Seacoast Scene 11-22-18

NOV. 22 - DEC. 5, 2018

Unwrap all kinds of fun this season

FRE E

MAP P. 20

A WORD FROM LARRY

Master McGrath’s

Parading around Let’s talk Christmas parades. Many of our towns have some kind of parade to welcome in Christmas. Try to get your family together and attend one; you will be glad you did. The event Larry Marsolais planners put many hours into the organization of a parade in hopes that you will enjoy it, so go out and enjoy it! Right here in Hampton we have our own Christmas parade coming up on Dec. 1. See page 9 for information.

When you’re ready to start shopping please remember to shop local and use the Seacoast Scene as your guide. There are some great places to visit right here in our own backyard. No crowds, no traffic and plenty of places to park.

Rte. 107 Seabrook NH

Dining & Pub

ALL YOU CAN EAT HADDOCK FISH FRY

$10.99

I would like to end with a great event that took place Nov. 8 at the Ashworth Hotel in Hampton Beach. Ute Pineo, owner of Gauron’s Luncheonette on Hampton Beach, was presented with Hampton Rotary Club 2018 Distinguished Citizen Of The Year Award in front of over 120 family, friends and Rotarians. This award recognizes an individual or individuals who have demonstrated excellence in business or avocation and has made substantial contributions to the betterment of the Hampton/Hampton Falls/Seabrook/ North Hampton community. The Seacoast Scene would like to congratulate Ute Pineo on this great accomplishment. Very well deserved!

As always feel free to call me anytime at 603-935-5096 to discuss local issues or to place an ad. Happy Thanksgiving.

Fries & Coleslaw • Mon-Thur 2-5pm

Sandwiches • Burgers • Pizza Steaks • Seafood • BBQ

NOV. 22 - DEC. 5, 2018

Thursday Night Karaoke!

VOL 43 NO 35 Advertising Staff

Breakfast Served

Larry Marsolais Seacoast Scene General Manager 603-935-5096 larry@seacoastscene.net

Sat & Sun 8am-2pm Friday Night Special Fried Clam Plate Saturday Night Prime Rib Special

Editorial Staff Editor Meghan Siegler editor@seacoastscene.net Editorial Design Laura Young and Tristan Collins

King Cut (16oz) • Queen Cut (10oz)

Seafood • • • • • • •

Shrimp Scampi Baked Haddock Surf & Turf Lobster Pie Fresh Scallops Jumbo Shrimp Seafood Saute

Hot Box

Marinated Steak Tips Petite fillet Mignon English Fish & Chips Basket of Fried Chicken Baked Luncheon Scrod Master’s Chopped Sirloin And more!

Steak & Chops • • • • •

Steak Tips Fillet Mignon NY Sirloin Chicken Parm Pork Chops

Production Tristan Collins, Laura Young, Amanda Biundo

Circulation Manager

Fresh Salad Bar w/Fresh Bread Breakfast Served Sat & Sun

Doug Ladd, 625-1855, Ext. 135 dladd@hippopress.com Have an event or a story idea for the Seacoast Scene? Let us know at: editor@seacoastscene.net

8am-2pm

Takeout Available | Visit our website for entertainment

603.474.3540

www.MasterMcGraths.com SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 2

Contributors Rob Levey, Michael Witthaus, Andrew Clay, Alison Downs

Unsolicited submissions are not accepted and will not be returned or acknowledged.

Unsolicited submissions will be destroyed.

122249

COVER STORY 6 Holiday Guide 2018

MAPPED OUT 20 Beaches, restrooms, where to walk your dog and more

PEOPLE & PLACES 21 The coolest Seacoast dwellers and scenes

FOOD 26 Eateries and foodie events

POP CULTURE 30 Books, art, theater and classical

NITE LIFE 32 Music, comedy and more

BEACH BUM FUN 34 Puzzles, horoscopes and crazy news Your weekly guide to the coast.

Published every Thursday (1st copy free; 2nd $1).

Seacoast Scene PO Box 961 Hampton NH 03843 603-935-5096 | www.seacoastscene.net

11/1/18-12/31/18 12/31/19)

Notes From Warren’s...

Celebrate the holidays at Warren’s! Book your large group party today.

Private rooms can hold 20-52 people.

Holiday Hours

Thanksgiving - CLOSED Christmas Day - CLOSED New Year’s Eve - 11:30-8:00 New Year’s Day - 11:30-6:00

CHRISTMAS EVE 10am-1pm for the Sale of Gift Cards ONLY (NO FOOD SERVICE) Open Daily at 11:30 Please call if there is inclement weather

OR Expires 12/31/18

Expires 12/31/18

4 SHORE THINGS

EVENTS TO CHECK OUT NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018, AND BEYOND Historical account

The New Hampshire Theatre Project presents Jaclyn Backhaus’ Men on Boats now through Dec. 2, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., at the West End Studio Theater (959 Islington St., Portsmouth). Men on Boats tells the tale of John Wesley Powell’s famous 1869 expedition down the Colorado River into the Grand Canyon. It is historically accurate, even using direct quotes from Powell’s lyrical journal descriptions, but the twist is that all of the men in Powell’s crew are portrayed by female actors. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $26 for students and seniors. Visit nhtheatreproject.org or call 431-6644. Courtesy photo.

Mixed media and paper cuttings

“Rock/Paper/Scissors,” an exhibition featuring the work of Juliet Karelsen and Dylan Metrano, will be on display at 3S Artspace (319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth) Nov. 23 through Dec. 30, with an opening reception on Friday, Nov. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. Karelsen’s work includes a miniature 3D environment called “Universal Forest” which incorporates painting, embroidery, fantasy and science. She was exclusively a painter until a couple years ago, when she made the shift to mixed media. Metrano’s work includes layered paper cuttings depicting animals, the Maine landscape and portraits. He is especially drawn to birds. Visit 3sarts. org or call 766-3330. Courtesy image.

Culinary expeditions

Sip N Shop

The Hampton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Sip N Shop event on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 2:45 to 6 p.m. Board a passenger van at CR’s Restaurant and visit Smoky Quartz, Tall Ship, Wiggly Bridge and CR’s. The cost is $50 per person and includes the tour, tastings and an appetizer or dessert at CR’s. Ticket sales end Nov. 25; email colleen@hamptonchamber.com to reserve your tickets.

Longtime television chef and author Mary Ann Esposito has made more than 50 trips to Italy, traveling across all 20 regions of the country. Now, Esposito is back in the Granite State to tell the story of her culinary expeditions through a new combination memoir and cookbook.

Ciao Italia: My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy, Esposito’s 13th book, took her more two years to write. The University of New Hampshire graduate will be holding a Q&A session Saturday, Dec. 1, from noon to 2 p.m. at Water Street Bookstore, 125 Water St., Exeter. Visit waterstreetbooks.com or call 778-9731.

The BEST Seafood On The Seacoast Live Lobster - Hard & Soft Shell Baked | Fried | Broiled | Grilled Blackened Seafood | Steaks | Chicken Hard & Soft Ice Cream & More Special Deals on Gift Certificates!

From our boat ON THE WATER • OPEN YEAR ROUND • OCEAN VIEW MAY-SEPT WEATHER PERMITTING to your plate!

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 4

117599

1323 Ocean Blvd. Rte 1A, Rye, NH • 603.433.1937 • Peteys.com

GIFT CERTIFICATES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!

GREAT FAMILY FUN FOR ALL AGES!

S E A COA S T H E L I CO P T E R S FOR THE CONSISTENT ACHIEVEMENT OF HIGH RATINGS FROM TRAVELERS!

603-373-8743

www.seacoasthelos.com | 44 Durham St, Pease Tradeport, Portsmouth NH Home of the Red Helicopters!

124007

Holiday Guide

2018 How much fun can you have in the few short weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s? You’ll never know until you get started, and what better place to start than with Scene’s annual Holiday Guide? From the night before Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, we have events of all kinds to keep kids and adults entertained. There are art fairs and parades, tree lightings and train rides, festive food events and frosty runs.

If you’re not in the spirit yet, pick a few activities to check out and get ready for a holly jolly holiday season.

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 6

The night before

Live Free and Play

Meet for a pop ahead of Mom and Pop For the regional pub scene, Wednesday night prior to Thanksgiving Day is bustling, as school pals meet up and everyone steels themselves for the inevitable election conversation with Uncle Scott.

Some call it Drinksgiving; to others it’s Friendsgiving. Whatever the name, the evening provides a good excuse to party.

Here are a few locations with events planned.

• 603 Bar & Lounge (368 Central Ave., Dover, 742-9283) Wings & Karaoke is a regular midweek offering, with a bit of holiday spice thrown in — Buffalo and cranberry sauce?

• Cara (11 Fourth St., Dover, 343-4390) Nashua folk singer Derek Russell Fimbel, a member of indie group The Doodads & Don’ts, performs solo.

• Chop Shop (920 Lafayette Road, Seabrook, 760-7706) Rockin’ Thanksgiving Eve has DJ Matty hosting Karaoke & Cocktails and no doubt fending off requests for Talking Heads’ “Naive Melody” • Dolphin Striker (15 Bow St., Portsmouth, 431-5222) After Pete Peterson finishes his afternoon set in Salem, he heads to Portsmouth to jam with bassist Ben Butterworth & Brian P. • Ember Wood Grill (1 Orchard St., Dover, 3431830) Female duo Two Tined Fork plays covers; the night also features a tap takeover by Dover’s Garrison City Beer Works.

• Fury’s Publick House (1 Washington St., Dover, 6173633) Boston-based alternative rock band The Womps con-

tinue its month-long Wednesday night residency.

• Latchkey (41 Vaughan Mall, Portsmouth, 427-8150) Undercover is a Boston area band with female and male singers, playing a wide variety of upbeat “new and used” Top 40 dance songs.

• Lilac City Grille (103 N. Main St., Rochester, 332-3984) Tim Theriault holds down his regular Ladies’ Night gig with a holiday difference.

• Portsmouth Book & Bar (40 Pleasant St., Portsmouth, 427-9197) End 68 Hours of Hunger benefit features hiphop from New Fame, Uncle Sam and Stay on Mars.

• Portsmouth Gas Light (64 Market St., Portsmouth, 430-9122) Dancegiving w/ DJ Koko P in the upstairs lounge.

• Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, 431-5186) The Mallett Brothers play a rescheduled show – the venerable music room’s reopening took a bit longer than expected.

• Ri Ra (22 Market Square, Portsmouth, 319-1680) Erin’s Guild continues its permanent Wednesday residency with Irish music and Celtic charm.

• The Goat (142 Congress St., Portsmouth, 590-4628) Rob Benton is ubiquitous at the newest location of this country-themed bar. He plays solo.

• Thirsty Moose (21 Congress St., Portsmouth, 427-8645) Pop Disaster plays everything from Katy Perry to Blink 182 and AC/DC to Elvis, Bryan Adams and Zac Brown.

— Michael Witthaus

Dress Yourself & Your Home

For the Holidays!!!

We offer a wide variety of toys from many quality companies, local and international!

We offer gift wrapping!

Voted Best Toy Shop in NH by both Yankee and NH Magazine!

Designer Labels & Accessories 845 Lafayette Rd. (Seacoast Plaza) Hampton NH 603-967-4833 Email: T3SCB@comcast.net 123766

107 Water Street Exeter, NH | 603-772-4923 whirlygigstoyshop.com

118192

123207

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 7

'Briens O General Store ARTS & CRAFTS

Groceries | Sundries Freshly Made Pizza Full Deli | Beer & Wine Fine Cigars | Cigarettes

We Deliver 7 Days!

OBriensGeneralStore.com

099129

8 Batchelder Rd, Seabrook | 474-2722 856 US Rte 1 Bypass, N. Portsmouth | 431-8280

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 8

117972

• The Seacoast Artist Association (130 Water St., Exeter) has a show, “Big Gifts Come in Small Packages,” on view now through December.

It features small works of art, all priced under $100 for holiday gift giving. Visit seacoastartist.org.

• Churchill’s Garden Center (12 Hampton Road, Exeter) has a bow making workshop on Saturday, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, at 1 p.m., and a holiday centerpiece workshop on Sunday, Dec. 2 and Dec. 8, at 1 p.m.

The cost for each workshop is $10. Visit churchillsgardens.com.

