One day this summer I was trying to cross from one end of Manchester to the other. Three different work areas, two detours and 45 minutes later I finally made it. For my sanity, I hope there’s a break between road construction season and snow.

The ability to work from home: The best way to avoid road construction and snow.

I’m old enough not to care if I’m wearing makeup to the supermarket: Let’s be honest. If I’m alone in line clutching a bag of Ruffles and a vat of French onion dip, a face full of makeup will not change what others, including the cashier, are thinking about my evening’s plans. And they’re right.

My student loans are finally paid off: It only took 19 years.

Spotify: No more hauling around the flipbook of 200 CDs in the car, many of which ended up scratched and under the car seat. When I got rid of my last car, I found three CDs — two were in the trunk. (Along with about a dozen pairs of gloves I stashed there for safekeeping at the end of each winter but without fail forgot I had six months later. That’s another story.)

Text messaging: You have a better chance of reaching me through carrier pigeon than by calling me. I cannot tell you how much I hate talking on the phone and good thing because I’m trying to stay positive here.

Cadbury Eggs: This year I was able to stretch out my stockpile until two months after Easter.

Those foil-covered, often sticky and partially melted orbs of goodness always chase those winter blues away.

Of course, I’m also incredibly grateful for whom and what you might expect — my mom (the English professor who has edited this note at least 125 times. Hi, Mom!), my dad, my chosen family of friends who love and support me, the opportunity to do a job I love and believe in with co-workers who feel the same, and Netflix.

I may tend to overlook the everyday things that bring me joy, but this list of people and things get me through each day. And for that I’m grateful.

contributors • NOVEMBER 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 4-year-old Everett, she has lived in the Seacoast for the past 20 years.

BILL BURKE has been writing the awardwinning Dad on Board column since 2008, and is the author of the Mousejunkies book series. Bill is also the managing editor for custom publications at McLean Communications in Manchester.

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. Check out her column, Never a Dull Moment.

MELANIE HITCHCOCK, EDITOR

www.parentingnh.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 3

the short list CALL FOR ENTRIES!

The 29th annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibition

IT’S TIME TO MAKE A HOLIDAY TO-DO LIST

Gather your family, friends and co-workers together to craft a creation for the 29th annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibition. All ages and levels are encouraged to participate.

Community division categories include adult, multi-generation (formerly “family”), teen, youth and business/nonprofit. The deadline to enter is Nov. 25.

The holiday fun starts in late November across the Granite State with festivals, parades, strolls, and more. Be sure to go to www. parentingnh.com to find the latest and greatest events near you.

The exhibition, on display amid a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, will be open to the public from Dec. 6 – 22 at Discover Portsmouth. The Portsmouth Historical Society/Discover Portsmouth has also introduced a professional division this year which will debut Nov. 29.

For more information: www.portsmouthhistory.org.

Build a gingerbread house for the 29th annual contest in Portsmouth.

COURTESY PHOTO

Get ready to ride Winter is on its way, and off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV) and snowmobile education classes are underway across the Granite State. To operate a snowmobile or OHRV in New Hampshire, anyone age 12 or older must have a valid driver’s license or have successfully completed an approved OHRV/Snowmobile Safety Education class taught by volunteer instructors and staff trained by the state’s Fish and Game Department.

With recent changes to state laws, all classes will be a combination course teaching OHRV and snowmobile safety and the rules that apply to trail riders. Additionally, all children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a licensed adult when operating a snowmobile or OHRV, unless they are on property belonging to their parents, grandparents, or guardians.

for even more fun ParentingNH.com

facebook.com/ParentingNH

4 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

twitter.com/ParentingNH

Classes are free and completed in a single day. For the schedule, go to www.wildnh.com.

New classes are added as they become available.

Clarification: In the “CBD: Miracle Cure or Overhyped Fad” article in the October 2019 issue, it was American Shaman’s founder Vince Sanders’ uncle’s cancer diagnosis and his subsequent interest in the medical benefits of cannabis that helped to inspire him to start the company.

This fall, more than 300 high school students from across the state participated in the second annual “Governor’s Cup,” an off-season robotics competition for the state’s FIRST Robotics Competition teams.

COURTESY PHOTO

Plymouth State University hosts robotics competition for FIRST teams Twenty-six robotics teams from across New Hampshire descended upon Plymouth State University on Sept. 28 for the second annual Governor’s Cup, an off-season robotics competition for the state’s FIRST Robotics Competition teams.

The competition, Destination: Deep Space, pitted robots from competing

“alliances” against each other on a themed surface with obstacles as they attempted to gather as many cargo pods as possible and place them into spaceships, before returning safely to base within two-and-a-half minutes. The alliance with the highest score at the end of each round advanced in the competition.

The 2019 winning alliance was comprised of: • Team #1729 (Alliance Captain), Team Inconceivable! (New Ipswich) • Team #1922, Oz-Ram (Contoocook) • Team #2342, Team Phoenix (Nashua) High school seniors on the winning alliance teams receive a one-semester tuition waiver to any of the institutions in the University System of New Hampshire and the Community College System of New Hampshire.

Members of Team #4925, “The Resistance,” from Kingswood High School in Wolfeboro, prepare their robot to compete in the Governor’s Cup. COURTESY PHOTO

YMCA OFFERS TEEN NIGHTS AT NEW WESTWOOD PARK YMCA The YMCA of Greater Nashua is hosting Friday Teen Nights through June 19, 2020.

After discussions with teen focus groups, as well as community leaders, the Y is planning an array of activities for ages 13 to 16.

“The Y provides a safe and positive atmosphere for teens to meet, have independence and learn the values of respect, responsibility, caring and honesty,” said Randy Menken, Westwood Park YMCA Executive Director.

Activities include gaming tournaments, card and board games, music and dance parties, karaoke, movies, martial demonstrations, art and painting nights, crafts, open basketball and turf time, supervised and encouraged by Y staff.

In addition, Teen Nights will include sports leagues with team signups and associated team fees with referees (for select sports).

Each night will feature different events.

There is no cost for YMCA members and a $5 fee for non-members.

The Westwood Park YMCA is at 90 Northwest Boulevard in Nashua.

For more information, call 402-2250 or email rmenken@nmymca.org.

Not near Nashua? Go to www. ymcasofnh.org to find the YMCA closest to you to find out more about the teen programs they offer.

www.parentingnh.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 5

I want that and Puzzle National Games 8. Here are -2 22 v.

Week is No s for your next some of our pick her. family get-toget

Even Steven’s Odd! It’s a race to the dice! The first player to complete 10 math challenges and grab Steven wins this fast-paced game. Playing is a fun way to develop addition and subtraction skills and foster quick thinking.

Age 7 and older.

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON OR WWW.EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS.COM; $21.99

Escape Room in a Box Game enthusiasts who are looking to host an unforgettable night of fun will love the 6090 minute cooperative Escape Room in a Box games. Two to eight players solve puzzles, crack codes and find hidden clues so they can escape. It’s an experience as much as a game. Age 13 and older.

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON; $20.99

Kids on Stage

Chickapig Chickapig is a highly social and strategic board game where Chicken-Pig hybrids —that’s what happens when a chicken and a pig fall in love — attempt to cross the board and reach their goals while dodging opponents, hay bales and an ever-menacing pooping cow.

Age 8 and older.

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON; $29.99

6 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

The Charades Game for Kids that encourages social skills, creative thinking and fun. Each player takes a turn acting out animals, objects or actions while the others guess. Players will laugh out loud when they see mom hopping like a frog or another player waddling like a duck. Age 3 and older.

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON OR TARGET; $17.99

Party Bowl Three rounds, two teams, and one Party Bowl. Use prompt cards to come up with a bunch of words or phrases to throw in the Party Bowl. Two teams compete to out-guess each other in three increasingly high-pressure rounds of fun. Age 12 to adult.

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON; $16.99

OUTLETS & RETAILS

LOCAL EATERIES

EVENTS

PUBLIC ART

SPA SERVICES

Tax-Free Shopping.

Local Dining.

Holiday Events.

W H I T E M O U N TA I N H W Y | N O R T H C O N WAY, N E W H A M P S H I R E

settlersgreen.com

888-667-9636

F

rom July 1 to Aug. 15,

2 019

2019, ParentingNH asked readers to

vote online in its ninth annual poll to determine those things that make New Hampshire a

Family Favorites Winners Our readers’ top picks for New Hampshire families.

great state for families. Readers cast their votes in more than 50 categories including favorite date night restaurant, favorite pediatrician, favorite ice cream, favorite kid-friendly museum, and more. Congratulations to 2019’s Family Favorite winners, and thanks for all you do to make this state a wonderful place to live.

— MELANIE HITCHCOCK, EDITOR

Adventure and Aerial Park

Greater Concord: S&W Sports 296 South Main St., Concord 228-1441; www.swsports.net

Chuckster’s 9 Bailey Road, Chichester 798-3555; www.chuckstersnh.com

Amusement Park Canobie Lake Park 85 North Policy St., Salem 893-3506; www.canobie.com

Bakery and Dessert Black Forest Cafe 212 Route 101, Amherst 672-0500; www.theblackforestcafe.com Greater Concord: Bread and Chocolate 29 South Main St., Concord 228-3330; Find on Facebook Greater Nashua: Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe Merrimack and Hollis locations www.buckleysbakerycafe.com Multi-location: Frederick’s Pastries NH locations: Bedford and Amherst www.pastry.net Greater Salem: Klemm’s Bakery 29 Indian Rock Road, Windham 437-8810; www.klemmsbakery.com

Bike Shop The Bike Barn 252 Willow St., Manchester 668-6555; www.bikebarnusa.com

8 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

Multi-location: Goodale’s Bike Shop Hooksett, Nashua, Concord www.goodalesbikeshop.com

Birthing Center or Hospital Mom’s Place at Catholic Medical Center 100 McGregor St., Manchester 663-6667; www.catholicmedicalcenter.org Greater Concord: The Family Place at Concord Hospital 250 Pleasant St., Concord 225-2711; www.concordhospital.org Greater Manchester: Maternity Center at Elliot Hospital 1 Elliot Way, Manchester 669-5300; www.elliothospital.org Greater Nashua: The Birth Place at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center 8 Prospect St., Nashua 577-2560; www.sbirthplace.org Seacoast: Maternity at the Family Center at Exeter Hospital 5 Alumni Drive, Exeter 778-7311; www.exeterhospital.com

