Around Concord - Spring 2016 by Around Concord Magazine

Around

CONCORD SPRING 2016 VOLUME 9, NO. 2 $4.95

community• culture• lifestyle

ENJOYING OUR STATE PARKS THE HISTORY OF CONCORD'S FIRE DEPARTMENT

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contents SPRING 2016

volume 9, no. 2

22 features 22

Encouraging parents and kids to visit New Hampshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state parks. by Lisa Densmore Ballard

A history of Concord, New Hampshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fire Department. by Ian Raymond

Caring for and catering to kids. by Tareah Gray

Adventure Trackers

Wherever Flames May Rage

Concord Pediatric Dentistry

PHOTO BY LISA DENSMORE

4 find around concord at www.aroundconcordnh.com Cover photo by Matt Kalinowski

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14 49

departments 9 Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note

55 Smart Money What is probate? by Tina Annis and Jeffrey Zellers

10 Contributors 12 Online Exclusives 14 Around Town Old House & Barn Expo.

58 In the Kitchen Cooking with herbs. by Susan Nye

16 News You Can Use Tips & trivia for spring.

65 Spring Dining Guide

38 Art Scene

67 Arts & Entertainment A calendar of events.

49 Business Sense DollarSaver. by Mike Morin

72 Last Word

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 39 Downtown Shopping Discover Concord's Main Street.

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Around

CONCORD community • culture• lifestyle

Aftermath Publishing, LLC 8 Old Coach Road, Bow, NH 03304 aftermathpub@aol.com (603) 344-3456 www.aroundconcordnh.com

_ Publishers Brit Johnson Bob Frisch Cheryl Frisch Executive Editor Deborah Thompson Associate Editor Kristy Erickson Copy Editor Elaine Ambrose Creative Direction Ellen Klempner-Béguin Design & Art Direction Brad Wuorinen Web Design Locable Advertising Brit Johnson Donna Dutremble Dawn Beauchesne Graphic Design Hutchens Media, LLC

_ KEEP US POSTED Around Concord wants to hear from readers. Correspondence may be addressed to the publisher at 8 Old Coach Road, Bow, NH 03304. Or email the editor at: editor@ aroundconcordnh.com. Advertising inquires may be made by email to aftermathpub@aol.com. Around Concord is published quarterly by Aftermath Publishing, LLC© 2016. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited. Around Concord accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

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EDITOR ’ S NOTE

Spring Is in the Air Most of us subscribe to the adage that seeing the first robin of the year is a sign of spring, but there are other sure signals that the seasons are turning. When you see kids riding their bikes and skateboards, you know that warmer weather is on its way. Area fields and parks come alive with baseball games, and gardeners head outdoors to prepare their plots and beds for a new growing season. IAN RAYMOND We hope you’ll be inspired to visit New Hampshire’s state parks this year. Lisa Densmore Ballard shares information on the Adventure Tracker Program, which encourages youngsters to explore and appreciate the outdoors (page 22). Kids can record their adventures in a free logbook, and after having their book stamped by an attendant at three different parks, they can earn the title of Junior Steward of New Hampshire. Make plans to visit one or more of our state’s 92 parks soon. Ian Raymond is sharing the fascinating history of Concord’s Fire Department with us (page 30). Ian’s inspiration was a newly released book, Wherever Flames May Rage by Gerald Bourgeois. Take a look at how firefighting has evolved over the years, from the early days of Concord’s bucket brigades to today. We’re also highlighting Concord Pediatric Dentistry in this issue (page 40). Once your children experience the brightly decorated offices and the skilled, caring staff who cater to kids, your little ones will have no qualms about ever going to see the dentist. The staff and I wish you a spring filled with sunny days, fragrant blooms, and lots of adventures with family and friends. Enjoy!

DEBORAH THOMPSON

Executive Editor editor@aroundconcordnh.com

www.facebook.com/aroundconcord

Be sure to visit our website, www.aroundconcordnh.com. spring 2016 | around concord 9

CONTRIBUTORS

Tina Annis

Lisa Densmore Ballard

Mike Morin

Tina is an attorney and founding member of Annis & Zellers, PLLC in Concord. For over 12 years, she has assisted New Hampshire families with all aspects of estate planning, probate administration, and elder law. She is a frequent lecturer in the community on the subjects of trusts and estates.

A three-time Emmy-winning television producer and host, Lisa has been a familiar face around New England for her work on PBS and for various sports and outdoor networks. An accomplished writer and photographer, she contributes regularly to over 30 regional and national magazines on various adventure travel, nature, and wildlife topics. Her books include Best Hikes with Dogs: New Hampshire and Vermont and Hiking the Green Mountains.

Mike Morin, author of Fifty Shades of Radio, left a 43-year broadcasting career to research and write his second book, as well as do more speaking engagements and work with community not-for-profi t organizations. He is also a licensed Justice of the Peace in New Hampshire and winner of blue ribbons for baking at the Deerfi eld Fair in 2013 and 2014.

Susan Nye

Ian Raymond

Jeffrey Zellers

Writer, photographer, and chef Susan Nye is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers throughout New England. Her blog Around the Table (www.susannye. wordpress.com) is fi lled with her favorite recipes and stories about family and friendship. When sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not writing or cooking, Susan is hiking, biking, or kayaking near her New Hampshire home.

Ian has been photographing people and places in New Hampshire for over 30 years, and his studio, Raymond Photographic Imaging, is located in Laconia. Besides photography for magazines, catalogs, and brochures, he specializes in architectural photography and fi ne art portraiture. When not shooting, Ian is involved with renewable energy and conservation issues as chairman of the Sanbornton Energy Committee.

Jeffrey is an attorney and founding member of Annis & Zellers, PLLC in Concord. For over 25 years, he has been a trusted adviser to individuals and businesses in the areas of estate planning, business succession planning, and tax matters.

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AROUND CONCORD ONLINE

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AROUND TOWN

1 Photos courtesy of Steve Booth Photography

Preservation Alliance Old House & Barn Expo Over 3,000 old-house owners and enthusiasts gather for advice Understanding repair and restoration techniques and being inspired by local craftsmen were top priorities for the over 3,000 people who attended the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance’s Old House & Barn Expo in Manchester in mid March, according to Jennifer Goodman, executive director of the Alliance. Attendees also sought strategies to improve energy efficiency and manage moisture and foundation issues in old homes and barns. Preservation Alliance board member and Expo sponsor Sue Booth of Vintage Kitchens noticed a new wave of young oldhouse owners at this year’s show. “Young people are finding good financial and social values in older homes,” Sue says. Steve Bedard of Bedard Restoration and Preservation, another Expo sponsor, is enthusiastic about the trend and noted that young people are understanding that old-house living is healthy for residents (less breakdown of synthetic materials) and the environment (smaller carbon footprint). With the boomerang generation to accommodate, old houses provide lots of space and flexibility. Old buildings can also be divided up,

offering “micro” home possibilities. Other New Hampshire Preservation Alliance representatives were very pleased to see expanding interest in traditional arts like timber framing, wood turning, and weaving and rug hooking and were excited about the large number of new attendees. “It’s reassuring and inspiring to see growing commitment in this era of rapidly growing technology and uncertain futures,” said Beverly Thomas, program director for the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance. “Older and younger

1 Group shot of exhibitors and three Manchester-area state senators. 2 Visitors at Canterbury-based business Fifield Building Restoration & Relocation booth.

Want to see photos of your event? Email them to editor@aroundconcordnh.com.

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people seem drawn to these beautiful and practical items that use local materials.” She adds that people’s desire for practical solutions, interest in “going local,” and affection for special places like summer camps, meetinghouses, and old farms is rising and fueling growth in the preservation movement. Attendees visited exhibits and attended lectures on topics such as how to fix a stone foundation or repair drafty old windows, historic garden styles, and what to do to repair an old chimney. Many attendees brought in photos and plans and were able to talk through their problems with more than 100 experts. The Old House & Barn Expo is held every other year; the next expo will be in the spring of 2018. For more information, contact the Alliance at (603) 2242281 or www.nhpreservation.org.