• Rolling Green Nursery (64 Breakfast Hill Road, Greenland) hosts its annual Holiday Artisan Market on Saturday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit rollinggreennursery.com.

• Firefly Pottery (72 Mirona Road, Suite 7, Portsmouth) will have a BYOB snowman family plate painting class on Friday, Nov. 30, at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $45.

Visit fireflypotterynh.com.

• Hammer & Stain DIY Workshops will offer a sled- and tree-painting painting workshop at LaBelle Winery (104 Congress St., Portsmouth) on Sunday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. The cost is $75. Visit thecanvasroadshow.com.

TREE LIGHTINGS AND FESTIVALS

• The Sixth Annual Sea Festival of Trees is open now through Sunday, Dec. 2. The festival is a holiday celebration located at the Blue Ocean Event Center on Salisbury Beach (4 Ocean Front N, Salisbury). Festivities include a giant maze of holiday

123902

trees, holiday stage performances, Seaside Ice rink and skate rentals, visits with Santa and other characters. See the festival’s Giant Gingerbread House, Santa’s Treetop Shop, and Festival Café. For more information, visit seafestivaloftrees.com.

• Head out to the Dover Festival of Trees on Friday, Nov. 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. at City Hall Auditorium (288 Central Ave., Dover). The festival will feature over 30 trees, elaborately decorated by local businesses and organizations, to be auctioned and raffled off to benefit the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce City Lights Committee. The event will also include live choir performances, children’s

activities, holiday carols, refreshments, Santa and more. Visit dovernh.org/ festival-of-trees.

• Kick off the holiday season at the Rochester Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 30, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Central Square in downtown Rochester.

The evening will also include a reading of The Night Before Christmas, cookie decorating, hot chocolate and cookies, caroling, dance performances and a special visit from Santa. Visit rochesternh.org.

• Experience the magic of the Portsmouth Christmas Tree Lighting and Illuminated Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 1, in Market Square.

Excitement builds 10

8 as the community counts down to the lighting of the Portsmouth Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m. The festive fun continues at 6 p.m. with a dazzling illuminated holiday parade down Islington Street and through Market Square. Visit vintagechristmasnh. org/events.

Full Service Public Retail Seafood Market

PARADES

The Freshest Lobsters, Crabs & Fish Direct from our fishermen to the public!

Lobsters • Clams • Fillets Whole Fish • Live Crabs • Shrimp We will steam your lobster & crabs - By request.

Open Year Round 603.474.9850 ext. 6

Wednesday-Sunday 10am-6pm Located across the Hampton Bridge going into Seabrook/right side of the street

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 10

117549

• The Dover Holiday Parade will be held on Sunday, Nov. 25, starting at 2:30 p.m. The Dover route will start at the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce (550 Central Ave., Dover) and will continue down Central Ave. through downtown ending at CVS (118 Central Ave., Dover).

Visit facebook.com/doverholidayparade.

• The Experience Hampton Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1, starting at 1 p.m. The parade starts on Lafayette Road and ends at Winnacunnet Road. Visit experiencehampton.org/ christmasparade.

• The Berwick and Somersworth Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1, starting at 2:30 p.m.

The parade route will start on Wilson Street in Berwick, Maine, proceeding onto Sawmill Hill Road and down to the bridge crossing into Somersworth. The Granite State part of the parade will run down Market Street, High Street, Constitutional Way, Washington Street and Main Street. The parade will be followed by the Somersworth Gala from 3:30 to 7 p.m., which will include fireworks at 5 p.m. and a tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Visit facebook.com/christmasparadeandgala.

• The Exeter Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Osram Sylvania Plant (131 Portsmouth Ave., Exeter). The parade will continues to the end of Portsmouth Avenue and then makes a right onto High Street, continuing straight onto Water Street and ending at the entrance to Swasey Parkway (316 Water St., Exeter). Visit exeterholidayparade.org.

• The Rochester Holiday Parade will be held on Sunday, Dec 2., starting at 3 p.m. in downtown Rochester. The parade will include marching units; youth, organization and commercial floats, VIPs; color guard and decorated mobile units; equestrians; and marching bands. There will also be a special visit from Santa Claus.

Visit rochesternh.org.

RUNS 123906

• Support hunger relief at the Free Fall 5K, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Rochester

Community Center (150 Wakefield St., Rochester). Race-day registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and costs $15 for adults and $10 for kids ages 12 and younger. Proceeds will benefit the Homeless Center for Strafford County, Jerry’s Food Pantry, End 68 Hours of Hunger and SOS Recovery. Visit freefall5k.com.

• Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities can enjoy the Dover Turkey Trot 5K, starting at 8:30 a.m. on Shaw Lane near Garrison Elementary School (50 Garrison Road, Dover). Race-day registration will be held between 7 and 8:15 a.m. Cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children in fourth grade or younger. Food will be available inside the school after the race.

Visit doverturkeytrot.com.

• Gear up for the Seacoast Rotary Club Turkey Trot, starting at 8:30 a.m. on Peirce Island in Portsmouth. Race-day registration runs from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. Cost is $30 for adults, $20 for teens ages 13 to 19 and $10 for youth ages 12 and younger. Proceeds will benefit Seacoast Pathways and Veterans Martial Arts Training. Visit seacoastrotary.org.

• Start your Thanksgiving morning off right with the Thanks for Giving 5K, starting at the Talbot Gymnasium (40 Linden St., Exeter). Both 5K and 10K races will start at 8:30 a.m., and the Kids Fun Run will start at 7:45 a.m.

Race-day registration starts at 7 a.m. and costs $35 for an individual and $80 for a family for the 5K, and $45 for an individual for the 10K. Cash and check only on race day. Proceeds will benefit End 68 Hours of Hunger and Girls on the Run NH. Visit exeterrunclub.com.

• Be festive and raise money for arthritis research at the Portsmouth 5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk, starting at 10 a.m. at the Little Har- 12

Beer, Wine, Lottery Tickets & Tobacco

3 Convenient Locations- Seabrook • Plaistow & Sanford, ME

Beer & Wine Tastings at our SEABROOK Location!

11/09 - THE CITY PROJECT #2 RELEASE PARTY! 4-6pm 11/09 - Brancott Wine 4-6pm 11/10 - Barefoot Wine 12-2pm 11/10 - Moody Girl/Flower Box Wine 2-4pm 11/15 - New Belgium Brewing 3-5pm 11/16 - Von TrappBrewing 4-6pm 11/16 - 90+ Wine 4-6pm

11/17 - Barefoot Wine 12-2pm 11/21 - Smuttynose Brewing 4-6pm 11/21 - Horizon Wine 4-6pm 11/20 - Fortius Wine 4-6pm 11/23 - Granite Roots Brewing 4-6pm 11/29 - Sierra Nevada 4-6pm 11/30 - Bells Brewing 4-6pm 11/30 - Fortune Wine 4-6pm

Large Selection of Craft Beers+Wine LOW LOW CIGARETTE PRICES ON ALL BRANDS!

NH’S # 1 INDEPENDENT WINE RETAILER 7 YEARS IN A ROW! 621 Lafayette Rd (Rte. 1) | Seabrook NH | Open 6 Days 8am to 9pm Sun 8am to 8pm | 603 474 5337 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! @thecityseabrook SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 11 123765

William F. Dunn Landscaping & Contracting 156 Center Street, Groveland, MA

(978) 372-5554 www.williamfdunn.com

FIREWOOD

C U T • S PL I T • DE L I V E RY

29500 per Cord

$

2 or more Cord, $ 275 00 per Cord 123010

Free local delivery STILL WAITING FOR YOUR CARRIER

TO PICK UP YOUR VEHICLE? Call American- We’ll get you to Florida NOW! • Guaranteed Pickup Date and Time • Guaranteed Prices THE SNOWBIRDS FAVORITE

SINCE 1980 Daily Trips to Florida.

Ship quickly anywhere in US or Internationally.

800-800-2580 FAST • RELIABLE • SAFE • CONVENIENT

122818

shipcar.com

We are licensed brokers USDOT #385723. We arrange shipment by fully covered carriers.

10 bour School (50 Clough Drive, Portsmouth). Registration and check-in starts at 9 a.m. on race day. Prices range from $35 to $85 for different participation packages. All registration fees and fundraising efforts benefit the Arthritis Foundation.

Visit events. arthritis.org, or contact Erica D’Agostino at edagostino@arthritis. org or 857-327-5688.

KIDS’ EVENTS

Forget socks.

Give something unforgettable this year.

Minerals and Fossils for every budget starting at $1 each!

We have a huge inventory of over 8,500 items in stock.

Something for everyone, beginner and advanced collector alike. Metaphysical specimens and polished stones.

Brad Lewis Rock Shop | 730 Rt. 3a Bow, NH | minrocks.com Open Tuesday through Thursday 10am-4pm and by appointment Text or call 603-724-3476 to make an appointment SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 12

124005

• Join any of the four Barnes & Noble stores in southern New Hampshire (1741 S. Willow St., Manchester; 235 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua; 125 S. Broadway, Salem; 45 Gosling Road, Newington) for a storytime featuring Mickey Mouse Goes Christmas Shopping on Saturday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m. The book follows Mickey & Minnie Mouse taking their nephews to a big department store for a holiday shopping experience they won’t soon forget. Admission is free. Visit stores.barnesandnoble. com or contact your local store for details.

• Santa will ride into the Hampton Falls Free Library (7 Drinkwater Road, Hampton Fall) on a firetruck for a meet and greet party Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon. Opportunities for a photograph with Santa and snacks will be available.

• Each of the four Barnes & Noble stores in southern New Hampshire (1741 S. Willow St., Manchester; 235 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua; 125 S. Broadway, Salem; 45 Gosling Road, Newington) for a storytime featuring How to Catch a Snowman by Adam Wallace on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m. Admission is free. Visit stores.barnesandnoble.com or contact your local store for details.

• Drop in at the New Hampshire Children’s Museum (6 Washington St, Dover) from Tuesday, Dec. 4, through Friday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to noon for Waiting for Winter-Make a Snowflake in the museum’s STEAM Lab. Listen to the story Waiting for Winter, then make a snowflake and play with instant snow.

• There will be a pajama storytime featuring the 30th anniversary edition of The Polar Express at each of the four Barnes & Noble stores in southern New Hampshire (1741 S. Willow St., Manchester; 235 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua; 125 S. Broadway, Salem; 45 Gosling Road, Newington) on Friday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. Kids are invited to attend in their pajamas and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Admission is free. Visit stores.barnesandnoble.com or contact your local store for details.

• The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St., Dover) will present its annual Jingle Bell Express events on Saturday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 15, with sessions from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., noon to 1 p.m., 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m.

During each session, guests take C&J’s double-decker bus to the Cochecho Country Club to hear a reading of The Polar 14

They’re back...for a limited time.

Famous Caramel Apples

Fresh, local apples from Gould Hill Farm dipped in homemade caramel, smothered in chocolate and covered in gourmet toppings.

Dipping 6 Varieties. e t a t S e t i Get Yours Today. n a r G dy Shoppe Can Since 1927

HIPPO BEST OF 2018

832 Elm St., Manchester, NH • 603-218-3885 13 Warren St., Concord, NH • 603-225-2591 Visit us online at: www.GraniteStateCandyShoppe.com 123255

THE LOVE OF A GOOD BOOK THE COMFORT OF A GOOD MEAL ... THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT Rasheeda’s Family Table:

This book began with the idea of just offering recipes for Indian cuisine, but over time it evolved into a wider selection of recipes, including most popular Western, African, Chinese, Korean, and Middle Eastern dishes. These recipes are easy, delicious, and meant to be fun and inspirational.

Understanding Baking: This book convinces home bakers that baking is simpler than its reputation. Thorough understanding of basic techniques not only makes it easy to bake with confidence, but also gives you a vision to create your own versions.

About The Author, Rasheeda Hasan:

Rasheed’s passion for cooking and entertaining started while living in England, where she taught how to cook Indian food to her friends, and in turn learned some of her favorite western dishes from them. This inspired her to read a lot of cookbooks to learn and try a variety of dishes. Her pursuit of learning continued when she moved to The Gambia, West Africa, which exposed her to local African cuisine along with Chinese, Korean, and Middle Eastern dishes from her expatriate friends who were in the country as skilled professionals. She passionately wrote, tried, and tested her favorite recipes.