Bowling Alley Leda Lanes 340 Amherst St., Nashua 889-4884; www.ledalanes.com

Greater Concord: Boutwell’s Bowling Center 152 North State St., Concord 224-0941; www.boutwellsbowl.com

Seacoast: Red’s Shoe Barn 35 Broadway, Dover 742-1893; www.redsshoebarn.com

Children’s Toy Store

Greater Nashua: Merrimack Ten Pin Center 698 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack 429-0989; www.merrimacktenpin.com Greater Manchester: Spare Time 216 Maple St., Manchester 625-9656; www.sparetimeentertainment.com Lakes Region: Funspot 579 Endicott St. N., Laconia 366-4377; www.funspot.com Candy Shop or Chocolatier Granite State Candy Shoppe 13 Warren St., Concord 225-2591; www.granitestatecandyshoppe.com Greater Manchester: Van Otis Chocolates 341 Elm St., Manchester 627-1611; www.vanotischocolates.com Northern NH: Chutter’s Littleton and Lincoln locations www.chutters.com

Toy Chest 2703 White Mountain Hwy., Conway 356-7176; www.toychestnh.com

Children’s Local Book Store

Children’s Shoe Store

Gibson’s Book Store 45 South Main St., Concord 224-0562; www.gibsonsbookstore.com

Alec’s Shoe Store 1617 Southwood Drive, Nashua 882-6811; www.alecs-shoes.com

Greater Manchester: Bookery Manchester 848 Elm St., Manchester 836-6600; www.bookerymht.com Multi-location: Toadstool Bookshops Keene, Nashua and Peterborough locations www.toadbooks. com

Greater Concord: Joe King’s Shoe Shop 45 North Main St., Concord 225-6012; www.joekings.com

Multi-location: Josh’s Toys and Games NH locations: Salem, Nashua, Manchester www.joshstoysandgames.com

Chiropractor Chiropractic Associates of Bedford 765 South Main St., Dartmouth Commons Manchester 626-3900; www.askachiro.net Greater Concord: Whole Health Chiropractic 6 Loudon Road, Concord 224-6633; www.whchiro.com Greater Manchester: Amoskeag Chiropractic 55 Amoskeag St., Manchester 624-8000; www.nhchiropractors. com

Child Photographer CLIX Portrait Studios 224 Main St., Salem 952-4141; www.clixne.com

www.parentingnh.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 9

Greater Nashua: Amherst Family Chiropractic 89 Route 101A, Amherst 673-0010; www.nhchiropractors.com Seacoast: Crossroads Chiropractic 629 Calef Highway, Epping 679-3222; www.crossroadschiropractic.com

Dance Studio Dance Inspirations 248 Sheep Davis Road, Unit 6, Concord 856-8545; www.danceinspirations.com Greater Manchester: Dimensions in Dance 84 Myrtle St., Manchester 668-4196; www.dimensionsindance.com Greater Salem: Happy Feet Dance School 25 Indian Rock Road, Windham 434-4437; www.happyfeetdanceschool.biz

Children don't have to be perfect to be amazing!

Thank you for your vote as the Family Favorite Mental Health Counseling Service!

www.mhcgm.org

Thank you!

We’re proud to be a Family Favorite.

Environmental and Educational Center Family Favorite: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center 23 Science Center Road,

Clothing Consignment Lots For Tots 1525 South Willow St., Manchester 216-6238; www.lotsfortotsne.com Greater Nashua: M&C Clothing and Gifts 135 Route 101A, Amherst 886-6727; www.m-c-clothing-andgoods.myshopify.com Greater Manchester: OutFITters Thrift Store 394 Second St., Manchester 641-6691; www.outfitters.org Seacoast: Children’s Orchard 105 Gosling Road, Newington 436-8704; www.childrensorchard.com

Cupcakery

Four seasons of healthful, farm-fresh experiences.

Join us for these upcoming FAMILY FAVORITES...

. SCHOOL YEAR PROGRAMMING

Homeschool Classes Remick Ramblers

Discover Remick.

www.remickmuseum.org

603.323.7591 #remickmuseum

. DECEMBER 7 Farmstead Christmas . FEBRUARY 22

Ice Harvest & Winter Carnival And more!

Open year-round. Family-friendly admission: $5; free for ages 4 and under.

10 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

Queen City Cupcakes 790 Elm St., Manchester 624-4999; www. qccupcakes.com Greater Manchester:

Cupcakes 101 132 Bedford Center Road, Bedford 488-5962; www. cupcakes101.net Northern NH: White Mountain Cupcakery 2 Common Court, North Conway 730-5140; www.wmcupcakery.com

Holderness 968-7194; www.nature.org Greater Manchester: SEE Science Center 200 Bedford St., Manchester 669-0400; www.see-sciencecenter.org Seacoast: Seacoast Science Center 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye 436-8043; www.seacoastsciencecenter.org

Equestrian Center Lucky 7 Stables 154 Litchfield Road, Londonderry 432-3076; www.lucky7stables.com Greater Manchester: Different Drummer Farm 55 South Road, Candia 483-2234; www.differentdrummerfarm.com Greater Concord: Townsend’s Training Farm 536 4th Range Road, Pembroke 224-9141; www.townsends trainingfarm.com

Family Dentist Family Favorite: Lindner Dental Associates 72 South River Road, Bedford 624-3900; www.lindnerdental.com Greater Concord: Grace Family Dentistry 143 Airport Road, Concord; 225-6650; www.gracefamilydentistry.com

Thank you to everyone who voted us

Family Favorite orthodontist!

Why choose Elliott Orthodontics?

• A board-certified orthodontist and team you can trust • Leading-edge orthodontic care in a fun, relaxing environment • Customized treatment plans for adults and children • Digital imaging and scanning • Affordable treatment options with flexible 0% interest payment plans • Family discounts • Two convenient locations

2019 New Hampshire Magazine

Dr. Elliott is proud to have been voted by his peers a Top Orthodontist since 2010.

27 Loop Road in Merrimack | 52 High Street in New Boston | 603-424-1199 | elliottorthodontics.com

Greater Salem: Haas Dental Associates 4 Manchester Ave., Derry 434-1586; www.haasdentalnh.com

Greater Concord: Concord Pediatrics 248 Pleasant St., Suite 1700, Concord 224-1929; www.concordpediatrics.com

Family Fitness Club

Greater Nashua: St. Joseph Hospital Pediatrics Nashua and Milford locations www.stjosephhospital.com

Goffstown Allard Center-YMCA 116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown 497-4663; www.graniteymca.org Greater Manchester: YMCA of Downtown Manchester (The Granite YMCA) 30 Mechanic St., Manchester 623-3558; www.granite ymca.org Greater Nashua: YMCA of Greater Nashua Merrimack and Nashua locations www.nmymca.org National chain: Planet Fitness 19 NH locations 627-5566; www.planetfitness.com

We’re honored...

Thank you for choosing Southern New Hampshire Health as a Family Favorite in the following categories:

Immediate Care of Southern New Hampshire Immediate Care Center

The Birth Place at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center Birthing Center or Hospital

Family Mental Health and Counseling Services Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester 401 Cypress St., Manchester 668-4111; www.mhcgm.org Greater Nashua: The Counseling Center of Nashua 1 Main St. Nashua 883-0005; www.counselingcenter.com Greater Concord: Riverbend Community Mental Health 278 Pleasant St., Concord 228-1600; www.riverbendcmhc.org Greater Manchester: Bedford Family Therapy 10 Commerce Park North, Unit 1A, Bedford 606-1233; www.bedford familytherapy.com

Family Pediatrician

SNHhealth.org 12 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Pediatrics 5 Washington Place, Bedford 695-2500; www.chadkids.org

Greater Manchester: River Road Pediatrics 58 Hawthorne Drive, Bedford 622-8619; www.riverroadpediatrics.com Seacoast: Core Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine 166 Plaistow Road, Plaistow 257-4000; www.corephysicians.org

Family Restaurant 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 Northern NH: Woodstock Inn Brewery 135 Main St., North Woodstock 745-3951; www.woodstockinnbrewery.com Multi-location: T-Bones Great American Eatery Bedford, Derry, Hudson, Laconia, Salem locations www.t-bones.com

Family Ski Resort Waterville Valley Resort 1 Ski Area Road, Waterville Valley 236-8311; www.waterville.com

Family-friendly Bank TD Bank www.tdbank.com

Family-friendly Credit Union Service Credit Union www.servicecu.org

Gymnastics Facility Flipz Gymnastics 14 Chenell Drive, Concord 224-3223; www.flipzgymnastics.com Greater Manchester: Granite State Gymnastics 1316 Hooksett Road, Hooksett 935-9816; www.granitestategymnastics.com Greater Nashua: Gymnastics Village 13 Caldwell Drive, Amherst 889-8092; www.gymnasticsvillage.com Greater Salem: Gym-Ken Gymnastics 184 Rockingham Road, Windham 434-9060; www.gymkengymnastics.com

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Holistic Medicine and Health Services Practitioner

Greater Concord: Concord Hospital 250 Pleasant St., Concord 225-2711; www.concordhospital.org

Whole Health Concord 91 North State St., Concord 369-4626; www.naturalmedicine.com

Greater Nashua: St. Joseph Hospital 172 Kinsley St., Nashua 882-3000; www.stjosephhospital.com

Greater Manchester: Northeast Integrative Medicine 360 Route 101, Unit 7, Bedford 647-0600; www.northeastintegrative.com

Seacoast: Exeter Hospital 5 Alumni Drive, Exeter 778-7311; www.exeterhospital.com North: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center/CHaD 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon 650-KIDS; www.chadkids.org

Hospital or Medical Center

Hayward’s Ice Cream Nashua and Merrimack locations www.haywardsicecream.com Greater Concord: Beech Hill Farm & Ice Cream Barn 107 Beech Hill Road, Hopkinton 223-0828; www.beechhillfarm.com Greater Manchester: Puritan Backroom 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester 669-6890; www.puritanbackroom.com

Elliot Hospital 4 Elliot Way, Suite 401, Manchester 669-5300; www.elliothospital.org

Greater Salem: Moo’s Place Homemade Ice Cream 27 Crystal Ave., Derry 425-0100; www.moosplace.com

Greater Manchester: Catholic Medical Center 100 McGregor St., Manchester 668-3545; www.catholicmedicalcenter.org

Now welcoming two new providers to our practice: Wendy Brown-Perry, APRN and Dr. Christine Arsnow

Ice Cream

Monadnock Region: Kimball Farm 158 Turnpike Road, Jaffrey 532-5765; www.kimballfarm.com

Thank You!