3 The booth of JR Graton, a Northfield-based business. 4 Visitors at the Vintage Kitchens booth. 5 Members of the Timber Framers Guild working on a shed that was built at the show.

Strategic Approach Our firm is committed to providing superior legal counsel to individuals, businesses, municipalities and school districts in New Hampshire. We have a proud history of distinguished service since 1908.

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news you can use

| SPRING

TIPS & TRIVIA

Your Green Thumb

lthough the ground may still be frozen, you can look forward to summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bounty by planting seeds in containers indoors. Buy squash, cucumber, eggplant, tomato, basil, and other assorted seed packets, and transplant the seedlings outside after Memorial Day. Potted seedlings also make great end-of-the-year school gifts come June.

Merry Maids Arm your children with dusters and let them go to town, challenging each one to dust his or her bedroom and one other room in the house. You might offer a quarter or a dollar for each additional room that they dust.

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Ski into Spring

ith longer, brighter days and warmer air, spring is an inviting time to hit the slopes. Loon, Waterville Valley, Bretton Woods, Gunstock, and many other local ski mountains offer skiing as late in the season as possible. You might even embrace a long-standing traditionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;skiing in your bathing suit when temperatures really start to rise! Just be sure to wear ample sunscreen; snow is highly efficient at reflecting UV radiation, so exposed areas are at increased risk of sunburn and skin damage.

Spring Birth

Celebrate the season of birth by remembering the birthdays of friends and family. Record dates in you r digital calendar and send a handwritt en note to at least one lucky person eac h month for the rest of the year.

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news you can use

| SPRING

TIPS & TRIVIA

Flower Powebering!observed from

Week is National Wildflower discover head outdoors and so , ar ye is th 8 to May 2 native to our area. the many varieties finds, but Snap photos of your me are never pick them! So don't endangered. If you have a field guide, do research online to identify the flowers you found.

Ride a Bike Do your part to help save the environment by bringing out your two-wheeler on May 20â&#x20AC;&#x201D;it's National Bike to Work Day. According to the League of American Bicyclists, 40 percent of our trips are two miles or less, so consider riding more often. From 2000 to 2013, the number of bicycling commuters increased by 62 percent, proving that Americans are serious about conserving resources and getting and staying in shape.

May

National Bike to Work Day

Oh Beautiful, for Spacious Skies April is Keep America Beautiful Month. Experience the beauty of New England by visiting the Green or White Mountain National Forests in Vermont and New Hampshire, respectively.

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Connect with Nature “It is about five o’clock in an evening that the first hour of spring strikes—autumn arrives in the early morning but spring at the close of a winter day.” —Elizabeth Bowen, The Death of the Heart

ith more daylight comes more time to be aware of the wonders of nature. Consider how you can connect more deeply with nature during this time of new awakenings. You might write in a journal or sketch outdoors in the same place each week to observe the transformations as Earth warms. Observe how your own body feels in this location and how your relationship to the place changes as the season progresses. Chances are that this meditative and peaceful practice will lend you a fuller appreciation of life.

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news you can use

| SPRING

TIPS & TRIVIA

A Plateful of Green

st May 1 is

Sweet Moments

May Day

May Day is celebrated in the Northern Hemisphere on May 1. The day is filled with song, dance, and time spent in the garden. Traditionally, friends and lovers leave “May Baskets” on each other’s doorsteps—baskets filled with sweets, cakes, and flowers. Why not treat your loved one to a bouquet of fresh flowers and a box of sweets?

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elebrate the beginning of the growing season by purchasing fresh, local vegetables. Arugula is in season April though June, while asparagus will hit the farm stands in late May. Make a fresh salad of arugula, sliced pear, and slivered almonds and dress it in freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil. Serve alongside a simple frittata. Mix beaten eggs, milk, finely sliced fresh chives, crumbled goat cheese, and asparagus pieces. Pour into a well-oiled, cast-iron skillet and bake at 350° for about 10 minutes. Serve with a sprinkling of sea salt and red pepper flakes.

Thanks for

Tuning In May 3 is National Public Radio (NPR) Day. Chances are your radio is already set to NHPR. If not, tune in on your way to work or school for stimulating commentary and news from around the world and right here in New England.

Beware of Pesky Critters May ushers in another tick season in the Northeast. Protect yourself and your pets from tick-borne illnesses by washing your furry friends with flea and tick shampoo and checking them for pests after each outdoor adventure. Ask your veterinarian about effective flea and tick control for your pets. spring 2016 | around concord 21

Above: The author pauses to take in the view on a hike up Mount Lafayette in Franconia State Park. Right: Two middle-schoolers fi nd a spring peeper on a hiking trail.

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A pink lady slipper, one of the many wildfl owers that bloom in June in New Hampshire’s state parks. S TO R Y A N D P H OTO S BY LISA DENSMORE BALLARD

Adventure

Trackers ENCOURAGING PARENTS AND KIDS TO VISIT NEW HAMPSHIRE’S STATE PARKS

Mud freckles my preschooler Parker from head to toe. He grins, glancing at me to see if I care, and then takes a running jump into the next shallow puddle. Kersplash! After his second leap, his mud spots meld into large brown wet patches on his miniature jacket and pants. When you’re the size of a leprechaun, it doesn’t take much to coat yourself. }

A frog sits motionless in a puddle, hoping to escape discovery.

spring 2016 | around concord 23

Out of mud puddles, he’s onto the next object of intrigue, a large six-foot log strategically dragged beside the trail to create a natural buffer between the footpath and a tangle of tall grass and wildflowers. Parker hoists himself onto

Top: A girl fi nds a toad, one of the more common amphibians in New Hampshire’s woods. Above: Trail sign near the summit of Mount Kearsarge, approaching from Winslow State Park. Right: A young girl goes on a fi rst hike.

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the log. I catch his hand to help steady him, then he places one foot carefully ahead of the other, walking around the decomposing beam from one end to the other. At the far end, he jumps to the ground, then trots ahead giggling with delight. There is much to investigate on the West Ridge Trail in Cardigan Mountain State Park. Within moments, he discovers a wood frog on the edge of the trail. The unfortunate amphibian hopped onto the path just as Parker jumped down from the log. For the next five minutes, Parker races the frog, mocks its panicked leaps, stares into its large gold-brown eyes, and shakes its foreleg as if meeting the thing at a formal gala. “Can I keep it, Mommy?” asks Parker. “Mr. Frog is my new pet.” “I think Mr. Frog will be happier and live longer if you leave him here,” I reply gently. “We’ll come back to visit him.”

An avid hiker, I am excited to introduce my three-year-old to my pastime with the goal of launching him into an active, outdoor lifestyle. The hike up Mount Cardigan proves perfect for his debut, but not because it’s a short 1.5-miler that rewards with 360-degree views and a fire tower. We never make it to the top that day. In fact, we barely trek a quarter-mile up the trail. It doesn’t matter. Three hours after we leave the trailhead, we return to the car. Parker is covered with dirt from head to toe, jubilant after his adventure in the woods and adamant that we return to see Mr. Frog the next day. } Below: An angler lands a trout. Fishing is a favorite activity in a number of state parks.

Mare’s tails above Cannon Cliff in Franconia Notch State Park.

The lookout tower atop Kearsarge North near North Conway.

A whitetail deer, one of the animals kids commonly spot in a state park.

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ADVEN TURE TRACK ERS

Now age 19, Parker and I have had many “next days” in New Hampshire’s state parks, and not only at Mount Cardigan. There are 92 state parks in New Hampshire, scattered across all seven regions of

Top: A mother and her son enjoy the view atop Mount Cardigan in Cardigan Mountain State Park. Above: The view through the lookout tower’s windows atop Kearsarge North. Right: Bald eagles have become more common around the lakes and ponds in New Hampshire’s state parks.