The result of her years of effort is a book in which a wide variety of recipes and important kitchen techniques is available for those who would be looking through multiple cookbooks, or searching on line for the required information.. Her books are valuable for their usefulness and a joy to cook from.

For more information or to order visit www.jrhasan.com

123821

A Gift Certificate From Serendipity Day Spa May Cause Quite a Reaction!

THE NUTCRACKER & A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Black y Frida l a Speci Buy a gift card valued at $50 or more and get 20% in bonus spa dollars!

Friday, November 23rd Only

The Serendipity Day Spa Gift Certificate.

Elegantly gift boxed and ready for giving in any amount. Order Gift Certificates instantly online at www.SerendipityDaySpa.com

Facials • Spa Packages • Massages • Manicures • Pedicures Hair Removal • Organic Spray Tanning • Float Therapy • Botox

XN 123890

23 Sheep Davis Rd (Rte. 106) Concord | 229-0400 | SerendipityDaySpa.com SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 14

12 Express. The cost is $25 per person; kids under 2 years old receive free admission. Visit childrens-museum.org or call 742-2002.

• The Friends of the Hampton Falls Free Library will host a holiday concert featuring Ramblin’ Richard at the Hampton Falls Free Library (7 Drinkwater Road, Hampton Fall) Saturday, Dec. 8, beginning at 1 p.m. The concert will include a selection of secular Christmas holiday songs.

• Jody Mueller will hold a Christmas Paint Party Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Hampton Public Library and Cultural Center (237A Atlantic Ave., North Hampton).

• The North Hampton Public Library and Cultural Center (237A Atlantic Ave., North Hampton) will hold a Polar Express Party Tuesday, Dec. 18, from 6 to 7 p.m.

• Join the New Hampshire Children’s Museum (6 Washington St, Dover) for a Family New Year’s Eve Celebration Monday, Dec. 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Enjoy “countdowns to midnight” at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. as the museum lowers their disco ball, releases confetti, and wish blimps made by visitors will gently fall to the ground. Visitors can make colorful recycled paper hats throughout the event and enjoy a fun New Year photo booth. All activities are included in regular museum admission and free for members.

The Museum will close early at 3 p.m.

The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol are a holiday tradition. Catch one of these performances by local dance and theater companies.

• Epping Community Theatre (38C Ladd’s Lane, Epping) presents A Christmas Carol Nov. 30 through Dec. 10, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for children under age 12. Visit facebook. com/EppingTheater.

• Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) presents A Christmas Carol Nov. 30 through Dec. 23. Showtimes are Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 and 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $18 for adults, $14 for students and seniors and $12 for children age 12 and under. Visit playersring.org.

• Portsmouth School of Ballet presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 5 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., at Exeter High School auditorium (1 Blue Hawk Drive, Exeter).

Visit psb-nh.com.

• Northeastern Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m., at Kingswood Arts Center (396 S. Main St., Wolfeboro), and Saturday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m., Oyster River High School (55 Coe Drive, Durham). The cost is $20 for adults, $17.50 for seniors and children under age 18, and a $60 maximum for a family of four in advance, and an additional $5 at the door. Visit northeasternballet.org.

• A Christmas Carol will be at Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) Dec. 6 through Dec. 23, with showtimes on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $24.

Visit rochesteroperahouse.com.

• Sole City Dance presents The Nutcracker at Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m.; and Thursday, Dec. 13, and Friday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $24 to $28. Visit rochesteroperahouse.com.

16

Family owned and operated, providing the same friendly atmosphere since we opened, 56 years ago, in 1960.

The Brätskellar Pub

The Dinnerhorn

Love it here.

The home of familiar favorites

603-436-0717 | 980 Lafayette Rd • Route 1, Portsmouth NH www.DinnerHorn.com • www.bratskeller.com

105065

Let Together help you find magicEast Coast Props East Coast Props & this Holiday Season for Half Price!

&

Antiques Antiques

Our team of highly qualified match making professionals will carefully select the right individual for you based off a variety of your values and inner qualities.

Date Coaching • Matchmaking • Singles Events • Since 1982 Dear Together, Thank you for finding me the love of my life. I have never been happier. I am finally in a relationship that feels like the perfect fit for me.

Katie R.

Our Holiday gif t to

5 0% OFF our Person

Hampton & Hampton Falls| NH

Hampton & Hampton Falls| NH

Both Locations on Route 1

Both Locations on Route 1

Open Wednesday through Sunday

Open Wednesday through Sunday 10:30am – 5pm

10:30am – 5pm

Dealers Welcome!

Multi-dealer shop

Multi-dealer shop

Dealers Welcome!

info@eastcoastpropsandantiques.com www.eastcoastpropsandantiques.com

info@eastcoastpropsandantiques.com www.eastcoastpropsandantiques.com

You

al Matchmaking Se rvices!

Now through Dec. 31st!

Let Us Introduce You.

Turning local singles into couples for over 30 years.

166 Londonderry Tpk. Hooksett, NH 603.624.4552 TogetherNH.com 123812

119941

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 15

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 16

14

OTHER THEATER

From classics like It’s a Wonderful Life to more modern productions like Elf the Musical, these local theater shows will get you in the holiday spirit.

• Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) presents The Gift of the Magi on Friday, Nov. 23, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 25, at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $14 for students and seniors and $12 for children age 12 and under. Visit playersring.org.

• The Stranger Than Fiction Series at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents Christmas at Hogwarts on Monday, Dec. 3, and Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $15. Visit seacoastrep.org.

• Pontine Theatre presents A Victorian Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m., at Plains School (1 Plains Ave., Portsmouth).

Tickets cost $27, with a $3 discount for students and seniors.

Visit pontine.org.

• Prescott Park Arts Festival and Exeter Hospital present Miracle on 34th Street, a live musical radio play, Dec. 7 through Dec. 16, with showtimes on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m., at the Exeter Town Hall (10 Front St., Exeter). Tickets cost $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for kids age 12 and under, and $40 for VIP. Visit prescottpark.org.

• Carpe Diem presents A Dickens of a Christmas at the Old Salt Restaurant (490 Lafayette Road, Hampton) Monday, Dec. 10, through Thursday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes a gourmet threecourse dinner, live music, holiday carols and the show. Tickets are $39.99 for adults and $19.99 for children. Call 926-8322.

• The New Hampshire Theatre Project presents It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at West End Studio Theatre (959 Islington St., Portsmouth) Dec. 14 through Dec. 30, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $26 for students, seniors and veterans. Visit nhtheatreproject.org.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS 117996

Get into the holiday spirit this year in the Granite State with a holiday-themed craft fair, an old-time Christmas celebration,

a candlelight stroll or a visit with Santa Claus.

• Join the Exeter Chamber of Commerce for its annual Holiday Open House on Thursday, Nov. 29, from 4 to 8 p.m., when Santa Claus will be in downtown Exeter upon his arrival via the Exeter Express and will “magically” turn on the holiday lights illuminating Water and Front streets with a wave of his hand. Take a stroll downtown to view a sweet display of gingerbread houses or the Exeter Town Hall for a display of more than 50 decorated trees. All events are free. Visit exeterarea.org.

• Don’t miss this year’s Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke Museum (14 Hancock St., Portsmouth) as it returns for its 39th year during the weekends of Saturday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 2; Saturday, Dec. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 9; Saturday, Dec. 15, and Sunday, Dec. 16; and Saturday, Dec. 22. Saturday hours are from 5 to 9 p.m. and Sunday hours are from 4 to 8 p.m.

Walk from house to historic house and meet with a variety of costumed role players and performers who recreate past traditions.

Other features include family skating at Puddle Dock Pond, craft demonstrations, a treasure hunt for kids and more. The Candlelight Stroll is one of the signature events of Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth. Tickets are $25 for adults, $12.50 for kids and teens ages 5 and up, $60 per family (which covers two adults and two children ages 5 and up) and free for kids under 5 as well as active duty military service members, veterans and their families.

Tickets are always available at the door and group and corporate rates are also offered. Visit strawberybanke.org.

• Visit Hampton Beach for its special annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show at the Sea Shell Stage (169 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton Beach) on Monday, Dec. 31, at 8 p.m. The show is free and open to the public. Visit hamptonbeach.org.

18

Seabrook Beach Sports Connection Open Daily at 11am

WORLD FAMOUS Seafood Chowder 12 Ocean Blvd.

Seabrook Beach New Hampshire Call for take out: 603-760-2182 Order to go add .50 per item

Appetizers: Sandwiches & Wraps, Sides, Salads Charbroiled Burgers, Soups, Flatbreads & Lobster Entrees: Stir Fry, Mac N Cheese, Tips, Seafood, Children’s Menu, Desserts, Daily Beer & Wine Specials

Free Wi-Fi 31 TV’s

WHILE VISITING PORTSMOUTH, CHECK OUT “THE STATEY BAR & GRILL!” 238 Deer St. Portsmouth, NH

HOME OF THE $6.99 LOBSTER ROLL

Weekly Specials Mon - BURGER NIGHT Tues – MEATLOAF SERVED ALL DAY

Wed - STEAK NIGHT Thurs – WING NIGHT Fri – FISH & CHIPS Sat- PRIME RIB Sun- FUN DAY

Are you ready for Football?

NFL PACKAGE AT BOTH LOCATIONS The Statey Bar & Grill and12 Ocean Grill

NOW OPEN

Now introducing on the NH Seacoast 12 Ocean Virtual Golf!

Two state of the art golf simulators with 18+ different courses form around the country to choose from.

Enjoy food and beverage from 12 Ocean Grill during your tee time and after!!

Grab your clubs & your pals and head down for a tee time on the beach.

Open 7 Days a Week Monday-Thursday: 1/2 Hour $15 1 Hour $30 Fri. Sat. + Sunday: 1/2 Hour $20 1 Hour $35 Hours of Operation

Taking Tee Time or Walk-Ins Daily from 8am-8pm Call or Make your Tee Time online!

12 Ocean Golf | 603-814-1662 12 Ocean Blvd | Seabrook Beach, NH www.12oceangolf.com 122470

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 18

16

FOOD & DRINK

123819

Experience the tastiest of what the holiday season has to offer in New Hampshire, with festivals, cookie swaps and walks, classes, food tours and more.

• The Ashworth by the Sea Restaurant (295 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton) will host a special Thanksgiving spread for guests looking to avoid the hassle of cooking the traditional meal in their homes Thursday, Nov. 22, throughout the day at Thanksgiving by the Sea. • The Blue Ocean Event Center (4 Ocean Front N, Salisbury) will hold various holiday-themed brunches throughout the months of November and December. Santa and the Grinch will be in attendance Sunday, No. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon for the Naughty and Nice Holiday Brunch. The Polar Express Pajama Party and Brunch will take place Sunday, Dec. 2, and the Nutcracker Ballet Show and Brunch will be held Sunday, Dec. 9, both from 10 a.m. to noon. These brunches are by ticket-reservation only and will cost $35 per person.

• Ladies are invited to a girl’s night out to decorate a take-home, edible gingerbread house with an assortment of colorful holiday candies at The Blue Ocean Event Center (4 Ocean Front N, Salisbury)’s Gingerbread Night Out. The event will take place Tuesday, November 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will cost $45 per person. Call 978-462-5800 for reservations.

• Portsmouth Historical Society will host its 28th annual Gingerbread House Contest, which features handmade dessert homes built by local businesses that compete for the best design. The event is part of Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth, with the kickoff happening on Friday, Nov. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Discover Portsmouth Center (10 Middle St.). The display will be on view from then until Dec. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free for public viewing. The People’s Choice Award will be announced on Dec. 14. Visit vintagechristmasnh.org.

• Join Chef Ron Boucher of Chez Boucher Cooking School in Hampton for A Taste of Sardinia, its next food and wine pairing event, on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 4 p.m. at Peter T. Paul College at the University of New Hampshire (105 Main St., Durham). The cost is $75. Visit chezboucher.com or call 926-2202.

• The Salisbury Public Library (17 Elm

Street, Salisbury)’s Cookbook Club will meet for their monthly session Thursday, December 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. December’s cookbook will be: The Perfect Cookie by America’s Test Kitchen. Get a copy of the cookbook, sign up for a recipe and enjoy a holiday cookie swap at the library. Registration is required.