Concord Pediatrics is a child-focused practice meeting the needs of children from infancy through adolescence.

• Newborn Care • Well-Child Care • Urine and Strep Throat testing in office • Same Day Sick Visits

• Immunizations • Weight Management & Counseling • Adolescent Gynecology

Thank you for voting us

248 Pleasant St. Suite 1700 | Concord, NH (603) 224-1929 | www.concordpediatricsnh.com 14 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

W W W. T -

B O N E S .COM

Join Us For Our K-8 Open House Saturday, November 16th

10am-11am

Tour the School & Receive Admissions Information Participate in Q & A Interact with Teachers & Administrators Learn About Our “Cradle to Careers” Roadmap

Register Online. WorldAcademyNH.com/Open-House

138 Spit Brook Rd. Nashua, NH

www.parentingnh.com

603.888.1982

| NOVEMBER 2019 15

Ice Skating or Hockey Facility Tri-Town Ice Arena 311 West River Road, Hooksett 485-1100; www.tri-townicearena.com

Indoor Play Place Funspot 579 Endicott St. N., Laconia 366-4377; www.funspot.com Greater Manchester: Cowabunga’s!

1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett 625-8008; www.mycowabungas.com Multi-location: Altitude Trampoline Park Concord, Merrimack, Pelham www.altitudetrampolinepark.com

Kid-friendly Museum SEE Science Center 200 Bedford St., Manchester 669-0400; www.seesciencecenter.org Greater Concord: McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center 2 Institute Drive, Concord 271-7827; www.starhop.com Greater Manchester: Currier Museum of Art

150 Ash St., Manchester 669-6144; www.currier.org Lakes Region: Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm 58 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth Village 323-7591; www.remickmuseum.org Seacoast: Children’s Museum of New Hampshire 6 Washington St., Dover 742-2002; www.childrens-museum.org

Kids Favorite Breakfast Place Parker’s Maple Barn 1316 Brookline Road, Mason 878-2308; www.parkersmaplebarn. com

16 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

Greater Manchester: Friendly Toast 125 South River Road, Bedford 836-6238; www.thefriendlytoast.com Multi-location: Tucker’s 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett 206-5757; www.tuckers.com Seacoast: Friendly Toast 113 Congress St., Portsmouth 430-2154; www.thefriendlytoast.com

Kids Hair Cut Sweet Snips 105 Lafayette Road, Hampton Falls 601-7610; www.sweetsnips.com Greater Manchester: The Modern Man Barbershop & Shave Parlor 1134 Hooksett Road, Hooksett 782-8786; Find on Facebook National chain: Snip-its 317 Amherst St., Nashua 889-0000; www.snipits.com

Learning or Tutoring Service Parker Academy 2 Fisk Road, Concord 228-4209; www.parker education.com National chain: Sylvan Learning Center Bedford, Hampton Falls, Rochester, Portsmouth, Salem locations www.sylvanlearning.com

Local Party Supplies Store J & J Party & Janitorial Supplies 68 Route 101A, Amherst 672-8555; www.jandjpartyandjanitorial.com Greater Concord: Donovan’s Party and Novelty 102 Fort Eddy Road, Concord 226-2225; www.donovansparty.com

Thank you for choosing us as a Seacoast Area Favorite for Birthing Center, Hospital and Family Pediatrician!

Core Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine

The Family Center at Exeter Hospital

Dedicated to providing high quality, compassionate care to infants, children and adolescents.

Care, education, wellness and support for childbirth and beyond.

Epping l Exeter l Plaistow

corephysicians.org

603-580-6668

exeterhospital.com

Lakes Region: Lakes Region Party & Gift 292 Court St., Laconia 528-4489; www.lakesregionpartygift.com

Where getting your hair done is a treat!

Thank you for voting us kid’s favorite haircut!

FOLLOW US ON

Hampton Falls • 601-7610 • www.sweetsnips.com

Greater Salem: Party Center 290 South Broadway, Salem 898-1089; www.partycenterstores.com

Greater Nashua: Nashua Community Music School 5 Pine St. Ext., Nashua 881-7030; www.nashuacms.org

Martial Arts Studio

OB/GYN

Manchester Karate Studio 371 South Willow St., Manchester 782-0010; www.manchesterkarate.com

Family Favorite: Bedford Commons OB/GYN Bedford and Derry locations www.bcog.com

Greater Nashua: Bedford Martial Arts Academy 292 Route 101 West, Bedford 626-9696; www.bedfordmartialartsacademy. com

care in our hands

Put your child’s

Keeping kids healthy for over 35 years!

Welcoming new patients.

Thank you for your votes & thank you to the families that entrust us with your children’s care.

58 Hawthorne Dr, Bedford, NH 622-8619 | RiverRoadPediatrics.com

Thank you readers of ParentingNH for voting us your Favorite Bakery!

Lakes Region: Beyond the Belt Martial Arts Center 5 Trinity Road, Meredith 366-1044; www.btbmartialarts.com Multi-location: Tokyo Joe’s Studio Nashua and Milford locations www.tokyojoes.net

Mini Golf Chuckster’s 53 Hackett Hill Road, Hooksett 210-1415; www.chucksters.com Greater Manchester: Mel’s Funway Park 454 Charles Bancroft Hwy., Litchfield 424-2292; www.melsfunwaypark.com

Movie Theater Cinemagic Hooksett, Merrimack, Portsmouth www.cinemagicmovies.com Multi-location: Chunky’s Cinema NH locations: Manchester, Nashua, Pelhamwww.chunkys.com

Music or Entertainment Venue Palace Theatre 80 Hanover St., Manchester 668-5588; www.palacetheatre.org

www.pastry.net

Amherst, NH • Bedford, NH N. Andover, MA

18 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

Greater Concord: Concord Community Music School 23 Wall St., Concord 228-1196; www.ccmusicschool.org

Musical Instruction Manchester Community Music School 2291 Elm St., Manchester 644-4548; www.mcmusicschool.org

Greater Concord: Concord Obstetrics and Gynecology 250 Pleasant St., Concord 225-2711; www.concordhospital.org Greater Manchester: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Nurse Midwifery at Dartmouth-Hitchcock 5 Washington Place, Bedford 577-4300; www.dartmouthhitchcock.org/obgyn.html Greater Nashua: St. Joseph OB/GYN Associates of Southern NH Hudson and Merrimack locations www.stjosephhospital.com Seacoast: Partners for Women’s Health 3 Alumni Drive, Suite 401, Exeter 778-0557; www.womens healthexeter.com

We love helping New Hampshire families grow!

For over 37 years we have been invested in the health of you and your families.

We are honored to be a Parenting NH Family Favorite once again!

New Hampshire’s #1 choice for Women’s Healthcare!

201 Riverway Place, Bedford, NH 03110 6 Tsienneto Road, Derry, NH 03038 49 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087 603-688-8400 | www.bcog.com

Visit the Possibilities

Open House — Sunday, November 3 at 1pm

Orthodontist Concord Pediatric Dentistry 248 Pleasant St., Suite 1700, Concord 224-1929; www.concordpediatrics.com Greater Manchester: Lindner Dental Associates 72 So. River Road, Bedford 624-3900; www.lindnerdental.com Greater Nashua: Elliott Orthodontics 27 Loop Road, Merrimack 424-1199; www.elliottorthodontics.com

Greater Nashua: Children’s Dental Center of New Hampshire and Orthodontics TOO 7 Route 101A, Suite D, Amherst 673-1000; www.childrensdentalnh.com Greater Manchester: Lindner Dental Associates 72 South River Road, Bedford 624-3900; www.lindnerdental.com Greater Salem: Haas Dental Associates 4 Manchester Ave., Derry 434-1586; www.haasdental.com Lakes Region: Children’s Dentistry of the Lakes Region 369 Hounsell Ave., Gilford 527-2500; www.childrensdentistnh.com

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

Pizza Party entertainment or entertainer Family Favorite: Wildlife Encounters 923-1168; www.weecocenter.com Greater Manchester: A Party Palace 286-4555; www.apartypalace.com Greater Salem: McDonny’s Traveling Farm 437-5172; www.mcdonnysfarm.com

Pediatric Dentist Family Favorite: Concord Pediatric Dentistry 16 Foundry St., Suite 101, Concord 224-3339; www.concordpediatricdentistry.com

900 Degrees 50 Dow St., Manchester 641-0900; www.900degrees.com Greater Concord: Constantly Pizza 39 South Main St., Concord 224-9366; www.constantlypizza.net Lakes Region: Tilton House of Pizza 298 Main St., Tilton 286-7181; www.tiltonhouseofpizza.com Regional chain: Sal’s Pizza 7 NH locations www.sals-pizza.com

Place for Arts and Crafts Muse Paintbar 42 Hanover St., Manchester 421-6500; www.musepaintbar.com Multi-location: You’re Fired Nashua, Bedford, Salem, Concord www.yourefirednh.com

Place to Buy a Family Car AutoFair Manchester, Nashua, Plaistow, Stratham locations www.autofair.com

20 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

WE THANK YOU! Thank you to the readers of Parenting NH for again voting us Favorite Pediatric Dentist in Greater Nashua.

Both Dr. Jim McAveeney and Dr. Andrew Cheifetz are also NH Magazine 2019 TOP Dentists. If only the best will do for your child, consider the specialized services of Children’s Dental Center of NH. 2019 New Hampshire Magazine

Visit our 2 locations and discover NH’s truly unique shoe store.

35 BROADWAY, DOVER, NH • 742-1893 ROUTE 125 , PLAISTOW, NH • 382-7688 REDSSHOEBARN.COM

Now offering braces — call us today!