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the state: the seacoast, the Merrimack Valley, the Monadnock area, the Lakes Region, the Dartmouth-Sunapee region, the White Mountains, and the Great North Woods. With so many parks in such diverse locations, it’s no surprise that almost every outdoor recreational activity is possible somewhere in the system. Last summer, to encourage parents to get their kids into New Hampshire’s state parks, the Department of Parks and Recreation introduced its Adventure Tracker Program. Central to the program is a free logbook with a page for every state park in the Granite State. When kids go to one, they record the date, who goes to the park with them, and what activities they do. (Suggestions are listed in the book.) There’s also space to record what plants, trees, and animals they see and what they hear and smell. It’s a naturebased game that makes children more observant of their surroundings.

FOR MORE

INFO

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There’s a nifty reward too. To prove a child visited a park, a park attendant stamps the page. After receiving three stamps from three different parks, the junior adventurer earns a prize from the state and the title of Junior Steward of New Hampshire. “Adventure Tracker targets children 6 to 11 years old,” says Amy Barrett, spokesperson for New Hampshire’s Department of Parks and Recreation. “It was developed as a fun way to get children interested in exploring our state parks and to appreciate the outdoors.” A big goal of the program is to instill a love of the outdoors in children in the hope that they will be the stewards of these public places in the future. Toward that goal, the state printed 2,500 books for the launch of the program in 2015, which were available at every state park and online. The state has no way to know how many kids visited a state park as a result of the program; however, 45 kids returned the card at the back of the book proving they had done the program and visited at least three parks. The state considers the program a success and will continue a similar version of it this summer.

Swimming and observing wildlife are among the activities in the Adventure Tracker program.

Adults enjoy wildlife watching (and photographing) too!

D I S CO VE R T H E P O W ER O F P AR K S P ROGRAM

The Adventure Tracker program is the do-it-yourself complement to the state’s decade-long Discover the Power of Parks (DPP) program. DPP also aims to get families outdoors and connected with nature but with on-site guidance. A collaboration between the Student Conservation Association, Eversource (a public utility company), and the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation, DPP includes guided hikes, interpretive tours, and environmental workshops for children and families, many led by student interns. The sessions are free, though families still need to pay admission into the parks that host them. This summer, DPP will be offered at seven locations: Greenfield State Park, Monadnock State Park, Pawtuckaway State Park, Bear Brook State Park, Franconia Notch State Park, White Lake State Park, and Umbagog State Park. New for 2016, DPP will include programs hosted at a number of day-use parks and smaller campgrounds, including Wentworth State Park, Moose Brook State Park, Ellacoya State Park, Crawford Notch State Park, and all three state parks in the seacoast region. }

A salamander suns itself on a rock. Find one, and get credit in the Adventure Tracker program.

spring 2016 | around concord 27

These two-hour interpretive sessions have catchy names such as Un-fur-gettable Animals, Lunch with a Loon-atic, Don’t Take It for Granite, and a Plant-tastic Hike. They take place on Wednesdays through Sundays and vary each week and by location. All those who participate in at least five DPP programs receive a Discover the Power of Parks Quest patch in recognition of their accomplishment. In the fall, the state brings DPP to schools and other organizations in the ConcordManchester area. “This collaboration allows [families] to add a fun learning experience to their state-park visit,” says Phil Bryce, the director of the Division of Parks and Recreation. “And it’s affordable,” adds Amy Barrett. “A family season’s pass for New Hampshire residents is $105, $120 for non-residents, which allows two adults and up to four dependent children into [most] day-use parks.” Another even more affordable option is to purchase a New Hampshire State Park license plate for your car ($85); this covers the driver and all passengers in dayuse areas except The Flume, the tram at Cannon, campgrounds, historic sites, and at parking meters. For those without a park pass or license plate, entry into dayuse parks costs $4 to $5 for adults, $2 for children 6 to 11, and is free to children 5 and under. BO N DI N G MOM ENTS

My son’s puddle-splashing experience at Mount Cardigan State Park set the stage for many subsequent outings. We’ve since hiked countless miles together, not only up Mount Cardigan but also in other parks around the state. We’ve flown kites, gone swimming, watched osprey dive for fish, camped under the stars, and paddled canoes. The time we’ve spend in these public playgrounds gives us a much-needed break from the stresses of everyday life and draws us closer with each adventure. They are among our most special times together. They’ve instilled in my son a sense of confidence in the outdoors. Most importantly, he keeps going back. 28 find around concord at www.aroundconcordnh.com

b y i a n r ay m o n d

A HISTORY OF CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FIRE DEPARTMENT

3 0 f i n d a r o u n d c o n c o r d at w w w. a r o u n d c o n c o r d n h . c o m

Wherever Flames May Rage, a newly released book by Gerald Bourgeois, EdD, captivates the reader with a fascinatingly detailed accounting of the history of fire fighting in New Hampshire’s capital city, starting from the very beginning—before this idyllic spot nestled between the Merrimack and Contoocook Rivers was the capital or a city. The book derives its title from the second line in an anonymous poem in the opening pages called “The Firefighter’s Prayer.” It is followed by a dedication page, respectfully honoring the brave men who died in the line of duty serving as firefighters for the city of Concord. } Below: Concord Fire Department’s first motorized vehicle, a 1913 Robinson chemical and hose wagon.

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Above: Concord citizens, including Chief True Osgood, surround the city’s fi rst steamer, an Amoskeag bought in 1862 called the Governor Hill. They are in front of the Phenix Hotel. Photo courtesy of the Concord Fire Department Museum. Left: Firemen fi ght a fi re at White’s Opera House, 1920. Photo courtesy of D. Giles.

Right: Author and historian Gerald P. Bourgeois. Photo by Ian Raymond. Below: A 1917 Ahrens-Fox, Concord Fire Department’s fi rst motorized pumping engine. Photo by Bruce Lemire, NH Society for the Preservation & Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America.

H I STO RI AN , EDUCATO R, AN D STO RYTELLER

Having invited Gerald to sit down with me to discuss his new book, three things became evident immediately. First, Gerald is a professional educator and historian with a vast amount of experience. Second, throughout his life, he has been involved with many fire departments, serving at several different levels, and he has conducted a tremendous amount of research, providing him with an incredible depth of knowledge on this subject. Finally, Gerald is a passionate storyteller with the ability to bring the printed word to life; he retells historical events with precise detail, as though they were firsthand accounts of personal experiences. He begins the book with a brief history of how the city of Concord first came to be, the politics involved, and the origin of the name. He then moves on to the early days of firefighting. It was interesting to learn just how humble the beginnings of firefighting in fact were, not only in Concord but throughout New England. Although the book’s focus is on firefighting, it also portrays a vivid picture of what it was like to live in colonial America—the simplicity and the hardships of everyday life and how, by necessity, some challenges, such as responding to fires, were confronted by the whole community. As the colonies prospered and progressed, ingenuity, innovation, and lessons learned from experience brought changes in fire suppression and fire prevention, which are detailed throughout the book.

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Above: Friendly’s on Loudon Road, October 3, 2009. Photo courtesy of the Concord Fire Department Museum. Left: Amos Turner races to a fi re scene. He was Concord’s fi rst line-of-duty death in 1914. Photo courtesy of the Concord Fire Department Museum.

TH E BUCK ET BRI GAD E, A COMMUN I TY EFFORT

In the beginning, firefighting depended solely on manpower from the folks within the community. There were no machines or even assistance from horses or other work animals to aid in fighting fires. Instead, bucket brigades would form lines and deliver small quantities of water (passed from person to person, one bucket at a time) from the nearest source of water (a pond or river) to the site of the fire. The further the distance a burning building was from a water source or from the village center (where more volunteers were available to help), the more likely the structure would be destroyed. } Above: Ice shrouds the ruins after a nighttime fi re at St. Paul’s School, January 21, 1961. Photo courtesy of St. Paul’s School archives. Left: Fisherville Station, founded in 1849. They bought a Button hand engine made in New York. This station house burned in 1882. Photo courtesy of the Concord Public Library.

spring 2016 | around concord 33

Concord Precinct Auxiliary during WWII. Photo courtesy of Paul Sanborn.