• Join St. John’s United Methodist Church (28 Cataract Drive, Dover) for a turkey supper on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. In addition to turkey, the menu will include cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, peas and pearl onions, cranberry sauce, gravy, rolls and homemade desserts.

The cost is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and veterans and $4 for children. Visit stjohnsdover.org or call 742-3046.

• The Seabrook Recreation Department will hold this year’s Annual Holiday House Decorating Contest at the town’s Community Center (311 Lafayette Rd, Seabrook) from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, where judging will commence. This year’s winners will be announced Friday, Dec. 14. Bakers of all ages are welcome to submit their entries at no charge. To register for this year’s competition, visit the Seabrook Recreation Department website.

• Enjoy a warm breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 15, presented by the North Hampton Parks and Rec Department. Cost per ticket is $5 per person, and three separate seating times will take place at 8, 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Reserve your ticket at northhamptonnh.recdesk.com.

• Welcome in New Year’s at the Ashworth by the Sea (295 Ocean Boulevard Hampton, NH). Reserve a room to have access to the open Grand Ballroom doors from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. Various entertainment will be held throughout the night including hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar reception, dinner for two, a view of the Hampton Beach firework display, and more. For more information, visit ashworthhotel.com.

CBD OIL TRUST We've been providing the highest quality products for nearly 50 years.

The source matters! Our Hemp oil products are organic Non-GMO and Eco-Farmed.

Every part of the process is accounted for from seeds, farms, extraction facility and quality of the raw material.

Clean and chemical free Supercritical CO2 Extraction ensuring you only get the beneficial compounds.

VIGOROUS TESTING

All p

Only get CBD from reputable brands otherwise you don’t know what you’re getting!

rodu

cts a

re O

Our brands of CBD oil deliver the full spectrum of hemp oil compounds to support the Endocannabinoid system.* Intensive testing following rigorous environmental protocols verifies the purity and quality of the Hemp oil. You wont have to be concerned about pesticides, herbicides or solvents when taking our products.

N SA

LE N

OW

AVAILABLE IN: • Liquid • Capsules • Salves and Muscle Rubs

• Vaporizer – 100% Pure Organic Hemp Oil • Lozenges

Our educated staff is here to help you choose the right product for your specific needs. *This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent and disease.

224-9341 • 164 N. State St., Concord, NH (Just 1 mile N. of Main St.) Open Everyday 124002

The Scene’s

Coastal Map

1

1A Portsmouth

Public beaches, parks and walking trails. Brought to you by:

Pierce Island

South Mill Pond

New Castle

Great Island Common

1A

95

Odiorne Point Rye

Rye Town Forest

111

Wallis Sands

111 101

27

Jenness Beach Fuller Gardens

Exeter

1

Gilman Park

Sawyers Beach

Hampton

27

1A

North Hampton State Beach Plaice Cove

150

101E

Burrows-Brookside Sanctuary

North Beach Hampton Beach State Park

Seabrook

Hampton Harbor

Key

Seabrook Beach

Places to walk your dog

Salisbury Beach Ghost Trail

286 Salisbury

286

Scenic Overlooks

Salisbury State Reservation

Eastern March Trail

Public Restrooms Beaches

95

Plum Island

Harbor

Newburyport

Boardwalk

1

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 20

Steve’s Diner Best breakfast on the Seacoast!

Open Daily

108622

6am-3pm

100 Portsmouth Ave • Exeter, NH 03833

Call ahead for take-out!

(603) 772-5733

102177

108

Rye Harbor

North Hampton

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Smoky Quartz Distillery

GABRIELLE LEONE OWNER OF OLIVE BRANCH CHEF SERVICE IN HAMPTON Tell me a little bit about what you do.

In general, we make our clients’ lives healthier and simpler by cooking for them.

This entails weekly meal service where one day each week the chef comes to their home and cooks custom meals to enjoy all through the week.

How does it work?

I design individual menus for our clients based on their food preferences and dietary needs, and then the shopping, cooking and cleanup is all taken care of as well. The meals are labeled and stored in the client’s refrigerator, and then all they need to do is pop them into the oven or microwave each night.

Sounds like a time-saver for families.

Our service is a huge time-saver for many families. It allows them to come together over meals in a relaxed manner without all the stress of planning, shopping, cooking and cleanup.

What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

I think the most challenging part is that many people automatically think they can’t afford a personal chef or that they are only for the very wealthy. However, for families that are already spending money on takeout or eating at restaurants, it isn’t much different cost-wise to hire a chef. Also, I’ve found some people almost feel guilty for wanting to hire a personal chef, or feel ashamed that they don’t have the time or culinary skill to cook meals themselves.

Hiring a personal chef is similar to hiring a landscape service to take care of your yard. Not everyone has a green thumb, or the time, or desire, to spend hours in their yard — the same goes for cooking.

What is the most fun part of your work from a business owner’s perspective?

When families tell me the service is making a big difference in their lives. This is my ultimate goal — to improve the quality of my clients’ lives by making meal time enjoyable, healthy, delicious and easy.

What about the most fun part as a chef?

I have a lot of fun taking a recipe and adapting it for a client with a special diet, such as making a recipe gluten-free, or lower-calorie. For example, we do a shepherd’s pie with ground turkey instead of beef, and sweet potatoes instead of white

894 Lafayette Road (Rte. 1) Seabrook, NH 03874

(603) 474-4229 • smokyqd.com facebook.com/smokyquartzdistillery potatoes. We use fresh herbs and vegetables in it too. It is lower-calorie, very nutritious, and still delicious.

Located on Route 1 in Seabrook, NH. We are an artisan ‘grain to glass’ craft distillery using only the highest quality ingredients to distill truly exceptional “Small Batch” spirits.

How did you get into this line of work?

Food and cooking has been my passion ever since I can remember. I have a college degree in psychology and studio art but always gravitated toward jobs involving food. After working in restaurants, I realized that I didn’t love the setting but loved cooking. I knew that being a personal chef would be right for me, so I started my business 10 years ago. I also love being a small business owner.

When you are not working, what do you do for fun?

Lately, most of my fun has involved spending time and doing activities with my two young children. I love outdoors activities, especially ones where my two yellow labs can come along. I grew up boating, and that remains a passion of mine. Anytime I can be out on the water in my boat with family or friends is a good day. I love traveling, and exploring new places and restaurants. I’m also a big Boston sports fan.

Are you from the Seacoast?

I am originally from Merrimac, Mass., just minutes away from the Seacoast. I moved to the Seacoast area in 2009, first living in Portsmouth and most recently Hampton. As long as I live near the water, I’m happy!

What do you love the most about the Seacoast?

Definitely that it is on the water, but still close to mountains and plenty of nature as well as Boston. I would also be lying if I didn’t also say all the great restaurants and ice cream stands.

Looking ahead, where will you be in 10 years?

I plan to continue to grow my business at a steady and sustainable rate. I do this with the help of other great chefs working under me.

Eventually I’d like to have a commercial kitchen to cook out of and then we can deliver the meals to families. Many clients love to have a chef in their home, and even get an impromptu cooking lesson out of it sometimes, but there are others who wish we offered a delivery service. In the future I’d like to also be able to serve those who need the meals delivered.

— Rob Levey

Local grain. American made.

Smokey Quartz is a Veteran Owned Distillery Visit us and tour our distillery in person & enjoy a complimentary sample of our Vodka, Whiskeys and Rum.

Available for purchase at our location, NH liquor stores, or your favorite bar or restaurant!

108084

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 21

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Andrew’s

Adventure

By Andrew Clay

Wagon Hill Farm

Where I went: Durham’s Wagon Hill Farm at 156 Piscataqua Road.

What it is: Wagon Hill Farm is 139 acres of open, rolling hilled land owned by the Town of Durham that is free and open to the public for year-round recreation from dawn to dusk. With the recognizable and signature wooden wagon perched atop the peak of the park’s tallest hill overlooking Route 4, the farm has become a landmark in the Seacoast for its historical and recreational significance. The farm is now used recreationally and is home to many hiking trails, kayaking, dog-walking, sledding, snowshoeing and more.

What I did: When I was a child, my family would take trips to Maine to spend the day in York and I remember looking out the window along Route 4 as my parents pointed out the wagon atop the hill. Years ago my sister gave my father a painting that she made of what we always called “the wagon in Durham.” For as much as the sight of the wagon on the hill has been imprinted in my mind over the years, I have never had the opportunity to spend the day adventuring around the land on which it is representing.

It has always been on my bucket list and I figured that now was as good a time as any to explore the protected land.

I pulled up the gravel hill and parked my car in the small parking lot off to the side of the wagon before making my way over to the landmark itself. The wagon is nothing more than just that, a wagon, although it is more about what the wagon represents that makes it so significant, in my mind. The historic wagon seems to encapsulate the

overall mission of the farm; it radiates and projects the ideals of preservation, conservation, history and fun.

Continuing along the trail past the wagon, I was genuinely struck at the beauty of the land. The perch provides the perfect view of the back of the farm that you can’t see from Route 4 because it’s hidden by the hill. The rolling hills of freshly mowed farmland were wide and open and interrupted only by the treeline connecting the shoreline of the Great Bay to the farm.

The trail ran off to the side of the park and down toward the water before turning to circle just before the treeline that stood guarding the water. I ventured down the small side trail leading to the beach before finding myself shin-deep in mud along the shoreline from the recent rains and morning frost. Undeterred, I continued onto the beach to admire the view of the inlet.

Heading back to the main trail, and making sure to avoid the wet ground, I continued my trek along the main trail of the farm.

I followed the main trail along the tree and shoreline over a bridge across a small stream feeding into the bay before making my way to the farm’s beach. There, families were running up and down the grassy picnic area behind the water, and a father and son were skipping rocks and searching for crabs along the beach. With the sun coming out and warming the previously freezing air, I headed back to my car, finishing the main loop back to the top of the hill toward the parking lot. Along the path to complete my journey, I passed a community garden as well as the old farmhouse and other families enjoying the beautiful weather and breathtaking scenery.

With so much to do at Wagon Hill Farm, I knew going into the adventure that there was no way that I was going to be able to do it all in one day, so I settled for circling the main loop around the farm. Looking back, there is so much that I have yet to do.

From wandering the smaller trails between and around the property to walking my dog, as well as coming back in the winter for snowshoeing and sledding, there is much left to be done at Wagon Hill Farm.

while others are pressed grass, and some are graveled to allow for easy access to those who might have a hard time navigating up and down potentially wet or slippery hills. There are bird-, butterfly- and general nature-watching options for those looking to sit and admire the local wildlife, and the landscapes offer plenty for aspiring artists to brush onto canvas. At the end of the day, my photos do not do Wagon Hill Farm justice in trying to display the beauty of this preserved land, and I would highly suggest taking the time to see for yourself why it is that Wagon Hill Farm has become a landmark along the Seacoast.

The Fifth Wheel

B R OW N S

HUGE SELECTION Adult Super Store

SEABROOK LOBSTER POUND

New Items Added Weekly

RT 286, Seabrook Beach, NH “A New England Favorite since 1950”

Comfortable, Relaxed Adult Shopping

Eat your dinner in our scenic dining room or over the water on our open deck!

OPEN Year Round Call Ahead Take Out Service 603-474-3331

Sunday-Thursday: 9am-11pm Friday & Saturday: 9am-midnight

7 Days a Week!

851 US Route 1 Bypass, Portsmouth 603-436-1504 | fifthwheeladultsuperstore.com

April 1st - November 15th every day / November 15 - April Fri, Sat, Sun & Holidays SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 22

Who else would enjoy this: Over the years, Wagon Hill Farm has become the go-to spot for winter sledding. With hills as far as the eye can see and wide open spaces, the park is the perfect location to visit in the winter. But it is far more than a good place to spend a winter’s day. The incredible views and preserved lands that act as home to many rare and endangered wildlife throughout the state is the perfect place to hike with family, friends or dogs or by yourself. It is also a nice place to swim, boat and walk amongst apple orchards during the fall, and the trails provide plenty of variety. Some trails cut through the woods,

099132

121411

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Window into art

Seascape Creations owner gives lessons in Salisbury Waves crashing into snow-covered beaches and the brisk chill sweeping in from the Atlantic Ocean provide the perfect backdrop for the artistic expression of the New England Seacoast. This is what drew Julie Gordon, owner and founder of Seascape Creations, to start giving window art lessons around the coast.