To schedule an appointment, call us at 603-673-1000 7 Route 101A, Amherst NH | www.childrensdentalnh.com

www.parentingnh.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 21

Scenic Outdoor Adventure Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves 1712 Lost River Road, North Woodstock 745-8031; www.lostrivergorge.com

Spa Day for Mom

Restaurant for Date Night

Serendipity Day Spa 23 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke; 229-0400; www.serendipitydayspa.com

The Copper Door 15 Leavy Drive, Bedford 488-2677; www.copperdoor.com Greater Manchester: Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27, Raymond 244-2431; www.thetuckaway.com Seacoast: Tuscan Kitchen 581 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth 570-3600; www.tuscanbrands.com Multi-location: The Common Man Six NH locations www.thecman.com

Greater Manchester: Chill Spa 1224 Hanover St., Manchester 622-3722; www.chillspa.com Greater Nashua: Innovations The Salon & Spa 228 Naticook Road, Merrimack 880-7499; www.innovationsnh.com Northern NH: The Common Man Inn & Spa Claremont and Portsmouth www.thecmaninn.com

Sporting Event for Families New Hampshire Fisher Cats www.nhfishercats.com

Swing sets and outdoor play systems Woodplay of New Hampshire 36 Route 101A, Amherst 249-9773; www.woodplayofnh.com

Urgent or Immediate Care Center Elliot Urgent Care at River’s Edge 185 Queen City Ave., Manchester 663-3000; www.elliothospital.org

Greater Concord: Concord Hospital’s Walk-In Urgent Care Center 60 Commercial St., Concord 230-1200; www.concordhospital.org Greater Manchester: Catholic Medical Center’s Urgent Care 100 McGregor St., Manchester 668-3545; www.catholicmedicalcenter.org Greater Nashua: Immediate Care of Southern New Hampshire 112 Spit Brook Road, Nashua 577-2273; www.shealth.org Multi-location: ConvenientMD Urgent Care 9 NH locations www.convenientmd.com

Water Park Water Country 2300 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth 427-1111; www.watercountry.com

• NH’S PEDIATRIC SEDATION EXPERTS • COSMETIC DENTISTRY • OROFACIAL MYOLOGY AND ORAL HABIT ELIMINATION

• OFFICE THERAPY DOG GIVES ASSISTANCE TO CHILDREN

BY REDUCING ANXIETY

We are here for the whole family!

Orthodontics • Pediatric • General Dentistry 4 Manchester Ave., Derry, NH (603) 434-1586 | www.HaasDentalNH.com 22 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

Now Accepting New Patients

Mission Impossible:

No mouse, no kids, no problem A theme park-free, kid-free visit to Walt Disney World is not only possible, it’s a lot of fun

BY BILL BURKE

W

alt Disney World is for kids, they say.

Leave the vacation kingdom to the shortpants set, and grow up, they say.

Get up — time for breakfast on the Boardwalk.

SLEEPING WELL

PHOTO BY BILL BURKE

A message to Mad Mom, and to any other childfree couple, group or gathering: With a few insider’s tips and a willingness to forgo Space Mountain, adults can leave the kids at home, never set foot inside one of Disney’s renowned theme parks and experience a top-notch getaway packed with unequaled customer service, convenience, color and culture.

With a few simple guidelines established, ParentingNH’s Dad on Board columnist embedded in the central Florida vacation destination recently to put that theory to the test.

The rules: • Leave the children at home.

• Don’t set foot in a single theme park.

That’s it. And spoiler alert: Not only is a parents’ getaway possible, it’s a great option.

Here’s how.

I say they don’t know Walt Disney World.

One angry mom’s Twitter tirade against childless couples visiting central Florida’s vacation destinations recently went viral, sparking a debate about who has the right to strap-on a MagicBand and queue up for some Mouse-centric entertainment. The somewhat profane rant, summarized and sanitized, posits that “Walt Disney World is for children! People without children need to be banned!”

24 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

First stop: your pillow. Disney owns and operates more than two dozen resorts on-property, ranging from value-level to deluxe. For a kid-free, park-free experience, convenience and access to activities is a priority, which is why the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa is a natural choice. Located just across Lake Buena Vista from Disney Springs, a stay at this Disney Vacation Club resort — themed to look like the New York horse racing destination — puts you within walking distance of a diverse and extensive roster of dining, sipping and entertainment options.

The charm and flavor of the 1930s mid-Atlantic coast comes to life at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort — a favorite for kid-free getaways. Inset: Boardwalk Joe’s marvelous margaritas.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DISNEY

www.parentingnh.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 25

Eat like a grown-up. The Bacon and Eggs appetizer at The Wave… Of American Flavors.

PHOTO BY BILL BURKE

Waterfront dining at The Boathouse, in the heart of Disney Springs. Be sure to go for a ride in a Captain-guided tour aboard an amphibious auto, known as an Amphicar, on Lake Buena Vista. PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY/ MATT STROSHANE

Depending on time of year and room size, Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa ranges from a low of $398 a night for studio accommodations.

OF DISNEY/KENT PHILLIPS An equally rewarding home base is Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. A lively spot embracing Crescent Lake just outside the International Gateway entrance to Epcot and a short walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Boardwalk transports guests to turnof-the-century Atlantic City. A handful of dining options and nightly live entertainment in the form of boardwalk buskers makes this resort a vacation unto itself. A night at the Boardwalk Inn, standard-view, starts at $506. Upgrade the room or switch to Boardwalk-view, and prices shoot higher than the fireworks over Cinderella Castle.

There are more reasonable options. Disney’s All Star Music Resort, for example, starts at $99 per night, depending on the time of year.

Trattoria al Forno, on Disney Boardwalk, features fare inspired by farms in the Italian countryside. PHOTO COURTESY

26 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

THE MISSION is to discover if it’s

possible to vacation at Walt Disney World, leave the kids at home, and never set foot in one of its theme parks.

Of course it is. But because it’s such an expansive location, it can be hard to get your arms around it.

If you’re not going to be braving the theme parks or getting your child into a highly sought-after character meal, the key is to simplify. Here’s a sample itinerary our embedded reporter experienced during his recent no-kids, no-Mouse trip to Walt Disney World.

A NO-KIDS WDW ITINERARY, DAY 1:

• Check in to Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa You, too, can experience a relaxed feeling (as modeled by ParentingNH’s Dad on Board columnist, Bill Burke) by embarking on a kidfree Disney vacation.

PHOTO BY AMY BURKE

• Take a boat ride across Lake Buena Vista • Shop at Disney Springs • Dine at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar • Nap • Enjoy live music performances throughout Disney Springs • Try a wide array of oysters at the Boathouse raw bar

PRO TIP: The beauty of traveling to Walt Disney World without kids is that mornings can be lazy, sleep can be plentiful and naps can be had.

However, in this case — get up. Rise early and head for the Boardwalk Bakery for coffee and pastries. The wrought-iron tables and chairs provide a front-row seat to the brilliant sunrise that’ll bounce off of the Swan and Dolphin resorts just across the way.

• Take a ride on an Amphicar at The Landing

EATING WELL

• Try the Sprinkles Cupcakes vending machine at Disney Springs

With endless dining opportunities from one end of the expansive property to the other, it’s easy to find something to eat. Sure, there are buffets where every character from Winnie the Pooh to Goofy will sidle up to your waffles for a photo op, but since the kids are back with the in-laws, why not splurge a bit? Look closely and you’ll find plenty of menus without chicken nuggets or pizza on them. Your first choice in this case should be The Wave… Of American Flavors located just off the lobby in the Contemporary Resort.

Sure, you’ll be in the shadow of the Magic Kingdom, but with a little self-control you can avoid Mickey’s home base. Step off the monorail, head down the ramp into the restaurant proper, and you’re just minutes away from the Bacon and Eggs.

Typically, I wouldn’t get quite so excited by bacon and eggs, but this isn’t your Denny’s style breakfast fare. This is Bacon and Eggs (note: capitalize it, and you’re ordering the right item). This appetizer, which is substantial enough to serve as an entrée, is actually maple-lacquered pork belly with a ‘perfect egg’ (poached low and slow so it takes on a custard-like texture) served over Tillamook smoked cheddar grits. At just $14 — a pittance in Disney dining prices — it’s not only a bargain it’s the most delicious thing you may eat on Disney property.

A NO-KIDS WDW ITINERARY, DAY 2: • Choose a Vacation Hat from Chapel Hats • Sample the outrageous array of dipping sauces at D-Luxe Burger

• Nap • Tour the Saratoga Springs Resort • Sample a flight of traditional Irish libations, catch some live Irish music and Irish step dancing at Raglan Road

A NO-KIDS WDW ITINERARY, DAY 3: • Visit Disney’s Boardwalk for breakfast • Tackle 18 holes at Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course • Foil the Empire at The Void: Secrets of the Empire VR experience • Nap • Try some fine dining at The Wave… Of American Flavors • Spend the evening at Abracadabar — a magic-themed cocktail destination on the Boardwalk

www.parentingnh.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 27

And yes, I’m looking at you, candied bacon-on-a-stick in Frontierland.

PRO TIP: Pair it with the restaurant’s whiskey flight to paint your palate with even more depth. Choose from several bourbons for a smoky, spicy element. Sip, savor, add a couple drops of water and try it again. New aromas and characteristics will reveal themselves, working perfectly in concert with the pork belly and maple flavors. Remy would be proud.

Another Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR)-worthy option is The Boathouse, located in the Landing section of Disney Springs. A sophisticated spot for steaks and seafood, it sits just over the lake and is surrounded by a flotilla of classic watercraft.

Start with an array of oysters — described and categorized thoughtfully by where they were harvested and served with vivid tasting notes — at $3.50-$4 each. The Boathouse Lobster Clambake does an admirable job of recreating the flavors of the Maine shoreline.

For $38 you’ll get half of a 1¼ pound lobster, middleneck clams (in New England speak: tiny steamers), red potatoes, corn on the cob, Andouille sausage and a ciabatta crostini. Gibson’s Heritage Steaks are also available, ranging from the N.Y. cut at $29.50 to the $62 porterhouse. For slightly less, the Filet Mignon Sliders (two for $14), unadorned

aside from splashes of maître d’ butter, will add some turf to your surf.