In 1798, a hatter’s shop on North Main Street near the Carrigan House (still located on North Main Street) caught fire. The community came together to fight the blaze before it spread to the adjoining buildings. It was not unusual at the time for women to join the men in their efforts to fight fires and save properties. In a newspaper report on that incident, the Mirrour suggested: “Query—would it not be a good plan for every man to keep a good ladder and one or two proper fire buckets always ready?” Later, as fire ordinances were adopted, this would, in fact, be required. Many of these ordinances were first enacted as law at the request of the city of Portsmouth, which had been more densely developed because of its booming economy in shipbuilding and trade, putting it at much greater risk for fire than other New Hampshire communities. The people of Portsmouth had a great deal of experience with fires and their causes. Right: A drawing taken from a Hunneman Co. advertisement, 1810. Below: A 1928 Abbot-Downing engine. Famous for its stage coaches, Abbot-Downing built hose wagons and ladder wagons for the Concord Fire Department. When motor trucks came into use, Abbot-Downing built several. Photo courtesy of Paul Sanborn.

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C ONC OR D’S F IR S T F IR EF IGHTING C OM PA NY

By March 1807, Concord voted to appoint five men as fire wardens, and by June, the New Hampshire legislature incorporated Concord Engine Company #1. By August, the company was organized, with officers in place. It established rules and bylaws enumerating the company’s responsibilities and authority. That same year, Concord Engine Company #1 purchased its first fire engine. It was a far cry from what now comes to mind when we think of fire engines. An engine was “a square or oblong wooden

Above: Concord’s newest truck, Engine 4, a 2014 Pierce Arrow XT. Photo courtesy of Gerald P. Bourgeois. Left: Black smoke veils the Congregational Church on November 3, 1935. Photo courtesy of the Concord Fire Department Museum. Below: An 1859 Hunneman hand pumper bought by Concord’s Veterans Association in 1897. This was originally a Worcester, Massachusetts unit. Photo courtesy of Kevin McCarthy.

Below: Concord’s fi re trucks were all yellow in the late 1970s. Photo courtesy of D. Giles.

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box, lined with sheets of copper to seal in the water and a pump was installed therein to force the water out. A copper air chamber was located between two cylinders that were attached to handles called brakes that were moved by the firemen to force water under pressure out of a nozzle.â&#x20AC;? It was built in Boston by the William C. Hunneman Company. Hunneman had worked as an apprentice for Paul Revere and later went out on his own. These first fire engines were pulled by men from wherever the engine was housed to the location of the fire. Since the firemen had to pull the engine to a fire, it was generally not filled with water ahead of time due to the added burden of the weight of a filled tank. In the early days of the engine, bucket brigades continued to be used. But instead of throwing the buckets of water directly onto the flames, the water was emptied into the engine, which was then pumped by the firemen. Under pressure, the water shot through a nozzle located on top of the engine and onto the fire. Later, when hoses became available, these hand engines could suction water from nearby water sources to fill the engine tank, and firefighters began using hoses to reach the flames. The results were often much more successful. From these humble beginnings, the book continues on with a comprehensive documentation of the evolution of firefighting in Concord. Major fire events are recorded in detail, as are changes in the organization of the fire companies and the technologies that were used to fight fires. The book is packed full of interesting photographs portraying early equipment and firehouses, as well as currently used equipment, actual fires, and images of the many people who have served courageously over the years to protect the people of Concord. Wherever Flames May Rage is a mustread for anyone interested in the history of Concord. It is available locally at Gibsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bookstore, where Gerald will be holding a book signing on Saturday, May 21 at 4pm.

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ART SCENE

Clockwise from left: Chair by Adam Hudd-Homeyer. Turned bowl by Mark Dolim. Bouquet by Sandy Dukeshire is made of glass and wool fiber. Marriage Shield is a wood carving by Lisa Laughy. Necklace by Nurit Niskala.

Fine Craft Exhibition THE WORK OF THE LEAGUE OF NH CRAFTSMEN’S NEWLY JURIED MEMBERS The League of NH Craftsmen is showcasing the work of its newly juried members in the Continuing the Tradition fine craft exhibition at The Gallery at The Craft Center and headquarters on 49 South Main Street in Concord through June 17. All the participants have met the League’s stringent jury standards for skill and creativity. A wide range of media is represented, such as metal jewelry, felted wool animals, hooked rugs, stoneware bowls and platters, stained glass art, woodblock prints, Shaker-inspired furniture, curved baskets, and much more. “Our new juried members bring their fresh creative visions and ideas, which keeps the League vital and strong. This exhibition gives us an opportunity to introduce these skilled craftspeople and their work to the public,” said Jane Oneail, executive director of the League of NH Craftsmen. Visitors to the Continuing the Tradition exhibition can also enjoy the fine craft displayed in the League’s Grodin Permanent Collection Museum. The League of NH Craftsmen is a non-profit, craft education organization and is supported in part by a grant from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Gallery has been made possible through the generosity of Concord Orthopaedics. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturdays, during the exhibition, 10 am to 4 pm. For more information about the current exhibitions, the Gallery, or the League of NH Craftsmen, call (603) 224-3375, email nhleague@nhcrafts.org, or visit the League’s website at www.nhcrafts.org.

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Downtown Shopping Discover Concord’s Main Street

Marketplace New England

Rowland Studio

7 North Main Street Concord, NH (603) 227-6297 www.marketplacenewengland.com

23 North Main Street Concord, NH (603) 225-2322 www.rowlandstudio.com

Hours: Mon–Wed 9:30am–6pm Thu–Fri 9:30am–7pm Sat 9:30am–6pm, Sun 11am–4pm

Hours: Mon–Fri 9:30am–5:30pm Sat 10am–4pm

Simplicity Hair Studio & Spa

Detailed Stained Glass

Bonafi Rowland de Green Studio Goods 23 25 North SouthMain MainStreet Street Concord, Concord,NH NH (603) (603) 225-2322 224-9700 www.bonafi www.rowlandstudio.com degreengoods.com Hours: Mon–Fri 9:30am–5:30pm Hours: Tue–Sat 10am–6pm Sat 10am–4pm

Joe King’s

27 South Main Street Concord, NH (603) 219-0243 www.simplicityconcord.com

24 Pleasant Street Concord, NH (603) 224-7100 www.detailedstainedglass.com

45 North Main Street Concord, NH (603) 225-6012 www.joekings.com

Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–7pm Sat 9am–2pm

Hours: Mon–Fri 10am–5:30pm Sat 10am–4pm

Hours: Mon, Wed, Sat 9am–6pm Thu 9am–7pm, Fri 9am–8pm Sun 10am–5pm spring 2016 | around concord 39

The board-certified pediatric dental specialists (clockwise from the 9 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock position) are Danielle Hinton, DMD; Patrick Capozzi, DDS; Rachel Davis*, DDS; Elliot Chiu, DMD; and Roger Achong, DMD, MS. *Dr. Davis takes care of kids only in New London and Lincoln.

B Y TA R E A H G R AY

Concord Pediatric Dentistry CARING FOR AND CATERING TO KIDS

Performing dental treatments on moving targets requires special skillsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and a ton of patience. Fortunately, the five pediatric dentists, the orthodontist, and their staff at Concord Pediatric Dentistry are masters when it comes to putting young patients at ease. }

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An inviting open-bay room where children can feel comfortable and safe together at Concord Pediatric Dentistry.

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Digital radiographic technology has the capability to capture x-ray images using noticeably lower and safer energy compared to traditional film technology.

"It's an open concept. We encourage the kids to come in by themselves. We want to exude confidence and independence in the child. We want the parents to know that we're safe." —Dr. Roger Achong, co-owner of Concord Pediatric Dentistry

A typical, bright dental hygiene room.