“It’s just a great way to celebrate living by the shore and that’s what makes it unique,” she said. “A lot of people have their own collections of sea glass sitting in jars in their homes — I wanted a way to better display them. Windows are perfect. The ocean becomes your canvas and it allows you to capture and recreate the beauty and movement of the sea. It’s a way to celebrate living and playing by the sea.”

Gordon will be at The Seaglass Restaurant in Salisbury Monday, Nov. 26, from 7 to 9 p.m. conducting a workshop that will help guests create sea- and holiday-themed 8”x10” seascape windows. Guests are invited to bring their own memorabilia or use the pieces provided to create their own decorative window.

Give your art to a loved one this holiday season or keep it for yourself as a new festive decoration, said Gordon.

“Some people come with the intent of

making a gift for someone special. What happens then is that they end up wanting to keep it for themselves, but they do make really nice and unique gifts,” she said. “Some people end up keeping them for themselves and use them as holiday décor, and some tell me that they keep their pieces up year-round just because they just love looking at them.”

Templates will be provided to help spark ideas, but Gordon urges that the real inspiration typically comes from the waves rolling up to the side of the Seashell Restaurant, or the sunset over the Atlantic.

“Seaglass was one of the very first venues we started offering on the list and it’s one of my very favorite places to teach because of the ocean setting — it’s really inspiring,” she said. “It’s just a perfect place for people to relax, take a break and create something beautiful that’s made from nature. It’s such an inspiring atmosphere because you’re surrounded by the ocean.”

The lessons are available for all ages, and Gordon notes that the best work often comes from the youngest children and those who go about their work uninhibitedly.

“You don’t have to be artistic, that’s the nice thing because everything you’re working with is already beautiful,” said

Gordon. “There’s no step-by-step complicated directions that you need to follow.

We provide guidance and support, but in the end, you’ll be guiding yourself.”

Gordon believes that art is personal in nature, so she is there only to provide assistance when called upon. Gordon wants guests to be as hands-on and independent as possible when creating their pieces.

“It allows people to create what they want to create. They get to create the way that they want to create. In my opinion, that’s how art should be,” she said. “Guests will essentially create their piece from start to finish.”

Gordon says that in the four years of teaching she has never seen a piece that hasn’t come out beautifully.

“We don’t let people leave unless they’re absolutely thrilled with their art,” she said.

“People end up being really surprised and thrilled and proud of their creations.”

Following the lesson, guests will be sent home with their window and a simple cur-

ing kit to complete and solidify their piece.

“The reason we don’t do it there is because it takes 24 hours to cure where it should be left undisturbed so it’s best if they do it at home,” said Gordon. “That part is super easy to do. We give them the kit, we explain it to them before they leave, there are instructions in the kit and they can call us if they have any questions but we’ve never had anybody have any problems.”

The workshop costs $50 per person and includes $5 off a Seaglass meal ordered while attending the lesson. For more information on Seascape Creation workshops, or to sign up for one of your own, visit seascapecreations.com.

— Andrew Clay

???

LOOK FOR THE CATCUS SIGN!

HOME: ReNewed LLC A Consignment Shop

123250

123030

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 23

CAR TALK

Strange wiper behavior gets the brush-off from dealer

Dear Car Talk: I know my car intimately. We’re on a first-name basis, and I am quite familiar with what is working correctly and what is out of whack. So when I took

By Ray Magliozzi my Ford Fusion to the dealer, telling him that there was something wrong with the timing of my intermittent wipers, of course he found nothing amiss.

I told him that it didn’t happen every time I turned the wipers on, but every now and then the timing of the wipes was weird.

That was three years ago. It’s only gotten gradually worse since then. Now, when I turn off the wipers, they sometimes stop midwipe, in the center of the windshield. That’s not good. Also, sometimes the intermittent setting works, and sometimes the wipers just keep wiping continuously regardless of the setting. — Marge We believe you, Marge. The problem is most likely a bad wiper motor. The wiper motor contains the circuitry that’s supposed to make the wipers finish their current wipe, and park themselves at the bottom of the windshield, no matter where they are when you turn them off. But it also could be a bad wiper

switch. The switch (the multipurpose switch on the steering wheel stalk) sends a current to the motor. And if the current is inconsistent, that could cause strange wiper behavior.

The best way to test the switch is to have the wipers misbehave when the mechanic has the car at the shop. That way, he can test the current at the wiper motor. If the current doesn’t change while the wipers misbehave, then the switch is fine. That means it’s almost certainly a bad wiper motor. Either way, it’s going to “wipe” a few hundred bucks out of your checking account, Marge.

And you may want to consider searching for a mechanic who is more inclined to believe you. While a wiper motor might not be a life-or-death issue, you’d like to know that if you came in complaining of something potentially serious, your mechanic wouldn’t brush you off as “that wacky Marge who’s on a first-name basis with her car.” You want him to say: “Oh, that’s wacky Marge. She’s on a first-name basis with her car, but she knows what she’s talking about.”

Dear Car Talk: My 2018 Subaru Forester recently suffered the effects of a small, flying, hard object hitting the windshield while I was driving on the freeway at freeway speed.

What started as a small ding at the bottom of the glass eventually became a vertical crack one-third of the way up the windshield.

My Subaru is equipped with the EyeSight safety system, which includes automatic emergency braking. In order to guarantee the system’s performance, Subaru insists that the replacement windshield come from Subaru and that the EyeSight system be recalibrated to the new windshield. My dealer said the cost of the calibration was based on three hours of labor for a total of $405.

This seems awfully expensive, since the factory likely didn’t spend three hours calibrating it when the car was assembled.

What do you think? Is this for real? The car is great to drive, and I do like the idea of having the additional safety provided by the EyeSight camera system, but don’t want to get ripped off. — Greg Yeah, it seems to be real, Greg. The EyeSight system uses two cameras that look out of the windshield from either side of your rearview mirror. They operate like eyes with stereo vision, in order to judge distance.

We checked with Subaru, and they tell us that cars with the EyeSight system use a specific windshield glass, so you do need to use a Subaru replacement. They say that after the windshield is replaced, the set-

tings on the EyeSight cameras are cleared and then recalibrated. That’s followed by a test drive, to make sure the system doesn’t apply the brakes automatically for a taco truck at the side of the road, rather than a car stopped in front of you. They estimate the whole job takes three hours.

While these systems are, generally, great, they do vary in technology. Subaru has opted for this two-camera, binocular vision system. On the plus side, it’s relatively inexpensive to purchase, which has allowed Subaru to make it available to a lot more car buyers at a reasonable cost. More safety for more people is a good thing. On the downside, unless your windshield replacement is covered by insurance, you have to take out a home equity loan every time a stone kicks up at your car from a double FedEx truck.

So if you haven’t already done so, Greg, you should call your insurance company and find out whether it covers windshield replacement. Coverage varies by state, but if the crack was bad enough that it impaired your vision or made the windshield unstable, your insurance company may be required to pick up the cost -- including the three-hour “EyeSight retraining course.” Good luck.

Visit Cartalk.com.

Private functio Party n With Outs room Holds up t ide Deck! o $100. Plea 75 people. se call reserve! to

Voted Best Local Sports Bar! Daily Events Mondays- Free pool, open-close Tuesdays- Free Stand Up Comedy 8pm Wednesdays- Bag Toss (win cash) 8pm Thursdays- Trivia (win up to $100) 9pm Fridays- freebies! Free munchies (4pm-5:30pm)

Keno | Pool | Darts | Scratch Tickets | Jackpot Poker | Pull Tabs | Mass Lottery Located at the intersection of I-95 and Route 110 (Next to “VisionMax”) Salisbury, MA | (978) 462-8994 SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 24

107054

123052

FOOD

AT THE PRESS ROOM The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth) had been a historic part of the Portsmouth community until it closed its doors for renovations last spring. But it’s back, completely remodeled and restored and ready to bring music, art, food and drink to the Seacoast. The Scene caught up with general manager Erin Mahoney to learn more about the newly revamped interior and menu.

How long has The Press Room been around?

It was first opened by Jay Smith in 1976 and changed hands in 1993 [when it] was purchased by Jay Gardner. It was purchased by the current owners last June.

It closed last spring and it was going to [undergo] what was thought to be a short renovation of a few months, but when we actually got inside the building it turned out that the whole building had to be gutted and restored. We’re up and rolling now — we had our first official day open to the public on Sunday [Nov. 4] — [and] we’re so excited for people to see all the changes. [We] hope that it still feels familiar and still gives off the same wonderful vibe that the Press Room has always given off.

What makes The Press Room unique?

I think it is the fact that we welcome everybody — all ages, all people — to come and enjoy. That’s what The Press Room really was about. It was not an exclusive place; it’s a place where everyone is welcome. That’s something we want to honor and maintain. It’s always been a pub and a place for people to come together and gather, but the main things that brought people together here were music and art. We do some sort of live entertainment most nights, and we also do rotating art shows throughout the building. Those are things we invite people to experience.

It’s really about experiencing, whether it’s music or art, and just sharing in that experience together. What’s different and new [after] the new renovation is the kitchen.

[The Press Room has] always been a great place for craft beer, and now we’re trying to drag a little more business toward food.

We’ve introduced some classic cocktails as well, just to broaden the spectrum of what we offer.

What is your personal favorite dish?

People have been loving The Press Room Burger, which has been doing really well for us. It’s just a classic burger, but with a mix of different cuts of meat in there. Also, the Super Beef Sandwich — it’s a play on the North Shore roast beef,

which has been elevated a little bit by using rib-eye. It’s a great sandwich. The Squash and Apple Salad is definitely of one of my go-tos. It has granola, arugula, roasted squash and pickled apples. It’s awesome.

What is a dish everyone should try?

The Stuffed Mushrooms. [Executive Chef Josh Peterson] has done really well with that dish, and everyone that’s tried it has really loved it. It’s served with a sunny-side-up egg and a Tabasco vinaigrette, so you get these delicious stuffed mushrooms, but then with the sunny-sideup egg and tabasco vinaigrette, it almost makes it like a hollandaise sauce. It has a little bit of heat to it, and it’s just a really good combination.

What is an essential skill to running a restaurant?

You have to be able to work and stay focused on very little sleep. Multitasking is huge, staying organized is huge, communication … those are really the key.

What is your favorite part of being on the Seacoast?

I grew up on the Seacoast and so my family is all from here, and it’s just such a unique place. I’ve always loved being by the water and living near Portsmouth in a place that is a city, but a small city [that] has a great community feel to it. All these local businesses really support each other in so many wonderful ways.

— Alison Downs

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 26

Photos courtesy of The Press Room

123986

FOOD

DAVE’S GARAGE AUTO SALES & SERVICE

Ideas from off the shelf

7:30 - 5 7:30 - 5 7:30 - 5 7:30 - 5 7:30 - 5 8:00-12

Closed Sundays

MAJOR & MINOR REPAIRS

*FOREIGN & DOMESTIC*

ea c

S

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

HOURS

24 HOUR TOWING & ROAD SERVICE

oa s

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

m .co o f tBeachIn

The best online resource for: Seacoast Hotels Real Estate Hampton Beach Events & More!

For more info, contact: Larry Marsolais

603.935.5096 or larry@seacoastscene.net

603-926-6354 321 OCEAN BOULEVARD HAMPTON BEACH, NH 111876

114077

Seabrook Beach, NH

Macaroni and cheese is one of my alltime guilty pleasures. I love making it from scratch, but I usually fall prey to the simplicity of a boxed version that I know my kids will love. This white cheddar version, however, proved to be a big hit with my picky eaters and will likely be seeing a lot of table time this fall and winter.

I’ve typically stuck to yellow cheddar or colby jack versions of macaroni and cheese in the past, especially if I was making it in my slow cooker. But after a recent trip to a local restaurant, and sneaking bites of white cheddar mac and cheese off my daughter’s plate, I decided I had to find a recipe for a similar version.