RECREATING WELL Step outside of the Boathouse, take a quick right, and you’ll be standing next to a fleet of squat, weirdly tall cars — these are the renowned Amphicars. Designed to drive from dry land into the water, these vehicles are available for tours in and around the waters of Disney Springs, affording guests an utterly unique view of the place. A 20-minute tour, which starts with a flourish and a splash into the water, is $125, and includes your own car captain (you can’t pilot it yourself) and room for three guests.

If you’ve opted to stay at the Boardwalk Inn, you’re a five-minute walk (or an $8 Uber from the Saratoga Springs Resort) from the Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course.

Eighteen holes ($14) of creative mini-golf pits participants against challenging (and sometimes moving) obstacles straight from the minds of Disney’s Imagineers. Tests range from challenging uphill approaches to several soaking elements that give new meaning to “water feature.”

Since the opening of the new Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the resort is pretty much Vader/Skywalker central.

However, the theme parks — and reality it-

Taking in the sights at Walt Disney World — without kids, Mickey or lines. PHOTO BY BILL BURKE

Top: Playing 18 holes at Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course. PHOTO BY BILL BURKE Bottom: “I can almost see my daughter back in New Hampshire from here.” The Characters in Flight balloon soars 400 feet above Disney Springs. Climb aboard and get a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Walt Disney World Resort for approximately 8–10 minutes. PHOTO

BY DAVID ROARK

28 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

Drop in to Chapel Hats for the perfect vacation lid. PHOTO BY BILL BURKE

self, truth be told — will never seem further away than when you’re spending 45 minutes foiling the Sith at The Void: Secrets of the Empire. A virtual reality experience ($29.95) drops would-be rebels into the world of ‘Star Wars’ in a completely convincing adventure. Friends-of-Skywalker types don a 25-pound vest and VR helmet, which transports them to the molten planet of Mustafar, where they must recover Imperial intelligence.

I think. We spent our time on Mustafar shooting at anything that moved, including entire battalions of Stormtroopers and a few massive lava monsters.

Good news: The VR vest is quite slimming. Sort of like space-Spanx.

The VR tracking is also quite accurate. With a flick of a switch, we were transported into a world where we walked through hallways, picked up blasters, balanced above rivers of fire and fought for our lives.

PRO TIP: A lazy afternoon of strolling through Disney Springs will bring visitors through scores of stores, pubs and nosheries. While you’re shopping, stop in at Chapel Hats, near the Landing. The right lid will keep the strong Florida sun from frying your dome, and Chapel Hats has a dizzying collection of top hats, floppy hats, scally caps and steam punk toppers.

When the sun goes down the artists come out to play. Live music, in the form of well-equipped, talented, professionally produced buskers will keep your toes tapping from the Marketplace to the West Side. Over at the Boardwalk, comedians, magicians and musicians draw crowds and keep families enthralled all night long — at the very un-Disney price of free. That’s not to say you won’t drop a few dollars while strolling along the Boardwalk’s boardwalk. Boardwalk Joe’s Marvelous Margarita’s is just a few steps from all the action, and a Captain’s Seaside Sensation (pineapple smoothie with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum) will set you back $14.

PRO TIP: Once the sun dips below the Beach Club, hit the Boardwalk and seek out Coney Island Chris — a master at keeping guests both screaming with laughter and squeamish with his edgy, fun and freakish antics.

So, dear Mad Mom Tweeter, Walt Disney World isn’t just for kids.

Not that it isn’t an ideal family destination, as generations of increasing attendance, unending additions and construction projects and rising revenues will attest, it is. But if your definition of family includes people who remember when Mr. Toad had a wild ride, you’ll be fine.

Now get your kid out of my way — that photo with Pluto isn’t going to take itself.

Bill Burke is a writer who lives in New Hampshire and travels often to Walt Disney World — sometimes without his daughter. He is the author of the “Mousejunkies” series of Disney travel books, the Dad on Board columnist for ParentingNH, and managing editor of Custom Publications at McLean Communications.

Gate City is a free, public charter school in NH with an integrated arts approach to learning.

Accepting New Enrollments Grades K-8 for 2019-2020 7 Henry Clay Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054 603-943-5273,603-943-5745 Fax

Summer Camp is back at Gymnastics Village w half and full day options (9am-3pm)! Designed boys and girls from 6 to 14, kids will participat in gymnastics rotations, fitness activities, Ninja Challenge obstacle courses, games, crafts, part apparatus like our inflatables, zip-line and mor

Registration for summer camps and recreation classes begins April 1st. Call 603.889.8092 or visit gymnasticsvillage.com.

Thank you for voting for us!

Three Convenient Locations:

# Pembroke # Epping # Meredith

A complete examination with any necessary x-rays is just $49 this month!

(603) 575-9080 www.CrossroadsChiropractic.com

Welcoming New Clients

– Insurance Accepted –

SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY

114 Bay Street Manchester 603-867-4240

playonwordsnh.com • info@playonwordsnh.com

www.parentingnh.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 29

Bringing Christmas

(with a little help from A local group connects those in need with gift-givers via social media

BY KRYSTEN GODFREY MADDOCKS

or Tisha Wade, 53, of Rochester, 2014 was a challenging year.

One of her four children was diagnosed with cancer at age 18.

The cancer traveled from her leg up through her bloodstream to her lung. The family missed Christmas that year, instead waiting in the Intensive Care Unit to hear news about her future.

Today, Wade’s daughter is 22.

She lost her left leg to cancer and gets around in a wheelchair. One of her other children, a 16-year-old son, has autism. Wade supports her children while her husband, who has diabetes, goes to work.

Zane, then 16 months, received clothes, books and toys, and this stuffed sheep, which he loved, his mom Hannah Silk of Somersworth said. “It’s amazing to have been able to see the look on my son’s face last year when he was experiencing his first Christmas.” COURTESY PHOTO

30 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

cheer to families

Facebook)

Christmas presents would normally be out of reach for the family if it weren’t for the all-volunteer Facebook group, “Helping Seacoast Families for Christmas.” Wade said she found the group through a quick search on Facebook, desperate to ensure a happy holiday for her family.

“I saw Helping Seacoast Families and I was like, ‘I wonder if this helps people because I definitely need help.’ I talked to Iris (Litterio) and she explained to me that the only thing you need to do is post pictures of the kids opening gifts,” she said.

Since then, Wade has applied for Christmas help each season and is thankful that her children can open gifts they’ve asked for.

“This is one of the nicest things anyone can do for families,” she said.

STARTING FROM SCRATCH Helping Seacoast Families started with no income requirements, no staff, and no set agenda — just a Facebook group page. In October 2015, Tiffani Nelson reached out to moms in another Facebook group to ask if anyone would be interested in starting a Christmas charity. Three of the original five moms who supported the idea are still on board.

Beginning in October, they work hard to solicit families in need, encourage area families to “adopt” children, and then match the two, all via Facebook. Once the adoptive families buy presents, Nelson, Litterio, and administrators Nicole Dionne and Katherine Cauley collect, wrap and deliver gifts.

Suzanne Burnett’s daughter Savannah, of Kittery, Maine, with one of her favorite gifts. COURTESY PHOTO

www.parentingnh.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 31

Nelson of Portsmouth has three daughters ages 9, 8 and 5. She started Helping Seacoast Families after experiencing homelessness. In 2014, she and her then-husband traveled to New Hampshire from Florida to stay with friends. The friends got evicted, leaving Nelson and her family homeless. They moved to Cross Roads House emergency shelter in Portsmouth that winter. For the first time, Nelson was unable to provide Christmas gifts for her family.

“I stumbled upon a group that was out of Manchester. The woman who adopted my girls was amazing and we still stay semi-in touch today,” she said. “The following year I decided to give back to my community and start a similar group that helps the Seacoast since we didn’t have anything like that here.”

Today, Nelson lives in public housing with her daughters and continues to receive help from the group as she makes Christmas presents a reality for others. She works at Aroma Joe’s and attends nursing school at Great Bay Community College.

“Helping people and making them smile is a huge part of my purpose,” she said.

Last year alone the group found donors (or “adopters”) for 509 children, serving more than 200 area families, said Litterio, of Dover, a former childcare provider with a five-yearold daughter. Each year, coordinating donations has become smoother as the administrators continue to hone their process.

“We do a video chat before the season starts to make our plan and adjustments for the upcoming season,” she said.

“Social media has been a wonderful tool for us to help families in need and recruit people who want to help and are just looking for a way how.”

paperwork when they apply. They do, however, need to agree not to receive gifts from any other local Facebook charity to ensure as many kids as possible receive presents. The main requirement: Post a photo your adopter can see that shows your child opening his or her gift at Christmas.

“We use the honor system. We trust that the family applying is absolutely in need,” Litterio said. “Through the years we’ve gotten to know some of their stories, and they have become family to us.”

Of course, sometimes families are caught “double dipping,” or accepting gifts from other local Facebook charities, which Helping Seacoast Families discourages. There is a “Naughty and Nice” list for families who don’t comply with the rules, which are pinned at the very top of the group page. Litterio said she and the other administrators are more concerned about children getting left out rather than families taking advantage of the program.

• To guarantee an entire family of kids receives gifts, the group only “releases” five families at a time through a random generator.

• It is only until each family member is adopted that Seacoast Families posts the wish lists of additional children still waiting to be adopted.

FILLING THE GAPS Although New Hampshire is the “least impoverished state” according to a U.S. Census Report and boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, families in the area continue to struggle. The cost of housing in the group’s catchment area — which includes cities and towns in Strafford and Rockingham counties — are among the highest in the state. And while social services organizations can help strained families with basic needs like food and utilities, they do not typically provide extras like Christmas gifts.

Organizations such as The Salvation Army or Toys for Tots program accept and deliver gift donations, but do not ask families what their children specifically want for Christmas.

The Helping Seacoast Families for Christmas group asks parents for clothing and shoe sizes and for specific toy requests. To receive them families do not need to furnish any

32 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

Sarah Lemon’s sons Mark and Joseph of Seabrook enjoy a happy Christmas thanks to Helping Seacoast Families. COURTESY PHOTO

Heather Arsenault’s son Hunter poses with toys from a generous donor. COURTESY PHOTO

• Adopters can then choose which child or children they want to buy for based upon the information Seacoast Families provides in the posts.