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When the office moved from downtown Concord to a more spacious spot at 16 Foundry Street seven years ago, their goals were anything but a conventional clinic. They swapped neutral hues for bright walls of rainbow colors. They switched drywall for transparent glass so that patients and their parents could see areas like the sterilization center where they clean their tools. They designed large, inviting entrances and glass doors so anyone can peek into rooms and see what’s going on. CREATI N G A C HILD-F R IENDLY PRACTI CE

“We needed more space but wanted to create an environment that appears less stressful to the child,” says Dr. Roger Achong, co-owner of Concord Pediatric Dentistry. “It’s an open concept. We encourage the kids to come in by themselves. We want to exude confidence and independence in the child. We want the parents to know that we’re safe.” Karen Davis of Bow brought her threeyear-old son Ethan to Concord Pediatric Dentistry a decade ago because he had too much anxiety about attending her

Clockwise from top: Modern contemporary design and lighting enhance our patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dental experiences. Dr. Lynnette Nyberg (Concord Orthodontics) is an orthodontic specialist for pediatric, teen, and adult orthodontics. Dr. Nyberg is proud to be an Invisalign Premier Preferred Provider. The beginning of the toothpaste trail that guides parents to their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dental hygiene room.

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A unique toothpaste trail guides parents and children to their color-themed dental hygiene room.

"We love taking care of kids. We love what we do. We try to put the kids first and listen to the parents' concerns." —Dr. Roger Achong, co-owner of Concord Pediatric Dentistry

Above: Another inviting color-themed dental hygiene room. Right: Wide and appropriately lit hallways are part of our stress-free environment.

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dental office, which referred him there. He was instantly charmed by the staff at Concord Pediatric Dentistry. “I could not speak more highly of Concord Pediatric Dentistry,” says Karen. “Dr. Achong has such a great rapport with the kids. All the staff go out of their way to make children feel as comfortable as they possibly can and to ensure that it is not an experience that is scary or frightening. They make it a positive experience to the best of their ability. Their environment is extremely inviting and friendly. They take the extra time to make the kids feel comfortable. They dress up for Halloween and celebrate the holidays.”

Ethan is now 13, and Karen’s daughter Carlee, 11, has also had orthodontic work done at Concord Pediatric Dentistry where patients can receive preventive services, fillings, crowns, and braces, and address oral/facial complex issues. Kids generally stay with the practice until they graduate from college. “The college kids are great,” says Dr. Achong. “We have quite a number of kids who transition out and become dentists and dental hygienists. We have 9 or 10 currently here who used to be patients of ours.”

Parents and patients can announce their arrival to front desk personnel in an open and inviting manner.

ME E T I NG M AN Y N EED S

Concord Pediatric Dentistry is one of the largest pediatric dentistry offices on the East Coast. Every pediatric dentist is board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Achong was the first board-certified pediatric dentist in Concord. Each of the five dentists at the practice has his or her own niche, but they complement each other and provide patients with the option of a male or female dentist, not to mention an array of personalities. Dr. Lynette Nyberg of Concord Orthodontics brings her orthodontic and Invisalign expertise to the practice. Drs. Danielle Hinton and Patrick Capozzi keep stitches and bleeding to a minimum by performing laser surgery. Dr. Elliot Chiu

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is the young and fit “whippersnapper” in the office, according to Dr. Achong, and Dr. Rachel Davis is “like a teddy bear.” GROWI N G AN D EXPA NDING

Concord Pediatric Dentistry was started 45 years ago by Dr. Douglas Johnson. Dr. Achong joined the practice 20 years ago and moved it to the new, larger location on Foundry Street seven years ago. Dr. Johnson retired three years ago, and the practice now has 35 employees. They established offices in New London three years ago and Lincoln one year ago, and formed Concord Orthodontics. “Part of the reason our office is successful is because of the legacy Dr. Johnson left and the culture he created,” says Dr. Achong. He also credits Concord Hospital for being a great facility with which to be associated. Concord Pediatric Dentistry makes use of the hospital for surgeries and for their anesthesiologists when highly anxious patients need them. FROM I N FAN C Y ON

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children have at least one dental visit before their first birthday. According to Dr. Achong, it should be around the time the first tooth comes in. Although a few of Concord Pediatric Dentistry’s patients are middle-aged, most are children. “We love taking care of kids. We love what we do. We try to put the kids first and listen to the parents’ concerns,” says Dr. Achong. “We also try to bring in the most current technology. We brand ourselves in a way that people know what to expect when they get to us.” Concord Pediatric Dentistry occasionally has patients who are as young as a week old. They work with pediatricians to resolve tongue, lip, or other mouth issues that are interfering with effective breastfeeding. The practice also welcomes children and adults who have medical, mental, and developmental disabilities. These patients do well with a staff trained in keeping stress to a minimum in a setting 46 find around concord at www.aroundconcordnh.com

A state of the art, contemporary, and efficient sterilization center provides sterile dental instruments for safe dental care.

that caters to alleviating anxiety and fears about going to the dentist. A CH I LD ’ S F I R ST V I SI T

A child’s first visit to Concord Pediatric Dentistry will start with a friendly greeting and a tour from a dental hygienist. “We tell the kids and parents what we’re going to do,” says Dr. Achong. “We have the parent present for that first visit. That’s a must. That way the child and the parent can both be educated on how we do things.” Children can peer through the glass walls and doors to watch the staff at work. “That helps establish the culture we have,” says Dr. Achong. Beth von Beren of Bradford has been bringing her two girls, Izabella and Brie, now 15 and 16, to Concord Pediatric Dentistry since they were three years old. “They are so good with all children,” she says. “You see the little ones come in and how nervous they are. The hygienists get them so comfortable to come in. They do such a great job.” Now that there is an office in New London, the von Berens no longer have to commute to Concord. They appreciate the extra care and the vibrant personalities of the staff there. “Dr. Achong has a nickname for all his patients,” says Karen Davis. “It’s hysterical. I love that place so much.” Concord Pediatric Dentistry 16 Foundry Street #101 Concord, NH (603) 224-3339 www.concordpediatricdentistry.com spring 2016 | around concord 47

BUSINESS SENSE

BY MIKE MORIN

DollarSaver AN INNOVATIVE WAY TO SAVE MONEY

in-win is a good thing. Win-win-win is even better. The DollarSaver program used by local businesses up and down the East Coast is an innovative money-saving program for consumers that links customer retail discounts with radio stations and e-commerce sales for a rare triple-play win for each party involved. Longtime radio broadcaster Brian Phoenix came up with the idea more than 30 years ago while running a couple of small Upstate New York radio stations. In 1994, veteran New Hampshire radio sales and general manager and Around Concord publisher Brit Johnson loved the idea so much that he added the program to the local radio stations he was managing in Concord. Years later he left the radio business and partnered with Brian to take the DollarSaver program to the Internet. } Brit Johnson. Photo by Geoff Forester.

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BUSINESS SENSE

“We feel it helps us to entice people who really don’t go to the movies that much. Because of the [DollarSaver] cost savings, it brings people in.” —Dan O’Neil, O’Neil Cinemas

nesses that, in many cases, had no advertising money set aside for local radio. H OW I T WO RK S

“Brian Phoenix was actually doing a version of this in the ’80s, when absolutely nobody was doing it,” Brit says. “They all thought he was crazy. He was a program director and an on-air personality and not a sales guy, but he came up with the idea as a way to create a new revenue stream for the radio station he was working at.” Brian hit upon something radio sales account executives were in need of: a way to make advertising affordable for small busi-

Here’s why DollarSaver works so well. Local businesses give money-saving certificates to the radio stations to sell at a discount. The stations sell those certificates on air and online and keep the money they generate. In return, businesses get a corresponding value in radio commercials and web presence with no cash exchanged. Listeners win big by purchasing deeply discounted certificates, and businesses see new faces when buyers come in to redeem them. Customers save money; stations make money; businesses use inventory (no cash) for exposure and

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START SAVING MONEY WITH DOLLARSAVER Go to nhdollarsaver.com and simply select the certificates you want to buy, put them in your shopping cart, and proceed to the checkout. Most businesses provide instant gratification by offering print on demand—print your certificates right from your printer. printer. A A few few businesses businesses use their own gift cards, and these are mailed to the customer on the first business day following the date of purchase. All major credit cards and PayPal are accepted.