This recipe is incredibly simple. The longest step is waiting for the water to boil to cook the macaroni. I was also a big fan of the quick prep, since the recipe called for cubing the cheese instead of shredding it — which saved me a chunk of time in the kitchen, however minimal. Plus, the recipe White cheddar mac and cheese Recipe courtesy of I Heart Eating

Dine inside or outside on our Marsh View Deck SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER Full Liquor Service • Credit Cards Accepted

186 Ocean Blvd Seabrook Beach, NH 603-474-2618 SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 28

122864

Open Thurs. & Fri. at 3pm  Open Sat. & Sun. at 8am

4 cups milk 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 to 1 teaspoon dry mustard Salt and pepper to taste 2 8-ounce blocks white cheddar cheese cut in small cubes 16 ounces dry medium shells or elbow macaroni In a large saucepan, heat milk mixture

is beyond pantry-friendly. A pinch of dry mustard and some salt and pepper are all that round out this ingredient list, allowing the white cheddar to really shine.

I went a step further and baked the finished macaroni with a crispy bread crumb topping, but next time I’m thinking I might throw in some bacon, or even some fresh green onion to really bring this recipe to the next level.

Creating the roux will be key to the success of the recipe. I know from plenty of experience with sauces and gravies that a lumpy roux can easily lead to a clumpy sauce and the flavor of uncooked flour in every other bite. Roux missteps aside, this recipe is simple to pull off in a pinch and would make a great side for any upcoming holiday potlucks. It’s creamy and delicious and has just enough flavor to stand on its own while serving as a complement to a more elaborate meal.

— Lauren Mifsud

over medium-low heat, until hot. Add flour and whisk together quickly to prevent lumps from forming. Once this mixture has thickened, remove from heat.

Stir in the dry mustard, salt and pepper and cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Once pasta is finished, toss with cheese sauce and serve.

DRINK

Thanksgiving and beer

You want to drink beer but need room for turkey Thanksgiving is glorious.

There’s an endless stream of rich, delicious food and an equally endless stream of football. You need beer to wash down all that food and pigskin.

But doing it right is easier said than done. You want beer to complement the day’s riches, not take away from it or otherwise bog you down.

Everything about Thanksgiving is extremely rich, dense and heavy on carbohydrates: buttery mashed potatoes, tender stuffing, thick and rich sweet potatoes and rivers of gravy — not to mention the pies.

In terms of flavor, a big, malty stout or porter is a perfect match for the big day’s menu — notes of coffee, chocolate, toffee and caramel mesh perfectly with the day’s spread. However, you do not have room in your stomach for a stout, at least not right off the bat. You’ve got to think lighter.

You’ve got to strategize. Good news: I’ve done the strategizing for you.

Hors d’oeuvres

girth. Now would also be the time to grab an Oktoberfest-style brew, such as Konstantin by Schilling Beer Co. in Littleton.

Dessert

Have some scotch. Just kidding. Sort of.

You’re going to be full; you’ll need to walk away from the table. Go outside. Let the cold, crisp late November air smack you in the face. Walk around a little bit and let your system digest. Beer aside, this is basic Thanksgiving survival.

When dessert hits the table, you have a couple options. One is to hold off on beer.

You might still be too full. That’s OK. But if you’re up for one, now might be the time to slowly sip a chocolate or coffee stout.

Grab a Lithermans Limited Ground Control Stout, made with locally-brewed, cold brew coffee or the oreo-infused Cake from Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth. Better yet, split one of these brews with a willing family member. A bite of apple pie followed by a smooth coffee stout is a beautiful thing. If you’re a fan of pumpkin beers, such as the Pumpkin Porter by Ipswich Ale Brewery, of course that’s a delightful pairing with pumpkin pie.

Now, hit the couch. You should be all set.

You’re standing around snacking on cheese and crackers and shrimp cocktail, and you’re probably eating a lot more of those things than you think you are. (And, let’s be honest, you passed on the veggie plate.) Cured meats, cheese and shrimp are calorie-rich (and delicious) and they fill you up quickly, so keep that in mind when choosing your beverage.

Choose a brew on the lighter side, such as pilsners, farmhouse ales session IPAs or saisons, which can be particularly interesting with their often earthy spiciness.

A few choices that do not sacrifice flavor include: West End Session IPA by Great Rhythm Brewing in Portsmouth, Country Mile Dry-hopped Farmhouse Ale by Jeff Mucciarone is a senior account Great North Aleworks in Manchester or the Nebraska Saison by Earth Eagle Brewings executive with Montagne Communications, where he provides communications supin Concord. port to the New Hampshire wine and spirits industry.

The meal Any of the styles above are perfect for the meal itself, but I like just a touch more richness. It is Thanksgiving, after all. You have What’s in My Fridge to be careful not to go too hefty here, but Java Cask by Victory Brewing Co.: a nice, smooth brown ale is a great option.

Oh my goodness. Did I know this was It has some of that roasty, toasty complex14.3-percent ABV when I poured it? No. ity of a stout, but without the big body. A Did this brew very nearly bring me to my Dippity Do American-style brown ale by knees? Yes. So much flavor. Just incrediThrowback Brewery in North Hampton or ble notes of rich coffee interplaying with a Paradigm Brown Ale by Kelsen Brewing bourbon oakiness. This is the epitome of a Co. in Derry would make excellent choices. big beer but it was surprisingly smooth on These brews have some richness but they top of all that flavor. Cheers! aren’t overpowering in terms of flavor and

123892

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 29

POP CULTURE Killing Commendatore, by Haruki Murakami (Alfred A. Knopf, 681 pages)

123984

STORE YOUR BOAT WITH US At Hampton River Marina, we can store your boat at an affordable rate for the summer and winter.

WINTER STORAGE SERVICES

Wet Storage • Dry Storage Winterization Shrink Wrapping • Travelift up to 25 tons Dockside Water & Electric

SUMMER STORAGE SERVICES

144 Boat Slips • Storage on Boat Trailers Transient Slips • Rack Storage • Showers Laundry • Ice & Soda Machines

ELIGIBILITY TO JOIN NEARBY WATERS EDGE YACHT CLUB

Hampton River Marina 55 Harbor Road, Hampton, NH • hamptonmarinanh.com • 603. 929.1422

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 30

119144

A man and his wife split up, in part because of the woman’s infidelity. The man embarks on an aimless road trip to process the sudden change in his circumstance. Eventually, he winds up renting a mountaintop home of a friend, where unsettling things begin to happen, such as a bell ringing for an hour in the middle of the night, and a character in a painting coming alive.

It may sound like a cheap knock-off of the Netflix series Stranger Things, but Killing Commendatore is much too smart for that. It’s Stranger Things for the literati.

The novel is the latest from the Japanese sensation Haruki Murakami, who apparently got the memo that every serious writer needs at least one excruciatingly long book.

According to the website Howlongtoreadthis. com, it takes 9 hours and 59 minutes to read Killing Commendatore, compared to 5 hours and 21 minutes for Moby-Dick, 11 hours and 32 minutes for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and 21 hours and 4 minutes for Les Miserables.

Commendatore, however, feels longer, in part because Murakami’s matter-of-fact prose lacks the elegance of Melville and Victor Hugo and his characters lack the appeal of J.K. Rowling’s. Given a day and couple of pints of good beer, most anyone with an English degree could shave 200 pages off this doorstop of a novel without harming the plot.

Told in first person by a narrator who is never named, the novel does not flow as much as it creeps.

The protagonist, a commercially successful painter of portraits, packs a few belongings in his old Peugeot and moves out the same day that his wife of six years tells him that she’s had a disturbing dream and is no longer able to live with him.

Numb, he embarks on a road trip through Japan, after which he moves into a cabin that had once been inhabited by a famous painter, now so enfeebled by dementia that he no longer knows “the difference between an opera and a frying pan.”

Despite the quiet of the cabin and the natural beauty that surrounds it, he is listless and uninspired, in effect, suffering from artist’s block, if there is such a thing. But then he enters the attic to investigate an odd rustling, and finds there a horned owl and an odd painting by the previous resident, a work that apparently had never been seen.

Meanwhile, the protagonist’s agent calls with word that a wealthy man who lives across the valley has asked to sit for a por-

trait and is willing to pay an absurd amount of money for the painting. Curious and needing the money, the painter agrees, and as the men get to know each other better, the strange, whitehaired client gets caught up in the mystery of the bell, and finances an excavation to discover the source of the sounds. He’s simply curious, he explains.

It is at this point that Murakami seems to be channeling Edgar Allen Poe. The men uncover a mysterious pit with stone walls, and just when we think one will be bricking in the other one for eternity, the story takes off in another direction that is less horrific but equally cunning. The protagonist finds that his creativity is flowing again, perhaps a little too much, since the portraits that emerge on his canvas seem to have unusual power, though perhaps not the power of the cabin’s previous painter, given that its titular character, the doomed commendatore, is now 2 feet tall and following the narrator around.

When the commendatore first appears, seemingly alive, he assures the narrator that although he can bleed, he is not a being, but an idea, at which point the typical reader will decide that this book is way over his head and abandon it for lighter fare, like an unabridged dictionary. In truth, it won’t get easier as the pages mount up; there is an underworld in here populated by doubled metaphors, and a complicated development that involves a winsome adolescent who may or may not be the biological daughter of the strange, white-haired neighbor.

In short, Killing Commendatore is wickedly clever but at times a difficult read, not only because the heft of the physical book makes you feel like you’re reading a fivepound bag of flour. It makes you work to keep up.

Opera fans will get the sly connections between Murakami’s commendatore (the word is Italian in origin, and means a middling officer) and the one in Mozart’s opera “Don Giovanni.” More blatant are the echoes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, which prompted one British reviewer to caustically write that Killing Commendatore is The Great Gatsby translated into Japanese.

Actually it took two translators – Philip Gabriel and Ted Goossen – to translate Killing Commendatore from Japanese to English. It’s hard to tell what we lose in reading the English, but Murakami’s clipped, almost monotone style has changed little from his previous novels and short stories and his 2008 memoir What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. His imagination, however, remains first-rate.

A- — Jennifer Graham

POP CULTURE

Your local library

See what’s happening in the coming weeks

Hampton Falls Library

Kids two years old and younger, as well as siblings of all ages are invited to babytoddler story time on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Call ahead of time to reserve a spot. Children between first and fourth grade are welcome to attend after school story time on Tuesdays from 3 to 3:45 p.m.

The Adult Book Discussion Group meets the second to last Tuesday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. to discuss the assigned book of the month. December’s book of the month will be Little Women by Louisa May

Senior Chair Yoga will be held on Mondays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Refreshments, conversation and trivia will be held Monday, Dec. 10 for Senior Trivia and Social Hour from 1 to 2 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. The Rye Public Library Military Book Group meets on the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. The program is open to any and all who are interested in all things military.

Drawing Together is a sketchbook group facilitated by local Rye artists. This adult drawing group meets weekly on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Learn and play American Style Mah Jongg every Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room. New knitters are welcome every Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to noon by the fireplace. Knitting with Mary is open to all from 5th grade through adults. The Adult Coloring Group will continue to meet from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursdays. Meditation will be practiced on the second and fourth Fridays of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. The Adult Book Discussion group meets the third Tuesday of every month from either 2 to 3 p.m or 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Newcomers are welcome.

Seabrook Public Library

Susan Schatvet will lead quilters and quilting clubs on Tuesdays and Fridays of each week, respectively, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eat pizza and play games during Middle School Mondays on Monday, Nov. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. Children up to 2 are invited to storytime each Tuesday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Baby Lapsit is free and open to the public.

Read, Play, Create is designed for children between the ages of 2 and 4 with stories, songs, rhymes and crafts each Wednesday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The program is free and open to the public. Read to Evie the Dog every Tuesday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Contact the library to schedule your 15-minute reading session with this Tail Waggin Tutor. LEGO Club meets every Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. and is designed for students ages 5 and up. The club is free and open to the public. Seabrook Library’s Book Discussion Group will meet Monday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m.

— Andrew Clay

january 2nd – may 15th *

Orders of $35 minimum ($3 delivery fee) Cash only for locations within a 3 mile radious

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE!

Ocean Wok would like to give back to our loyal customers with a perfect gift for the holidays.