• Gift-givers can also choose to remain anonymous and rely on an administrator to communicate with the family and deliver the gifts. Or, if they prefer to foster a personal relationship with a family, they can discuss gift ideas and make deliveries in person.

• This year, the administrators are also requesting that all gifts be donated unwrapped so that recipients can see them before children open them. (Adopters are welcome to donate wrapping paper, however.)

“Our biggest fear is that families with multiple kids will have four adopted kids and one not. What I end up doing the whole season is letting people know there are two kids left and then we can add more,” she said. “Older children are often consid-

ered not as fun to shop for, so I’ll let people know that someone can take the 12-year-old and we can move on…which speeds up the momentum.”

Last year, the group set out with a goal to bring Christmas to 400 kids, which it quickly exceeded. Adopters want to help, and social media has given them a tool to quickly find a way in which they can make a difference, Litterio said. Many families report including their own children in the adoption and gift-giving process, creating “a big circle of goodness and giving,” she said.

GETTING INVOLVED Delaney Deane of Barrington, who has two children ages 7 and 2, got involved with Helping Seacoast Families last year. She first reached out to ask if the group needed help wrapping gifts, but instead ended up helping the administrators moderate the site.

www.parentingnh.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 33

More about Helping Seacoast Families for Christmas guidelines • Those applying for gifts can apply until Monday, Nov. 18, 2019.

• The areas in New Hampshire the group serves include Milton, Rochester, Farmington, Somersworth, Strafford, Seabrook, Exeter, Dover, Portsmouth, Barrington, Lee, Hampton, Rye, Newmarket and Durham.

• There is no guarantee your family will be chosen for adoption.

She personally adopted two families and then involved her colleagues at Keller Williams Coastal Realty in Portsmouth, who collectively adopted 15 families.

“It’s right in front of your face; we are helping people who live in our own backyards,” Deane said. “When you look at the page, you see the requests right at the beginning. They make it easy,” she said.

Deane said she kept thinking, “If people can’t buy gifts, where do they put the gifts when they get them?” So she posted in the group, asking if anyone needed a Christmas tree, and 45 people responded. Last year, she was able to supply 30 trees and decorations to families. She delivered the trees with the help of her seven-year-old son.

“My son learned not to take a Christmas tree for granted. He didn’t understand why we were doing this, so we had that conversation that

sometimes you have to pick feeding kids over getting a Christmas tree,” Deane said. “My son said that Santa would never forget anybody, so delivering the Christmas trees was easier. It let him see that not everyone is as fortunate as he is.”

LOOKING BEYOND DECEMBER Because families have special events in their lives at times other than December, Helping Seacoast Families administrators are looking for ways in which they can make a difference in children’s lives year-round.

Throughout the year, some adopters have asked how they can help the families they’ve met at Christmastime. Other families have asked how they can donate items that are used but are in good condition. Because Helping Seacoast Families has no storage space, administrators wrestle with storing items and managing

• Families are encouraged to apply to other non-Facebook organizations for help such as Salvation Army and Toys for Tots. You cannot apply to any other Facebook charity.

• The adopter has the choice to remain anonymous. If they wish to be known, an administrator will set up a group chat. You may not message an adopter outside of the group chat set up by an administrator or moderator if there is one.

• If your family has been chosen to go up for adoption an administrator will send you a message letting you know.

When your child has been adopted an administrator will again be in touch.

• You must have custody of the children you are applying for. Only one parent/ guardian may apply.

William, son of Heather Arsenault of Seabrook, benefitted from the generosity of the Helping Seacoast Families for Christmas Facebook group. COURTESY PHOTO

34 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

g Acceptin r s fo n o ti a c li App 21 0 2020-2

St. Christopher School Pre-Kindergarten 3’s to Grade 6

Character development begins in PreKindergarten.

Faith matters at St. Christopher School.

Academic achievement is a top priority.

Teachers are not constrained by Common Core requirements.

Buddy Program connects students and develops leadership.

Attend Our Upcoming Open House!

November 6 • 9:30 - 11:00 AM

s

ris ophe ChSCHOOL r 20 Cushing Ave. • Nashua, NH 03064 • 603-882-7442 StChrisSchoolNH.org

She’s Not Just Pretty in Pink...

She’s Dancing Smart Dance and music classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers

Visit BYPC.org or call (603) 472-3894 to register. www.parentingnh.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 35

off-cycle donations. For this reason, the organization is looking to become a 501(c) (3) charity so it can formally fundraise. One of the first items on its wish list? Securing a space for storage.

“Each admin’s house is ‘Santa’s Workshop.’ Our living rooms have pathways of presents. I’d like to find a place to store all of this stuff and have birthday parties,” Litterio said.

Nelson and Litterio are working with the Small Business Administration to apply for 501(c)(3) status so they can apply for grants that will allow them to grow to supply birthday presents and host parties, as well as deliver back-to-school outfits to deserving Seacoast children.

“There will always be a need for fun in childhood. There are so many wonderful organizations out there that are overwhelmed with just trying to provide basic needs. We want to be able to provide the fun part of childhood,” Litterio said. “Children should be able to look forward to waking up on Christmas morning and parents should be able to look forward to their children waking up on Christmas morning.”

For recipients like Mandy Ebare, 35, of Farmington, Helping Seacoast Families relieves the stress of providing Christmas gifts.

The parents of six children, ages 17, 16, 14, 11, 8, and 4, Ebare and her husband have struggled with paying the bills, medical issues, and keeping a roof over their heads for the past few years.

“This had made my kids’ Christmases. If it weren’t for this group, we wouldn’t have had one,” she said.

For more information, or to donate, go to Facebook and search for “Helping Seacoast Families for Christmas.”

Krysten Godfrey Maddocks has worked as a journalist and in marketing roles throughout the Granite State. She now regularly writes for New-England based higher education, business, and technology organizations. She has enjoyed calling the Seacoast her home for more than 25 years.

36 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

Where can my family find Christmas help this season?

IF YOUR FAMILY DOESN’T QUALIFY FOR HELPING SEACOAST FAMILIES FOR CHRISTMAS, THERE ARE OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR FAMILIES. DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, YOU CAN CONTACT THE FOLLOWING CHARITIES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

THE SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE PROGRAM According to their website, this Salvation Army program is offered to children from low-income families. Infants and children up to age 12 are eligible for free gifts, toys, and clothing. (Senior citizens who are 60 years and older can also receive help from the free Angel Tree program, too.) To qualify, applicants must meet income guidelines that are established by their Salvation Army local center. During the application process, parents can include the clothing sizes and special requests for gifts. This information is then transferred to paper “angels” along with the child’s age, gender, and first name. The trees that have these paper angels are placed in high-traffic areas during the holiday season, including area shopping malls, stores, post offices, and other locations. Your child’s name can be selected by community members who can opt to buy any of the items listed. Many businesses often contribute to the program as well. Other Salvation Army programs include Adopt a Family and holidays meals programs. For more: www.nne. salvationarmy.org.

TOYS FOR TOTS Run by the United States Marine Corps, this program has been collecting and delivering gifts to children since 1947. This year, the program will not be distributing to individual families but will be working with local nonprofits to identify families in need. If you are a family looking for help, New Hampshire Toys for Tots asks that you contact New Hampshire Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army or your local Head Start program. For more: www.toysfortots.org.

OPERATION SANTA CLAUS This program, run by volunteers from SEA/SEIU Local, works with the state Department of Health and Human Services to identify children in need of help. DHHS serves as the intake organization, which means the organization can only help children who have received state services.

FRONT DOOR AGENCY Each year the Front Door Agency accepts applications for holiday assistance from income-qualified families in need. Individuals, businesses, churches and other organizations “adopt” these families, fulfilling their wish list and providing toys and warm clothing to children in our own community. This program is for the Greater Nashua area. Go to Eventbrite and search for “Front Door Agency” to register for 2019 Front Door Agency Holiday Program.

If you know of any additional organizations helping New Hampshire families this holiday season, email information to editor@parentingnh.com.

PINE HILL

LLC

Their joy is our goal!

Day and evening dance classes for children 18 months and up.

FRI, DEC 6 • 6:30 – 9:30 PM Shopping Only, for Adults Unique and handmade gifts from talented vendors and artisans: Jewelry • Woolens • Paintings • Fiber Arts • Pottery • More!

SAT, DEC 7 • 10 AM – 4 PM Shopping • Children’s Activities A festive holiday village with engaging activities and experiences:

Thanks for voting us Family Favorite Dance Studio

Pocket Lady / Wizard • Flying Gravity Circus • Children’s Entertainment Cake Walk • Magical Crystal Cave • Children’s Craft-Making

Lunch Café

•

Dessert Café

•

Waffle Station

pinehill.org/holidayfair TOP OF ABBOTT HILL ROAD

•

77 PINE HILL DRIVE, WILTON

TAP, JAZZ, BALLET, HIP-HOP, CONTEMPORARY, TUMBLING AND COMPETITIVE TEAMS 248 SHEEP DAVIS ROAD, UNIT 6, CONCORD, NH 856-8545 • WWW.DANCEINSPIRATIONS.COM

pinehill.org

highmowing.org

www.parentingnh.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 37

ADVERTISEMENT

Q+A: LIVING WITH DIABETES Every 21 seconds another individual is diagnosed with diabetes in the United States. More than 30 million adults and children have diabetes, which is the seventh most deadly disease in the U.S., claiming 80,000 lives per year.

ParentingNH reached out to the experts at Amoskeag Health, in Manchester, to learn more about this growing pandemic: Barbara Conneally, BSN, RN, CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator) at Amoskeag Health. A nurse for 46 years, she has spent 21 years at Amoskeag Health and 15 years as a CDE. Kerry Roulo, RN, Specialty Services Manager/ Certificate Diabetes Educator Level 1 at Amoskeag Health. A nurse for 35 years, she’s been at Amoskeag Health for four years.

Both Conneally and Roulo are members of the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

What is diabetes?

It is a disease in which the body’s ability to

produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood and urine.