MEET A FEW OF THE DOLLARSAVER BUSINESSES AG Paintball, Weare Alan’s Restaurant, Boscawen Alpine Adventures, Lincoln Art Escape, Laconia ASAP Above Ground Pool, Hudson Ballard’s Ice Cream, Sandwiches & More, Concord Barley House, Concord Beaver Meadow Golf, Concord Capitol Sporting Goods, Concord Cava de Vino, Nashua Crossroads Chiropractic, Meredith and Pembroke Edgewater Kayak Rentals, Hooksett Flipz Gymnastics, Concord Fratello’s/The Homestead Restaurants, Manchester, Laconia, and Nashua Kimball Farm, Westford, Carlisle, and Lancaster, MA, and Jaffrey, NH Midnight Rodeo Bar, Manchester Milly’s Tavern, Manchester New Hampshire School of Mechanical Trades, Manchester Pats Peak, Henniker Pinball Wizard, Pelham Shorty’s Mexican Roadhouse, Bedford, Manchester, and Nashua Smitty’s Cinema, Tilton Strange Brew Tavern, Manchester T-Bones Restaurant, Bedford, Derry, Hudson, Laconia, and Salem Water Country, Portsmouth Whale’s Tale Waterpark, Lincoln Wild Rover Pub & Restaurant, Manchester Valentino’s Restaurant, Hudson Village Idiotz Party Rentals, Bedford Yellow Submarine, Concord

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BUSINESS SENSE

“We’re not marking it up then taking 50 percent off or saying you get 50 percent off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. There are no clubs, no dues, any of that kind of stuff.” —Brit Johnson, DollarSaver

to win new customers. Brit is quick to point out that these are genuine discounts. “We’re not marking it up then taking 50 percent off or saying you get 50 percent off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price,” he says. “There are no clubs, no dues, any of that kind of stuff. Anybody can shop online 24/7. It’s nhDollarSaver. com. For the consumer, it’s a great opportunity to sample local businesses at a discount. Restaurants are DollarSaver’s biggest category. We also have day spas, massages, ski tickets, family fun stuff, movie passes, mini golf, water slides. We have even sold cars, motorcycles, trade school tuition packages, and many more big-ticket items.” 52 find around concord at www.aroundconcordnh.com

WHERE TO FIND OR HEAR ABOUT DOLLARSAVER DEALS Online: nhdollarsaver.com Radio stations: WJYY 105.5 The Wolf 93.3 WLNH 98.3 WFNQ-FM 106.3 (Frank FM) NH1 News 99.1 WEMJ 1490 AM

“It gives people the opportunity to buy their tokens at a lower rate, and we’re happy to do it.” —Sandra Lawton, Funspot

LO CA L BU SI N ESSES, B I G S AV I N G S

Binney Media sales manager for Concord and the Lakes Region, Roberta Barrett knows firsthand how popular the program is for small, local businesses. “There are some advertisers that just use DollarSaver advertising because it works so well for them,” says Roberta. As a consumer and a mom, she gets the appeal herself—looking to save money while patronizing local businesses. “Everybody wants deals, right? I mean, I want a deal. I want to go try a hamburger at the new hamburger place in town, but they’re $12 each and I have two kids, and that means [I’d spend] $50. But if I can get that for $25, then I might want to go and try it. If not, I don’t know if I want to invest $50 just for burgers,” she admits. Roberta’s retail advertisers also love the program be-

cause a visit from a certificate-holder often leads to even more spending as they sample a new business. TH E WH OL E CO MMUN I TY BEN EFI TS

One longtime DollarSaver customer is Funspot in Laconia, where Sandra Lawton serves as assistant to the general manager. “It’s been a very successful program for us. It gives people the opportunity to buy their tokens at a lower rate, and we’re happy to do it. They come in and I’m sure they spend more money,” says Sandra. With 12 screens in the state, O’Neil Cinemas Vice President Dan O’Neil uses Frank FM for his DollarSaver program. He is convinced that people with discount

certificates will drive longer distances to try his theaters. “We feel it helps us to entice people who really don’t go to the movies that much. }

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BUSINESS SENSE

“It works really well for our customers because they have an opportunity to get a great deal, plus it gives us a real good connection to the community through the local radio station.” —Amanda Robinson, Breathe Esthetics Spa Services

Because of the [DollarSaver] cost savings, it brings people in,” he adds. “There are a lot of patrons who have movie theaters in their neck of the woods trying us for the first time. In Epping, we’re getting some people from Manchester, some from Hooksett, places like that. I don’t think they’d necessarily be traveling to Epping to see movies.” Another successful DollarSaver participant is Breathe Esthetics Spa Services in Concord, where Amanda Robinson is the spa manager. “It’s a great program. It works

really well for our customers because they have an opportunity to get a great deal, plus it gives us a real good connection to the community through the local radio station,” she says. Amanda believes many first-timers convert to become spa regulars. There are six DollarSaver radiostation affiliates in New Hampshire, and the website is open for business 24/7 at nhDollarSaver. com.

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SMART MONEY

BY TINA ANNIS AND JEFFREY ZELLERS, ANNIS

ZELLERS, PLLC

What Is Probate? IN THE GRANITE STATE, IT CAN BE A COMPLICATED PROCESS When a significant character in a movie or television show dies, the bereaved family gathers, often anxiously, in the lawyer’s office for the traditional “reading of the will.” It’s usually a dramatic scene, punctuated by gasps and accusations from those who feel they were unjustly treated by the decedent’s last wishes. The reality here in New Hampshire is far more mundane. There is no formal reading of the will, but there may still be shockwaves among family members upon discovering the process that must occur before the beneficiaries will receive their inheritance. We call this process “probate.”

TH E GOAL S OF PROBATE

Probate is the court-supervised process that occurs after a person’s death in order to transfer certain property of the decedent to his or her heirs. The process itself varies by state, and New Hampshire’s probate process is more complicated than most. Because of the expense and drawn-out process, many people want to avoid probate—more on this later. The goals of the probate process are to identify and value the decedent’s property, to pay the decedent’s debts and expenses, and to distribute any remaining assets to the proper heirs. If the decedent left a last will and testament, the will

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SMART MONEY

names the heirs of the estate. If the decedent did not have a will, the heirs will be identified by state law. It is a common misconception that if an individual plans ahead by actually leaving a will, then probate will be avoided. This is not true. Any assets passing under a will are subject to probate in New Hampshire. Part of the probate process is the court’s review and (hopefully) approval of the will as valid under the law. TH E EXECUTOR ’S JOB S

Upon request, the Probate Court will appoint an individual (the “executor” or “administrator”) to complete the probate process. The executor is often a family member but could be a professional, such as an attorney. Only the courtappointed executor has legal authority to access the decedent’s probate assets after death. The executor will be required to file numerous documents with the court, send formal notices to heirs and, in some cases, file a detailed “accounting” of all income received and expenses paid by the estate. The executor may need to hire one or more appraisers in order to determine the value of the decedent’s assets. Executors frequently hire an attorney to assist with the process, as it is complicated. All of these expenses add up and reduce the ultimate inheritance that will pass to the heirs. An executor may, with the consent of the heirs, sell the decedent’s real estate while the probate process is ongoing. If the decedent owned real estate in a state other than New Hampshire, it may be also be necessary to open probate administration in that state, adding to the expense and delay. With proper planning, however, this may be avoided. Under New Hampshire law, creditors of the decedent generally have six months in which to present their claims 56 find around concord at www.aroundconcordnh.com

for payment to the executor and twelve months in which to file a suit. As a result, the estate must remain open for a minimum of six months after the appointment of the executor and is often open for more than a year or even two before the probate process is complete. The heirs of the estate are often surprised to learn that they will not receive any money until after the estate is closed and are not happy to wait a year or more to receive their inheritance. A VO I D I NG P R O B AT E

The expense, delay, and paperwork of the probate process, particularly during a time of grief because of the death of a loved one, can be a source of frustration. Families who have experienced probate often seek advice about how to avoid it. A critical point to understand is that only those assets that were owned by the decedent individually are subject to the probate process. Assets owned jointly or in trust are generally not subject to probate. Assets for which there is a beneficiary designation (such as life insurance or IRAs) can also avoid probate, as long as a beneficiary is specifically named. These methods for avoiding probate, however, are limited. Not all assets allow for beneficiary designations, and joint ownership arrangements have pitfalls and risks, particularly if the joint owner is someone other than your spouse. Often, the best way to avoid probate is by having a revocable trust. Assets that are titled in the name of a revocable trust are not subject to the probate process. Revocable trusts have become a very common estate-planning tool for families in New Hampshire, regardless of their net worth. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth exploring the creation of a revocable trust with your estate-planning attorney if your goal is to simplify the process for your family and avoid probate. spring 2016 | around concord 57

IN THE KITCHEN

BY SUSAN NYE

MENU Tarragon Chicken with Asparagus & Mushrooms Herbed Feta & Walnut Spread Lemon-Thyme-Tini Strawberries & Lavender-Infused White Chocolate Crème

Cooking with Herbs FRESH FROM THE GARDEN TO YOUR TABLE

Spring has arrived. The daffodils and tulips are in bloom. It’s time to get your hands in the dirt and begin planning and planting your herb garden. Green and fragrant, herbs will make a lovely addition to your yard and your kitchen. Forget ordinary—fresh herbs will add a bit of spark and life to your dishes and brighten your table. }

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spring 2016 | ar ound concord 5 9

IN THE KITCHEN

WH A T T O P LA N T ?