Expires

The Wellness Book Club will meet Monday, Nov. 26, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Story Time meets Mondays from 10 to 11 a.m. which will consist of stories, rhymes, music, activities and crafts. Registration is required. Group one of the Opus Book Club will meet weekly on Mondays from 3 to 4 p.m. Group two will meet on Wednesdays from 3 to 4 p.m. where members in grades 4 and 5 will discuss the graphic novel. Wednesday, Dec. 19, will be the last meeting. Sticks in Stacks-Knitting and Crafting Group will continue to meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. Friends of North Hampton Public Library will meet Wednesday, Nov. 28, and Wednesday, Dec. 19, at 9:30 p.m. See a variety of films during Friday Flicks, shown at 2 p.m. each week. The Hooked on Books book club meets Thursday, Dec. 20, from 7 to 8 p.m.

WINTER DELIVERY AVAILABLE! *

Rye Public Library

Authorization Signature

North Hampton Public Library

603-926-6633

Expires

The Lane Memorial Library in Hampton will continue to host seniors bridge on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and Fridays from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and again from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., as well as the first and third Saturdays of each month from noon to 3 p.m. Dungeons and Dragons Club will continue to meet on Mondays from 2:45 to 5 p.m. in the study room. Open to all ages. Teen Events will take place between 4 and 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26, for slime making, and Friday, Nov. 30, to make a LEGO ornament. Crazy Rich Asians will be shown Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 2 and 5:30 p.m. The PG-13 comedy stars Constance Wu, Henry Golding and Michelle Yeoh. Magic: The Gathering Club will continue to meet on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. to learn and play with magic for all ages.The Twilight Book Group will meet Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Redden Dearborn Room. Knit scarves for local charities Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 4 to 5 p.m., respectively, with Knit it Forward.

C H I N E S E R E S TA U R A N T

Alcott. Pre-Schoolers are invited to meet for story time on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Reserve your spot in advance as space is limited. Kindergarten Club meets on Wednesdays from 3 to 3:45 p.m. where they will be engaged in stories, snacks and crafts.

Reserve your spot in advance.

Authorization Signature

Lane Memorial Library

Gift Card Deals

Order $50+, Get $10*

*Not valid on Christmas Eve/ Day or New Year’s Eve/ Day! Cannot be combined with other deals or coupons. One reward gift certificate per order or per table. Cannot be applied to each split bill. Valid only November and December of 2018, and 30 days after.

Gift Card Deals

Order $100+, Get $20*

*Not valid on Christmas Eve/ Day or New Year’s Eve/ Day! Cannot be combined with other deals or coupons. One reward gift certificate per order or per table. Cannot be applied to each split bill. Valid only November and December of 2018, and 30 days after.

926-6633 | 7 Ocean Blvd. Hampton Beach

Located at Seabrook/Hampton Bridge on RT 1A www.oceanwok.com

123952

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 31

NITE

Good gravy

Boston jam band Skyfoot’s post-T-day party

123991

Do you want to Buy- Sell - Trade?

Rare Coins • Bullion Gold & Silver • Diamonds Scrap Gold Pre-Owned Rolex Watches Gold Jewelry Metal Detector Rentals

SEACOAST COIN & JEWELRY (603) 926-7771 scjjewelry@rcn.com Serving New Hampshire, Maine & Massachusetts for 35 years!

124006

725 Lafayette Road • Hampton, NH 03842 SeacoastCoin.com

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 32

121410

A good jam band gains strength from diversity, building on what each musician brings to the mix. Judged by this criterion, Skyfoot is one of the best in the New England scene. The Boston-based quartet’s members range in age from mid-20s to early 40s, and their influences span from the Grateful Dead to TedeschiTrucks, Frank Zappa, Steely Dan and classical music — with a healthy dose of Phish and Bruce Hornsby.

Their third album, Blindly On Through, released last summer, refines this heady stew. “Even Then” sounds like an homage to the Dead’s “Brokedown Palace,” and “The Flow” might be an Aja outtake. Overall, though, the new disc bears a unique stamp.

There are lush harmonies on the upbeat “Hurdy Gurdy” and “Bluebird,” and the mood shifts down on more than a few songs.

“Purple Trees” sways, while “The Whale” is moody and dreamy. The epic “Mountains Immense” is nearly eight minutes of slow, steady grandeur, the kind of song a fan of “Black Muddy River” would take to immediately.

“We joke that [these are] the ballad years,” drummer Aaron Morey said in a recent phone interview. “It just happened.

When the music jumps at you, you get what you get.”

Morey started the band with keyboard player Eric McEwen, whom he met at Berklee College of Music. The two took a jam band class with John Funkhouser and soon formed Mondo Gecko; parts of that group eventually became Skyfoot. Tyler Arnott, the youngest member, replaced original guitarist Matt Drummey in 2013, and the band carried on as a trio with McEwen doubling on bass until James Taylor joined.

Blindly On Through is Taylor’s first record with Skyfoot.

“It was a really positive move,” Morey said of his bandmate, who’s been friendly with the group since its early days and settled immediately into their material.

“Adding a bass player makes it just more grounded, because Eric has more freedom to focus on adding the colors on top, without holding down the bass.”

On the day after Thanksgiving, the band will play its first ever Gravy Gobble Wobble at The Grog in Newburyport. Apart from the name, “it will be a typical Skyfoot show,” Morey said. “Which [means] many unexpected things happen. We don’t plan very much and we rarely use a setlist. We

talk about the songs and sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t.”

Ultimately, he said, “It really depends on the crowd … you can tell what they’re vibing to, and that’s how we pick the songs.”

The oldest member of the band, Morey is also Skyfoot’s primary Deadhead — he saw them five times before Jerry Garcia’s passing — and an inveterate Phish fan.

“I like things that are weird and unexpected, anything that’s experimental,” he said.

“That’s what’s great about the Dead. They have the best songs with possibly the best lyrics ever written, but then things get weird ... drums, space, who knows? Phish built upon that — ‘Let’s see how weird we can get.’”

The band has had a busy year.

“We went on tour out West, played at Music Fest in Pennsylvania, and we made our way to Ohio and Kansas, which is surprisingly a very cool place to play,” Morey said. “We ended up in Colorado … two weeks just touring around that state, and made lots of friends. People are very welcoming and have us come over to their houses [and made] us food and stuff.

Almost every night when we’re out West, people put us up and take care of us.”

Along with venues like Newmarket’s Stone Church and Portsmouth’s Press Room, Skyfoot are regulars at The Grog.

“It’s a good crowd, and lots of friends in and around the area come around,” Morey said. “We have friends from New Hampshire that will make the trek. It’s a cool room; I like it there.”

— Michael Witthaus

Skyfoot’s Gravy Gobble Wobble When: Friday, Nov. 23, 9 p.m.

Where: The Grog, 13 Middle St., Newburyport, Mass.

Details: bit.ly/2zSMXrY

BEACH BUM FUN JONESIN’ CROSSWORDS BY MATT JONES

“Ride Share” — an inconvenient place to park.

Across

1 Backtalk 5 Order on an order 9 Lion in the Narnia books 14 Feel certain 15 Barely grilled 16 Link’s “Good Mythical Morning” partner

17 Star of the BBC’s “Luther” 19 Shaw of the Big Band Era 20 Reconfigure a hard drive 21 Royal ball 23 Beliefs, for short 24 Morsel at the bottom of a fastfood bag 25 Citrus-flavored dessert (with

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 34

something parked in the middle) 28 Portrayer of Ned on “Game of Thrones” 29 Word after bad or Dad 30 Quiz option 33 Chicken giant 36 Controversial agribusiness letters 39 Place for avians to thrive (with something parked in the middle) 43 Tack on 44 “Stargate Universe” actress Levesque (OK, fine ... the mom from “Family Ties”) 45 No longer fooled by 46 Show starter?

48 Over again 51 “Darlin’” classic kids’ song (with something parked in the middle) 55 Biol. or anat.

58 “___ in every garage”

11/08

59 Conservational prefix 60 Rowan Atkinson character (or a clue for 28-Across) 62 Carl who hosted the original “Cosmos” 64 Modern urban vehicles whose brand names have been parked in the middle of the three theme entries 66 Supreme Court Justice Kagan 67 Internet explorer?

68 Part of 61-Down 69 Element tested for in home inspections 70 One-named Sao Paulo-born athlete 71 Japanese buckwheat noodle

Down

1 Flat-bottomed rowboat 2 Conjunctions seen with a slash 3 Word inevitably used in a stereotypical Canadian impersonation 4 Do the butterfly 5 Franklin with the 1982 album “Jump to It” 6 Jimmy Kimmel’s cousin who makes frequent appearances on his show 7 “Day” observed the last Friday in April 8 Bubble tea tapioca ball 9 “Altar” constellation 10 Piercing cry 11 Tutorial opener, maybe

12 “One Day at ___” 13 Big bomb trial, briefly 18 Business letter encl.

22 Actress Phillips 26 Blog post 27 ___ Lisa 28 “Hold on a ___!”

30 Gp. before the gate 31 Totally cool 32 In one piece 34 What a QB tries to gain 35 Great buy 37 Got together with 38 He-bear, to Hernando 40 Croupier’s collection 41 “What ___ About You” (mid2000s WB sitcom) 42 Sudoku grid line 47 Monsieur de Bergerac 49 “I give!”

50 100 cents, in Cyprus 51 It fires electrodes 52 Florida city home to John Travolta 53 Freeze, as a windshield 54 Western law enforcement group 55 “___ evil ... “ 56 Native Trinidadian, maybe 57 Prefix for gram or Pot 61 Heat measurements, for short 63 Photog Goldin 65 Disney collectible ©2018 Jonesin’ Crosswords

122540

BEACH BUM FUN HOROSCOPES

By Holly, The Seacoast Region’s Leading Astrologer

• Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Travel is in your future. Specifically, your life is about to head south.

• Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It’s time to start paying your bills, and while you’re at it you can pay mine, too.

• Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Partners might be upset about something happening at home. Good thing you never go there anymore!

• Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Practice the virtue of patience and you’ll be rewarded. And get started right now, will ya?!

• Aries (March 21-April 19): When one door closes, another opens. Alas, in your case the door will be to a jail cell.

• Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I predict you will stop reading in the middle of this sentence. Darn, I was wrong!

• Taurus (April 20-May 20): Mercury will enter your life today when you drop a thermometer on the kitchen floor.

• Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Some fun new words are in your future. Here’s one of them: unemployment.

• Gemini (May 21-June 20): I see grand things coming your way. Specifically, Big Mike is coming to collect that thousand bucks.

• Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may have a big circle of friends, but you’re still a complete square.

• Cancer (June 21-July 22): The path you’ve chosen to financial success shows great promise. And a great promise is about all your investments will return.

SUDOKU

Peace, Love, & Shopping!

Fair Trade & US Made Items Clothing • Tapestries • Jewelry • Bags Body Care • Essential Oils • Gemstones Smoking Accessories • & Other Cool Stuff

We Also Display Work From Local New England Artists!

• Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Your friends will soon throw you a going-away party. Unfortunately, it will come as a surprise.

SU DO KU

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Last week's puzzle answers are below

11/08

Derry Location: 10 Manchester Rd.

NEW! North Hampton: 44 Lafayette Rd.

TheHappyHippy.co | 603-216-1977 (Derry) 603-379-9957 (North Hampton) | info@thehappyhippy.co 121763

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 35

BEACH BUM FUN ROCKANDROLLCROSSWORDS.com BY TODD SANTOS

Label Maker Across 1. Record scratch will cause this 5. ‘Rock Me Amadeus’ singer 10. Limp Bizkit ‘__ Be Okay’ 14. Reggae’s ‘Legalize It’ icon Peter 15. Montreal noise music label __8 Recordings

Joe 24. Gene Simmons “I’m living in __, at the Holiday Inn” 16. Country guy Collin 25. ‘73 Humble Pie album that 17. “Thunder” from the crowd inspired Weird Al? (3,2) 18. Tribute band member?