What are the differences between Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes — also called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes — is often diagnosed in children, teens and young adults but can develop at any age. If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas stops making insulin or makes very little insulin. Type 2 diabetes often appears as a chronic condition in middle age or older adults and is thought to be related to lifestyle factors and obesity. Type 2 diabetes is on the rise with children and young adults mostly due to lack of exercise and obesity.

What happens in type 2 diabetes?

The body does not make or use insulin well. It begins with insulin resistance, which means cells aren’t responding to insulin (by letting sugar into the cell) even though the body is still making the hormone. Blood sugar rises in the bloodstream and urine.

amoskeaghealth.org

603-626-9500

Integrated health care for the whole family under one roof, close to home, with four convenient locations in Manchester Hollis • Tarrytown • Elm • McGregor

38 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

What are some of the symptoms people with type 2 diabetes experience?

When blood sugars are high, usually occurring slowly over time, patients can experience increase in thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision and headache (tiredness, hunger, trouble thinking or concentrating).

How is type 2 diabetes treated?

Treatments are geared towards keeping the blood sugars within a normal range agreed upon by you and your Provider. Some of the treatments for type 2 diabetes include lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, exercise, 7-10% weight loss if excess weight is present and taking medications correctly if prescribed.

Diabetes treatments have changed dramatically in the last decades, with a plethora of medications available for treatment of type 2 diabetes today that improve mortality.

What is next?

Patient education, empowerment, lifestyle prevention and treatment. There is evidence that diabetes can be prevented, or at least postponed in those at high risk.

Visit amoskeaghealth.org.

dad on board

Sustainable Shopping Since 1990!

M&C

MISSING: MY BUSY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

is for KIDS and TEENS

THE DIRTY LAUNDRY AND FOOD CRUMBS ARE THE ONLY INDICATIONS SHE’S BEEN HOME

MEN and WOMEN PARENTSTO-BE

BY BILL BURKE If anyone should happen to see my kid, please tell her I hope she is well because since the start of school she has been but a rumor around our house.

This is her senior year of high school, which means there’s plenty for her to do: play practice and improv troupe rehearsals and jazz band and orchestra and rock ensemble and college auditions and music lessons and honor societies, among other things.

What it means for the other two people in our house is that we get to spend a lot less time with her. I can tell she still lives with us, because of the laundry and trail of chicken tender crumbs. This is the evidence that at some point every once in a while, she’ll touch down before launching back out the door.

I can’t complain, though, because her mom and I promoted this.

When she was very little, we hoped that as she got older, she’d get involved in clubs and organizations and participate in life. But lo and fie, for we were naïve, childlike and gullible in our wishes. It appears that our kid seems to rather enjoy participating in life. She swears she’s not getting burned out, and as long as she’s happy doing pretty much everything there is to do, anywhere, I’m good with it.

While I do sometimes get sentimental, this isn’t exactly my “Cat’s in the Cradle,” column, because if it was there’d be a paragraph about me longing for the days when I taught her how to ride a bike, which I didn’t do. (Hold on whilst I adjust my “Worst Dad Ever” sash.)

However, I did teach her that it’s better to do things than to not do things. So, more often than not, she’s off doing things. Good for us, I guess, even if it means my favorite “Jeopardy!” contestant isn’t on the couch next to me at night.

Her absence has presented interesting challenges. For example, because she’s not around much, I’ll need to find a new way to refer to her. Henceforth, she shall be known as one of the following: My “daughter” (making air quotes).

The alleged child.

The theoretical kid.

My daughter. Evidently.

Essence of progeny.

The proverbial child.

The insurance beneficiary.

When I was growing up, there was hockey and garage bands and walking to Zayre to watch the Seabrook kids ride wheelies through the parking lot to keep me busy. It was the 1980s. That’s what we did.

So keep an eye out for her. She’ll be the one with the long, dark hair, who will tell you that the opening notes to “The Simpsons” is a tritone diminished fifth. It’s the 2010s, it’s what she does.

Carry on, my wayward daughter.

ATHLETES and PETS!

VISIT US ONLINE!

PARENTINGNH.COM

Bill Burke is a writer who lives in southern New Hampshire and shouts (usually wrong) answers at Alex Trebek all alone every night while his daughter is off doing things and his wife reads. He is also managing editor of custom publications at McLean Communications.

www.parentingnh.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 39

Key to Communication Speech Therapy Services, LLC Jennifer R. Edwards, MS, CCC-SLP Fun, professional speech therapy evaluation and treatment.

Treating adults and kids with a wide variety of communication disorders in Concord and nearby areas — including autism

never a dull moment THE ODD COUPLE OR, WHY I JUST CLOSE MY KID’S BEDROOM DOOR NOW

BY KATHLEEN PALMER

facebook.com/KeytoCommunication SpeechTherapyServicesLLC 802.272.4709 jjennettslp@gmail.com

. - 5:30p.m.

0a.m 7:0 n e Op

year ’rou nd

51 OLD BEDFORD RD BEDFORD•(603) 669-2811 LEARNINGADVENTURESNH.COM

TOGETHER WE Explore

PREMIERES NOVEMBER 11 | 9AM on NHPBS Follow the adventures of Xavier, Yadina and Brad as they tackle everyday problems by doing something extraordinary — traveling back in time!

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS

40 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

Remember how much we loved watching the bickering between the fastidious Felix Unger and the slovenly Oscar Madison (played to perfection by Tony Randall and Jack Klugman) on the classic 1970s sitcom “The Odd Couple”?

Wasn’t it hilarious how frustrated they would get with each other’s polar-opposite mentalities when it came to cleanliness of their shared apartment? Ho ho, what merry hijinks!

Nobody with a teenager thinks that show is funny anymore.

When we talk about messy teen bedrooms, we usually throw the boys under the bus. That gender is commonly presented as the gross, smelly one (even in the ubiquitous “You’ve gone noseblind” commercials on TV). We think of their odiferous sneakers and piles of dirty laundry, half-empty food containers and unmade beds.

I am here to tell you that this is not dude-specific.

I have a small bandwidth of correctional parenting at my emotional disposal. I cannot ride my daughter about everything I disagree with or feel could be done in a different manner, so I pick my battles.

A clean bedroom is not a battle I have chosen.

I know my bedroom existed in never-ending waves of horrifically cluttered to immaculate in the sea of my teen existence. I was lucky to have my own bedroom; the only person its cleanliness affected was me. I try to keep that in mind when I have to – shudder -- talk to my daughter in her room.

Yes, I was concerned when I saw that henna tattoo on her lower back, but thankfully it was only a Dorito that had been pressed into her flesh overnight as she rolled onto it in her sleep.

OK, that’s a joke, but it’s not far off. Junk food bags and wrappers (none of which I purchased, thank you very much) are everywhere; the wastebasket overflows; clean and dirty clothes are piled on top of the unused laundry hamper. The new desk that took me two hours of proud work to assemble is not used for homework, but instead is yet another surface on which to pile jewelry, empty plates, loose papers, and other random teen debris. The bed is never, ever made. Sigh.

The line in the sand for her Oscar and my Felix (and let’s be completely honest here before my own mother writes in -- I’m less Felix than I am Lesser Oscar) is that her mess cannot creep out of her room.

I mean figuratively, but literally may not be too far off.

When her shower results in a trail of towels and sports uniforms and makeup remover pads and other debris in the bathroom, that’s when I speak up. I will not be encroached upon; I prefer to trip over my own sneakers. So I drag her from her den to clean up anything outside her four walls.

As for inside them? Just close that door, mom, and prepare for the bigger battles that surely loom on the horizon.

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.

house calls TAKE YOUR SHOTS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VACCINES, AND WHY THEY ARE SO IMPORTANT

BY DR. PETER WRIGHT, MD

PRIMARY CARE PLUS.

THAT’S THE DMC DIFFERENCE. Immunizations are major public health interventions that help prevent the general population from diseases and infections.

They serve two purposes. The first is to protect the individual who gets the vaccination; the second is that if a sufficiently high percentage of the population is vaccinated, the actual spread of viruses and bacteria can be interrupted, limiting the spread of infection.

Infants/children To me, understanding why vaccines work and how to administer them optimally has been a focal point of my research. For all vaccines, a primary consideration has always been safety. Vaccines that have reached approval for general use are all ones with an extraordinary record of safety.

There is an extensive list of immunizations that infants and children should receive, with many vaccines now combined with multiple components in them.

For infants under the age of two, there are a series of vaccines they should receive to protect them against the following diseases: Pertussis

Rubella

Pneumococcus

Tetanus

Polio

Diphtheria

Rotavirus

Measles

Chickenpox

Influenza — on an annual basis throughout childhood

Mumps

Hemophilus influenzae

Hepatitis A and B

As children approach school age, their vaccines include boosters to many of the infant vaccines, and at age 11, they should receive Meningococcal and human papillomavirus (HPV). The Meningococcal vaccine prevents a rapid life-endangering form of sepsis and meningitis. The HPV vaccination goes a very long way in preventing cervical cancer in females and penile or rectal cancer in males.

The development of new and improved vaccines remains a dynamic field. While there are a number of things that go along with vaccinations to help prevent disease — such as the use of masks, hand-washing and quarantine when someone is sick — vaccines remain our most effective tool in preventing disease.

We need high levels of immunity to prevent the emergence or reintroduction of disease. Prevention measures complement our ability to treat sick children. On a global basis, immunizations are the only effective tools we have to prevent disease and are a shared public responsibility.

It is one we do well in northern New England — vaccination rates in New Hampshire and Vermont are among the highest in the country. Our physicians do a good job explaining the benefits of immunizations and talking to patients about the importance of vaccinations in how they help prevent disease.

Dr. Peter Wright, MD, is with the Division of Infectious Disease and International Health and Professor of Pediatrics at Dartmouth-Hitchcock.

SPONSORED BY

As a parent, you already have a lot to manage.

DMC is here to make life easier by proactively managing the entire family’s healthcare needs.

Plus, ■

Call-ahead urgent care with same-day appointments

■

Extended hours: Mon.-Th. 8am-8pm Fri. 8am-5pm Sat. in Derry 8am-3pm

■

Onsite labs & diagnostic imaging (Derry Imaging)

Always welcoming new patients!

DER RY LO NDONDE R RY WI NDHA M BE DF OR D

DMCPrimaryCare.com

603-537-1300

Open to the public 7 days a week!