With so many choices, a trip to the nursery can be daunting. For starters, you can’t miss with parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme (Simon and Garfunkel would be proud). You’ll also want to add some basil, chives, and mint . . . and maybe some chervil, dill, cilantro, and oregano. If you’ve never tasted chervil, its mild licorice flavor is a favorite with French chefs and is wonderful with fish. On the other hand, oregano is pungent and bold. A world apart from dried oregano, it is magnificent in Greek and Italian dishes. And by all means, please don’t skip one of my favorites, French tarragon. I love it with poultry and fish. Of course there are variations, sisters, half-brothers, and cousins of all these herbs—from pineapple sage to Thai basil and chocolate mint. Before you know it, you’ll need another acre! And by the way, whatever you do, don’t forget to plant a border of lavender. }

TARRAGON CHICKEN WITH ASPARAGUS & MUSHROOMS Serves 4 8 oz whole mushrooms, stems removed Extra-virgin olive oil

1 shallot, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced

Champagne vinegar

½ cup dry white wine

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

½ cup chicken broth

1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 1½ lbs boneless chicken breasts 3 to 5 Tbsp butter

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 Tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 375°. 2. Put the mushrooms in a large, ovenproof skillet. Drizzle with just enough equal parts olive oil and vinegar to lightly coat, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and toss. Roast, cup side up, for 15 minutes. Turn the caps over and roast for an additional 15 minutes. The mushrooms will be nicely browned. When the mushrooms are cool enough to handle, cut into large strips and reserve. (This can be done up to one day ahead; store mushrooms in the refrigerator.) 3. While the mushrooms are roasting, cook the asparagus in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender-crisp, about 3 minutes. Drain the asparagus and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Drain well and reserve. (This can be done up to one day ahead; store asparagus in the refrigerator.) 4. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm. 5. To make the sauce, put about 1 tablespoon shallot and the garlic in the skillet and cook, stirring, over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the wine and broth and bring to a boil. Whisk in the mustard and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened and reduced by about a third. Whisk in 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter. When the butter has melted and is well integrated into the sauce, whisk in 1 tablespoon each of lemon juice and chopped tarragon and season with salt and pepper to taste. 6. Meanwhile, finish the asparagus and mushrooms: heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining shallot, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the asparagus and mushrooms, toss to combine, and cook until the vegetables are heated through. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter cut into small pieces. Stir and toss until the butter has melted and combined with the vegetables. Add 1 tablespoon each of lemon juice and chopped tarragon, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss to combine. 7. Arrange the asparagus and mushrooms on a platter. Cut the chicken into ½-inch-thick slices and arrange on top of the vegetables. Spoon the sauce over chicken and serve.

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HERBED FETA & WALNUT SPREAD Makes about 1½ cups 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled Juice of ½ lemon 2–3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Freshly ground black pepper Dash (or to taste) hot pepper sauce 1 clove garlic, minced ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted 1 Tbsp fresh oregano, chopped 2 Tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped 1. Combine the feta, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, hot sauce, and garlic in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the walnuts, oregano, and parsley, and pulse to combine. 2. Transfer the spread to a serving dish, cover, and let sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator to combine the flavors. 3. Serve with pita chips or flatbread and wedges of cucumber and red and yellow bell pepper.

LEMON-THYME-TINI 1 lemon 1 small bunch thyme About 16 oz vodka Honey Seltzer water Garnish: thyme sprigs 1. Prepare lemon-thyme-infused vodka: With a sharp vegetable peeler, cut strips of peel off the lemon. Put the thyme and lemon peel in a pint Mason jar. Fill the jar with vodka, cover, and let sit for one to three days. After 24 hours, check for taste. Continue to check every 12 hours or so until the infusion has reached your desired intensity. Strain the vodka and store in the freezer for ice-cold martinis. (Makes about 2 cups.) 2. Prepare honey-lemon syrup: Depending on how sweet you like your martini, put ¼ to ½ cup honey in a small bowl and whisk in ½ cup boiling water. Cool to room temperature and whisk in the juice of ½ to 1 lemon. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. (Makes about 1 cup.) 3. Lemon-Thyme-Tinis: For each martini, combine 2 ounces of icy-cold lemon-thymeinfused vodka with 1 to 2 tablespoons honey-lemon syrup in a cocktail shaker or a jar with a tight-fitting lid and give a vigorous shake. Pour into martini glasses, add a splash of cold seltzer, and garnish with a sprig of thyme. Alternatively, enjoy a refreshing long drink. Pour infused vodka and syrup into a tall glass and give it a good stir. Add ice and plenty of seltzer, and garnish with a sprig of thyme. spring 2016 | around concord 61

IN THE KITCHEN

WH AT TO K N OW B EF OR E YOU S TA R T

First of all, planting herbs is all about location, location, location. If you are lucky, you have the perfect spot right outside your kitchen door. Most herbs need a daily dose of six or more hours of sunshine, so you may need to sacrifice convenience if your kitchen is on the shady side of the house. Next, like most plants, herbs need good, well-drained fertile soil to flourish. Before you plant, amend your soil with compost. After planting, add a layer of mulch, like shredded bark, to help keep the soil moist and weed free. I N TH E GRO UND OR IN POTS ?

I always feel more than a twinge of envy when one of those celebrity kitchen divas gives a tour of her herb garden. Easily mistaken for the kitchen garden at Versailles, her garden has enough lush plants to season half the state of New Hampshire and maybe a bit of Vermont. Without a weed or dead leaf in sight, the beds are perfect. The flawless stone paths meander through the garden, and the diva—well, she doesn’t have a hair out of place. Somehow, I’ve managed to rein in my green-eyed monster. My herbs live in an eclectic collection of pots, some large, 62 find around concord at www.aroundconcordnh.com

STRAWBERRIES & LAVENDER-INFUSED WHITE CHOCOLATE CRÈME Serves 12 or more 14 oz good white chocolate*, chopped 2 cups heavy cream 2 Tbsp dried edible lavender flowers 6 large egg yolks Pinch nutmeg Pinch cloves Pinch salt 1 Tbsp kirsch 1 Tbsp vanilla extract Fresh whole strawberries with the stem left on 1. Put the chocolate in a bowl and set aside. 2. Stirring occasionally, heat the cream and lavender flowers to just below a simmer in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let the lavender steep for 30 minutes. Pour the cream through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl. 3. Put the yolks, spices, and salt in a large bowl and whisk until frothy and well combined. Gradually whisk in the cream until fully incorporated. 4. Transfer the egg-cream mixture to a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently until it registers 170° on a candy thermometer. 4. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into the bowl with the chocolate. Let sit for a few minutes to melt the chocolate, then whisk to combine. Stir in the kirsch and vanilla. 5. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Whip the custard with an electric mixer on high speed for about 15 minutes to lighten and add volume. Return the crème to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. Spoon the crème into small bowls and serve with fresh strawberries. * Use good-quality white chocolate like Valrhona (French), Callebaut (Belgian), or Lindt (Swiss). I use Lindt chocolate because it’s easy to find locally. Callebaut and Valrhona are available online. White chocolate chips will not work well in this recipe because they have stabilizers and additives. spring 2016 | around concord 63