29. Queen hit ‘Hammer __ __’ (2,4) 19. Imogen Heap ‘Can’t Take __ __’ 34. One-time The Who label (2,2) 37. Hall And __ 20. ‘99 Lit album (1,5,2,3,3) 39. What Milli Vanilli was (1,3) 23. ‘There Goes The Neighborhood’ 40. Cyndi Lauper classic ‘__ Have Fun’ (5,4,4,2) 44. Tarrus Riley ‘Soul __’ 45. Like some rockers, post-prime 46. ‘Miami Vice Theme’ Hammer 47. Love Is Here __ __ (2,4) 50. Indigo Girls ‘Hammer And __ __’ (1,4) 52. ‘Unforgettable’ King Cole 54. Groupies 58. ‘95 Sheryl Crow hit (4,3,7) 64. Where Italian megastars play 65. REO Speedwagon ‘Don’t Let __

11/08

B 8,

Please contact Larry Marsolais

larry@seacoastscene.net or 603.935.5096

17 20

- FE

NOV 10 - NOV

Talking turkey

23, 2016

and Hike, bike, kayak through fall climb your way

P22

SEPT.

28 -

OCT. 4, 201 7

Look the sk up at y P6

Soun d Bites

Holiday cooking classes

4

P20 Scen ic P24 bike rid

e

2

P3

FR E

Locals join Godsmack frontman

How

EM

AP P. 1 4

althy to he diet ur up yo

AP FREE M

6 P. 1

Food truck

845 Lafayette Rd. (Seacoast Plaza) Hampton NH 603-967-4833 Email: T3SCB@comcast.net

eats P24

Plenty for

locals to do in

TOILETRY ITEMS (8 OZ.) OR TRAVEL SIZE - NO AEROSOL CANS • Chap Stick • Hand Sanitizer • Deodorant • Tylenol • Apsrin • Razors • Eye Drops • Bug Wipes • Inner Soles • Foot Powder • Toothpaste/Brushes • Sun Screen • Handi Wipes • Flip Flops • White Socks (Mid Calf for Boots) FOOD ITEMS - INDIVIDUALLY PACKED TO SHARE • Cookies • Nuts • Trail Mix • Pop Tarts • Mircowave Popcorn • Coffee (1lb) • Gum • Beef Jerky • Small Peanut Butter • Dried Fruit • Raisins • Granola Bars • Crystal Light (Etc.) On the Go Drink Packets • Freeze Pops • Slim Jims FUN STUFF FOR THE TROOPS • Deck of Cards • Small Checkers • Small Nerf Balls • Rubik Cubes • Yoyos-Duncan • Small Chess Sets •Footballs/Soccerballs • Small Card Games ITEMS THAT CANNOT BE SENT Any Food Items Containing Pork • Adult Books or Films

We are a drop off location!

P22

P32 . 16 AP P FREE M

1. Snow Patrol ‘Spitting Games’ album ‘Final __’ 2. ‘One Off Song For The Summer’ band 3. Pretenders ‘Loving You __ __ I Know’ (2,3) 4. Accompanying melodic riff 5. Lady Gaga ‘Poker __’ 6. New Found Glory “Lies, __ __ hear are lies” (3,1) 7. ‘Little Fighter’ White __ 8. Radiohead ‘Dollars & __’ 9. Everclear ‘__ __ Wonder’ (3,3) 10. Live song about an eye?

11. ‘All The Things She Said’ Russians 12. Kind of ‘Eyes’ to Eagles 13. Toronto ‘Steal My Sunshine’ band 21. NJ punk rockers U.S. __ 22. Producer Brian that worked w/ Robert Fripp

URGENT ITEMS NEEDED FOR THE TROOPS!!!

The Seacoast Scene is looking for a sales person with past print sales experience who is creative and loves the print environment. Candidates should live on the seacoast. Hours are part-time.

26

Down

26. ‘Maestro’ singer Mahal 27. Elvis Costello ‘Pump __ __’ (2,2) 28. ‘The Way It Is’ rockers 30. Showgoer 31. ‘Breezeblocks’ band (hyph) 32. Sexy 80s rocker Ford 33. ‘Aha Shake Heartbreak’ Kings Of __ 34. ‘Time To Pretend’ band 35. The Cult ‘Edie (__ Baby)’ 36. The Damned ‘Lively __’ 38. What killer band will do 41. AC/DC ‘__ There Be Rock’ 42. Iconic LA agency (abbr) 43. George Harrison ‘Isn’t It __ __’ (1,4) 48. 80s ‘Strip’ singer Adam 49. 1979’s ‘SOS’ band that set sail?

51. Tony Iommi w/Dave Grohl ‘Goodbye __’ 53. Some rockers go on this at court 55. John Fogerty “Sometimes I think life is just a __” 56. ‘The Shade Of Poison __’ Dashboard Confessional 57. The Brutes ‘This City __ Me To Sleep’ 58. Like edgy and great music 59. ‘American Doll Posse’ pianist/ singer Tori 60. Singer Case 61. Gym site, for Village People 62. Like past-prime rocker’s looks 63. Music starting point?

64. Famous label started in 1919 © 2018 Todd Santos

Pease Care Packages

Experienced Print Salesperson Wanted

JAN

__’ (3,2) 66. Genesis garden 10,000 Maniacs spend ‘Time’ in?

67. ‘The Time Of My Life’ American Idol David 68. Musical term for silence 69. Cranberries ‘No __ To Argue’ 70. UK band And __ The Trees 71. Original ‘Mama Weer All Crazee Now’ band 72. You do this into the trash, with bad album

the off-seaso

n

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 36

122645

109767

123924

NEWS OF THE WEIRD BY ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Bright idea

Another birthday staring you down? Perhaps you can follow the lead of a man in the Netherlands who has launched a legal battle in the town of Arnhem to change his age from 69 to 49. “(Y)ou can change your name and change your gender,” Emile Ratelband noted. “Why can’t I decide my own age?” The Dutch positivity trainer told BBC News that he feels discriminated against both in the career realm and on Tinder. “When I am on Tinder and it says I’m 69, I don’t get an answer,” Ratelband said. “When I’m 49, with the face I have, I will be in a luxurious position.” He also describes himself as a “young god.” The arbiters of his case aren’t so sure, though: One judge wanted to know what would become of the 20 years that would be erased by such a change. “Who were your parents looking after then? Who was that little boy?” he wondered.

The entrepreneurial spirit

Roxy Sykes, 33, of London, had a brainstorm that started when someone complimented her on her beautiful feet.

“I was convinced to set up a social media account to show them off,” she told Metro News on Nov. 1. But that was just the ground floor for the pedo-preneur. “It wasn’t until I started getting thousands of followers and messages about selling used items that I realized I could profit from it,” she said. In her busiest month, she grossed more than 8,000 pounds peddling socks, shoes and videos to foot lovers. “Pairs of shoes that I would wear for two months would sell for 200 pounds, and a pair of socks that I wore for a day would sell for 20 pounds. Then a single video of me just wiggling my toes would make 100 pounds, so I was really raking in a lot of money,” she continued. Overall, she says she’s pulling down about 100,000 pounds a year. Sykes has also mentored fellow fetish models: “It’s great to be able to help others and teach people my apparent ‘talent,’” she said.

New World order

Coming soon from the state-run news agency Xinhua in China: the first artificial intelligence anchorman. “Artificial Intelligence Anchor” debuted at the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, China, on Nov. 7. The virtual host, based on images of human news broadcasters, can have real-time news typed into its system even while it’s on air. A synthesized voice reads the script. Xinhua told Time that its new anchor can work “24 hours a day ... reducing news production costs and improving efficiency.” But does it have a personal catchphrase, such as “Good night, and good news”?

Weird science

Duuuude! Scientists at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey have created a mushroom that can produce electricity using light, Discover magazine reports. Using common button mushrooms, cyanobacteria (very adept at photosynthesis) and graphene nanoribbons (to make electrodes to transport the electricity), researchers were able to produce harvestable electricity by shining a light on their “bionic mushroom.” While the amount of electricity created was small, the team noted the experiment demonstrated an “environment-friendly and green source of photosynthetic bioelectricity.”

Wait, what?

On Nov. 12, a group of cyclists in Hustopece, Moravia, Czech Republic, enjoyed a sunny afternoon of riding to a local landmark known as Lookout Tower, reported United Press International. Taking in the view from the top of the tower, they saw a drone flying around and took video of it, capturing the moment when the drone picked up one of their bicycles from the ground and flew away with it. One of the cyclists threw his helmet at the drone as it flew off, and the others ran down the tower’s steps to chase the drone on foot.

Happily, the drone dropped the bike a few

PET OF THE WEEK Monty is a gentle giant.

This New Zealand rabbit is 3 years old and looking for a home where he can snuggle and hop all around.

He’s a sweet boy who is very social and likes to be right in the middle of all the action. He was surrendered to the NHSPCA in Stratham because of a new baby in the family and he wasn’t getting the attention he needs. Rabbits make wonderful pets and can really thrive in the right home. They are curious, social and very smart.

Just like cats or dogs, they can live out and about in the house with you. Bunnies can be trained to use a litter box and can even learn to do tricks. Like all the rabbits in our care, Monty has been neutered to help prevent pet overpopulation. Come to the shelter or visit nhspca.org. Also, on Nov. 23, the NHSPCA is holding the Black Friday Save A Life Sale with extended hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when you can pick your price on all adult animals.

SEACOAST SCENE | NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 5, 2018 | PAGE 38

hundred feet from the tower.

Crikey!

A Jackson County sheriff’s deputy in Kansas City, Missouri, serving an eviction notice on Nov. 7, was startled to discover Katfish, a 7-foot-long, 200-pound alligator that tenant Sean Casey kept as a pet (along with three pythons, a rabbit and several cats). Casey told KSHB-TV that he’s had Katfish for four years. “He’s a big cuddly gator,” Casey said. “He wags his tail when I come home.” The gator could lounge in the home’s bathtub, and “get up and get out and cruise through the house,” said Dana Savorelli with Monkey Island Rescue, who officers called to help wrangle the alligator.

“He had a ramp.” Unfortunately, alligators are prohibited in Kansas City, so Katfish was relocated to Monkey Island in nearby Greenwood, Missouri. And although Casey said Katfish was “not a vicious animal like some people make them out to be,” he was ticketed for possessing an exotic animal within city limits.

Crime report

Scout cookies” last March, Fox News reported. North College Hill police said Hines took delivery of the cookies, valued at more than $1,600 and intended for a local Girl Scout troop, and never returned or paid for them. When Hines showed up at the town’s Mayors Court on an unrelated matter, police arrested her, then posted on Facebook, “That’s the way the cookie crumbles.”

• On Nov. 11, St. Johns County (Florida) Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a car crashed into a home in St. Augustine Shores, according to Action News Jax. Officers discovered the car’s driver, Darrin Dewayne Touchton, 58, had previously had a relationship with the homeowner, and at the time of the incident, another person was with her at the home. Touchton “did not approve,” the deputies stated, and when he saw the other man in the front yard, he floored his Nissan Maxima in an attempt to kill the interloper. But the target jumped out of the way, and Touchton hit the house.

Police also determined Touchton had previously threatened to kill the man with his car. He was charged with attempted homicide, three counts of aggravated assault and driving on a suspended license.

• In North College Hill, Ohio, on Nov. 6, Noel Hines’ criminal love for Thin Mints finally caught up with her when she was arrested for stealing “a large order of Girl On the lam Perhaps in an effort to escape its likely fate, a turkey in Shoshone, Idaho, was rounded up by police on Nov. 7 after “terrorizing the neighborhood” around North Fir Street. United Press International reported the bird was detained at a local petting zoo pending the owner’s coming forward to claim it. Shoshone police posted on Facebook that the claimer would have to do “an embarrassing dance” to get the bird back.

So there!

Administrators at Spalding Grammar School in Spalding, Lincolnshire, England, introduced a new policy this year, banning sixth-formers (high-schoolers) from carrying book bags between classes. The school felt the heavy bags were causing injury to students and encouraged them to carry their books in their arms instead. But Jacob Ford, 17, disagreed, reported Metro News, and made his point by carrying his books in a wicker basket and an open microwave oven, for which he received a two-day suspension. Head teacher Steven Wilkinson huffed, “We have a student who has behaved in an increasingly inappropriate way, actions the likes of which I have never witnessed, and who has been sanctioned entirely in line with the school’s policies.”

But Ford’s mother, Tracy, backed up her son’s protest: “I’m very proud of him for standing up for something he believes in.

Microwave or no microwave.”

123258

NOVEMBER 16th through DECEMBER 30th

For more details, visit

BREWERYLIGHTS.COM

©2018 Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, MO. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. 123645