We don’t bounce — we climb!

Nuthin’ but Good Times is a familyfriendly, indoor playground.

We have a large soft play structure that can be used by all ages, Café, lounge area, massage chairs and more!

Book us for your birthday parties and special events!

PLAYGROUND HOURS: Mon – Fri 9:30 am – 5:00 pm Sat 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sun 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

WE HAVE A KITCHEN FULL OF HEALTHY CHOICES!

Look for our new party packages!

746 D.W. Highway, Merrimack, NH 603-429-2200 | www.nuthinbutgoodtimes.com

www.parentingnh.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 41

out & about

Kick off the holiday season by seeing NEDE’s production of

COMPILED BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

“The Nutcracker.” COURTESY PHOTO

New England Dance Ensemble presents ‘The Nutcracker’ NOV. 30 AND DEC. 1 SALEM — Seifert Performing Arts Center, 44 Geremonty Drive. As Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score fills the air, audiences of all ages will be enchanted by New England Dance Ensemble’s The Nutcracker. In this full-scale professional holiday production, 100 aspiring dancers will be joined by guest artists from American Ballet Theater and Pennsylvania Ballet and accompanied by The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle the Mouse King and embark on a journey through the Land of Sweets to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Tickets: $35 and up. Shows at 4 p.m. each day.

1-800-595-4TIX ; www.nede.org 42 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

PIZZAFEST 2 SATURDAY DOVER — Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, 6 Washington St. The Museum will welcome area restaurants to invent their yummiest, most crazy pizza flavors and pit them against each other in a tastechallenge. Who will be crowned this year’s winner? You and a panel of local judges will decide. This is a family-friendly fundraiser to support the museum’s education and outreach programs. In addition, there is an online auction. Go to website for details. Admission: Adults, $12; ages 3-10, $9; children under 3 get in for free. 5 to 7 p.m. www. childrens-museum.org

WINTER MAGIC PARTY 9 SATURDAY CONCORD — Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 South Main St. Join Gibson’s for a Winter Magic Party featuring middle grade authors Adi Rule (“Hearts of Ice”) and Erin E. Moulton (“Flutter”). Come for magical books, edible wand creations and make-your-own

VETERAN’S DAY STEM SCIENCE SHOWCASE 11 MONDAY RYE — Seacoast Science Center, 570 Ocean Boulevard.

School is out and the Center will be abuzz with STEM marine science activities and special programs for all ages. The UNH Marine Docents are joining the fun to lead stations showcasing their special educational activities.

Learn more about the wonders of our ocean and discover how you can help protect it today and for future generations. Also, don’t miss the Odiorne Point State Park history walk at 10 a.m.

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 today. Admission: $10, 13-adult; $8, seniors and military; $5, age 3-12; free for 3 and younger. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 436-8043; www. seacoastsciencecenter.org

MathStart Musical is a musical adaptation of the award-winning visual learning book series, MathStart by Stuart J. Murphy.

Murphy’s 63-book series involves teaching math through the context of stories. Scott Ferguson, who adapted Schoolhouse Rock Live! to the stage, combined a handful Murphy’s books into one plot. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. Tickets: $12-$16. www.rochesteroperahouse.com

LITTLE WOMEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL NOV. 15 — 24 NASHUA — Peacock Palyers, 14 Court St. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s real life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but when publishers seem uninterested, her dear friend Professor Bhaer suggests that Jo write more of herself and her personal experience. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War Massachusetts.

Tickets: $12-$19. Go to website for showtimes. 886-7000; www. peacockplayers.org

LIL’ IGUANA’S CRAFT FAIR RAFFLE 16 SATURDAY

THE MAIN STREET KIDS’ CLUB: A MATHSTART MUSICAL 14 THURSDAY — 17 SUNDAY ROCHESTER — Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St. The Main Street Kids’ Club: A

NASHUA — Nashua High School North, 8 Titan Way. The Craft Fair and offers over 70 crafters, vendors, and area businesses. The event also includes a giant raffle room that features over 50 raffle prizes. All proceeds from the Craft Fair and Raffle benefit the Lil’ Iguana’s Children’s Safety Foundation.

Free admission. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.liliguanausa.org

ROMEO & JULIET 20 WEDNESDAY

WARREN MILLER’S TIMELESS

CONCORD — Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St. At a slumber party, a group of teenage girls struggles to prepare for an exam on Romeo & Juliet. When the boys show up, their dry recitations quickly evolve into play-acting, and as they all get swept up in the story, their play takes flight into a full-blown production. Using only the original text, this zany and youthful 90-minute adaptation

by New Rep’s Classic Repertory Company breathes new life into one of the Bard’s most wellloved plays. Grade 5 and older.

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

MANCHESTER — Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St. The 70th annual Warren Miller production returns to the Palace Theatre for its 23rd consecutive year, and features a silent auction, door prizes and goodie bags for all attendees. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD), supporting New Hampshire and Vermont children undergoing cancer treatment. Tickets: $60.50 (VIP) and $30.50. General admission seating. Show at 1 p.m.; doors open at 11:30 a.m. for silent auction. 668-5588; www. palacetheatre.org.

24 SUNDAY

WINTER HOLIDAY STROLL 30 SATURDAY

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS 22 FRIDAY— 24 SUNDAY NASHUA — Nashua High School North, 8 Titan Way. The Nashua High School North Choral Department presents the musical, Once Upon A Mattress.

A lovesick nobleman seeking to marry his sweetheart does his best to find his ruling prince a suitable bride so that he himself may wed in this adaptation of the popular Broadway musical, The Princess and the Pea. Features an ensemble cast with nearly 60 kids on stage at several points during the show.

Reserved seating tickets are $12-$15. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. www.tma. booktix.com

NASHUA — Downtown Nashua. A tradition for more than 25 years. The annual Winter Holiday Stroll is recognized as the largest community event of the year in southern New Hampshire.

More than 35,000 people hit downtown Nashua for family fun, music, food and holiday cheer, at more than two dozen entertainment venues, indoors and out. Musical performances, food trucks, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Polar Express train rides, ice carving exhibitions and more.

Free admission. 4:30-10:30 p.m. www.downtownnashua.org

www.parentingnh.com

PHOTO BY KAREN BACHELDER

pendants. Book sale and signing at the event. For ages 7-13. Free admission. 2 p.m. www.gibsonsbookstore.com

| NOVEMBER 2019 43

time out

Left: Get crafty at the Massabesic Audubon Center on Nov. 22.

COURTESY PHOTO

Below: Make this holiday-inspired wreath on Nov. 10 at LaBelle Winery. PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO

GIRL’S NIGHT OUT (PRE-HOLIDAY EDITION)

BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

F

inding time to do anything that isn’t related to the holidays between Thanksgiving and Christmas is nearly impossible. Coordinating a night out with friends during that time is nothing short of a miracle. Before you forget whether you picked up the gravy at the store, if you called mom, or even what day it is, plan ahead to have a fun evening out.

Get in the spirit

The seventh annual Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits, brought to you by NH Liquor and Wine Outlets and benefiting the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, features more than 130 tables of spirits for sampling and food from top restaurants. The showcase is one event of many planned for Distiller’s Week.

Also, check out the Women of Whiskey & Spirits seminar. Five experts will present their whiskies and spirits in a seminar-style tasting.

DISTILLER’S SHOWCASE:

DoubleTree Manchester Hotel • downtown Manchester • Thursday, Nov. 7 • 6-8:30 p.m.• $60 www.distillersshowcase.com WOMEN OF WHISKEY & SPIRITS SEMINAR:

Manchester Country Club • Bedford • Wednesday, Nov. 6 • 5:30-8:30 p.m • $60 www.distillersshowcase.com

Girls Night Out

Hang out, shop, eat, drink, and enjoy fun activities at a Holiday Girls Night out in Atkinson or Lebanon.

Book a reading with a psychic, get in on the silent auction, or paint your own ornament, all while wearing your ugliest holiday sweater for a chance to win a vacation.

Proceeds from the auction benefit the NH Breast Cancer Coalition, or bring a canned good to help out the local soup kitchen.

IN LEBANON:

Hilton Garden Inn Hanover Lebanon • Thursday, Nov. 7 • 6- 9 p.m. • $18-$20 www.eventbrite.com IN ATKINSON:

Atkinson Resort & Country Club • Thursday, Nov. 14 • 6- 9 p.m.

• $18-$20 www.eventbrite.com

44 www.parentingnh.com | NOVEMBER 2019

An evening of holiday crafts

Get ready for the holidays by creating home decorations using natural materials at the Massabesic Audubon Center’s Cocktails & Crafts event. Make a swag for the door or table top or bring a basket or container to arrange in. Greens, dried flowers, seed heads and cones, and glue provided. This is a catered event that includes an adult beverage. Over 21 only.

Advanced registration required.

Massabesic Audubon Center • Auburn • Friday, Nov. 22 • 5:30-7:30 p.m. • $20 (members)/ $25 (non-members) www.nhaudubon.org

Sunday funday

Grab your friends — no crafting experience required — and head to LaBelle Winery to work with Michele Canto of Violas & Roses in Amherst to create a holiday-inspired wreath made with an authentic LaBelle Winery wine barrel ring. Create something beautiful while also enjoying a wine tasting.

LaBelle Winery • Amherst • Sunday, Nov. 10 • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

• $95 www.labellewineryevents.com

Primary Care That Puts Your Health First.

New Patient Appointments Today | 800.210.9000

Selected as the Family Favorite Winner by Parenting NH Readers Hospital or Medical Center: St. Joseph Hospital Family Pediatrician: St. Joseph Hospital Pediatrics Obstetrics and Gynecology: St. Joseph Hospital OB/GYN

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE, CONVENIENTLY CLOSE. As southern New Hampshire’s only comprehensive primary and specialty group practice, Dartmouth-Hitchcock provides complete health services for you and your family, right in your backyard. We offer compassionate care that’s also convenient, with extended hours, urgent walk-in appointments and specialty services from allergies to x-rays. And with access to the #1 Hospital in New Hampshire, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, you never have to go far for outstanding care.

To find a primary or specialty care provider, visit go.d-h.org/findadoc.

Southern New Hampshire locations: Bedford, Concord, Hudson, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford and Nashua