IN THE KITCHEN

some very large. I love picking fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary year-round, so flowerpots are ideal for our short growing season. As soon as autumn nights turn frosty, I move the pots into the garage where they get a bit of light and spend the winter in 40-degree comfort. A sunny three-season porch is ideal, but mine collapsed several years ago under record snows. The porch was like a sauna in the summer, so I replaced it with a nice, airy screened porch—perfect on a hot afternoon, but not at all perfect for wintering plants. Even if you decide to plant in that sunny spot by the back door, keep your mint and oregano in pots. Otherwise, they will soon take over the rest of your garden, your neighbor’s garden, and the field across the road. A formal garden to rival the queen’s, a homey cottage garden, or a dozen beautiful flowerpots on the deck—whatever you plant, enjoy your herb garden and bon appétit! Writer and chef Susan Nye lives in New Hampshire and writes for magazines throughout New England. She shares many of her favorite recipes and stories about family, friendship, and food on her blog at www.susannye.wordpress.com. 64 find around concord at www.aroundconcordnh.com

DINING GUIDE FOR CONCORD AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Spring Dining Guide Enjoy dining out at these great

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places in and around Concord

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Beyond the Menu

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Tandy’s Top Shelf

One Eagle Square (opposite the State House) Concord, NH (603) 856-7614 Tandy’s Top Shelf is the home of the longest and best Happy Hour in town! Tandy’s is all about great food, drinks, deals, entertainment, events, and atmosphere. See you soon. $$ www.top-shelf.biz

The Barley House

132 North Main Street, Concord, NH (603) 228-6363 The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern is Concord’s choice for top-notch food, microbrews, and Irish whiskey. The Barley House features upscale tavern food in a comfortable upbeat atmosphere. Located in historic downtown Concord. $$ Open daily; closed Sunday. www.barleyhouse.com

EJ's on Main

172 North Main Street, Concord, NH (603) 224-3463 Brick Oven Pizza & American Classics Soups & Salads • Short Ribs • Seafood Juicy Burgers • Steak Tips Dine in or take out • Breakfast daily Located in the Holiday Inn on Main Street. $$ www.ejsonmain.com

Capital Deli

2 Capital Plaza, Concord, NH (603) 228-2299 With their home-style cooking, Capital Deli offers a full breakfast as well as a variety of homemade soups, sandwiches, quiche, salads, and much more. Capital Deli also offers catering throughout Concord. $ Mon–Fri 7am–3pm www.capitaldelillc.com

Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse Sushi Bar & Lounge 118 Manchester Street, Concord, NH (603) 223-3301 Ichiban features 12 hibachi grills, where meals are prepared in front of you, a Japanese sushi bar, and the Koi Lounge with HD TVs. Happy Hour is Sun–Thu, 4–6pm with $2 drafts, half-price appetizers, and cocktails! $$ www.ichibanconcord.com

Granite Restaurant & Bar

Key to Symbols: $ most entrées under $10 $$ most entrées $10–$25 $$$ most entrées over $25

The Number 5 Tavern

157 Main Street, Hopkinton, NH (603) 746-1154 The Number 5 Tavern is the newest dining experience in the area. Just off I-89, Exit 4 in Hopkinton, The Number 5 Tavern puts a modern twist on the traditional tavern menu with locally sourced meats, fi sh, and produce. We feature microbrews and spirits from around the state. $$ www.number5tavern.com

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96 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH (603) 227-9000 Ext. 608 Concord’s creative and exciting dining alternative, offering off-site catering. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Superb food and exquisite service put the “special” in your special occasion. $$$ www.graniterestaurant.com

Arnie’s Place

164 Loudon Road, Concord, NH (603) 228-3225 A Favorite Family Destination! Smoke-cooked barbecue, char-grilled burgers and dogs, and handmade ice creams. Tuesday night classic car show. We cater cookouts, barbecues, and ice cream parties. Open seven days a week. $ Summer hours are 11am to 10pm. www.arniesplace.com

arts &

entertainment theater

music

dance

lectures

art

p Portrait of Merritt Kopas by Catherine Graffam, through April 22, McGowan Fine Art. t Vast Unpeopled Lands by Annie Bissett, April 26–May 27, McGowan Fine Art. q The Waterfall by Jennifer Worsley, April 26–May 27, McGowan Fine Art.

Through April 22 Catherine Graffam McGowan Fine Art Through May 1 First Folio! The Book That Gave Us Shakespeare Currier Museum of Art, www.currier.org Through May 13 Shakespeare’s Potions: Library Focus Exhibition Currier Museum of Art, www.currier.org

Through May 15 Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe Currier Museum of Art, www.currier.org April 26–May 27 Matthew Brown & Students Opening reception: April 29, 5–7pm McGowan Fine Art May 31–June 30 Bob Larsen Opening reception: June 3, 5–7pm McGowan Fine Art

LOCAL VENUES Capitol Center for the Arts

Concord City Auditorium

McGowan Fine Art

44 South Main Street Concord, NH (603) 225-1111 www.ccanh.com

2 Prince Street Concord, NH (603) 228-2793 www.concordcityauditorium.org

10 Hills Avenue Concord, NH (603) 225-2515 www.mcgowanfi neart.com

The Mill Brook Gallery & Sculpture Garden 236 Hopkinton Road Concord, NH (603) 226-2046 www.themillbrookgallery.com

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April 18 Roberto Devereux: Broadcast Presentation Capitol Center for the Arts, 6pm April 19 Don Quixote: Broadcast Presentation Capitol Center for the Arts, 6pm

LUMA: Art in Darkness, April 14 Capitol Center for the Arts, 7:30pm

APRIL

April 13 Chick Corea & Bela Fleck Duet Capitol Center for the Arts, 7:30pm April 13 Walker Lecture Fund Travelogue: China Rising Audi, walkerlecture.org, 7:30pm April 14 LUMA: Art in Darkness Capitol Center for the Arts, 7:30pm

April 20 Walker Lecture Fund Concert: We Write the Songs Audi, walkerlecture.org, 7:30pm

April 15 Hispanic Flamenco Ballet Audi, 10am April 15 Esy Casey and Sarah Friedland Capitol Center for the Arts, 7:30pm April 16 Earth Day Festival – Tread Lightly Massabesic Audubon Center, www.nhaudubon. org/about/centers/massabesic, 10am–3pm

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April 22 Natural Allergy Relief with Maria Noel Graves Massabesic Audubon Center, www.nhaudubon. org/about/centers/massabesic, 7–8:30pm April 23 CMT Presents Jennifer Nettles with 2016 Next Women of Country Tour Capitol Center for the Arts, 7:30pm April 28 Avian Adventures in Spring – Classroom Exploration Massabesic Audubon Center, www.nhaudubon. org/about/centers/massabesic, 7–8:30pm

Amber Brown is Not a Crayon, May 10 Capitol Center for the Arts, 10am Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio and David Surette & Susie Burke, April 30 Capitol Center for the Arts, 8pm

April 30 Avian Adventures in Spring – Field Exploration Massabesic Audubon Center, www. nhaudubon.org/about/centers/massabesic, 8:30–10:30am April 30 Elektra: Broadcast Presentation Capitol Center for the Arts, 1pm

April 30 Staying Found Workshop Massabesic Audubon Center, www. nhaudubon.org/about/centers/massabesic, 2–4pm April 30 Concord Community Concerts: Chris Brubeck’s Triple Play Audi, 7:30pm

April 30 Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio and David Surette & Susie Burke Capitol Center for the Arts, 8pm

MAY

May 2–June 19 Discovering America’s Natural History – The Story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Photographic Exhibit by David Saxe, USA Aloft, LLC Massabesic Audubon Center, www. nhaudubon.org/about/centers/massabesic

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May 5 Wayne Brady Capitol Center for the Arts, 8pm May 6 Singing with Care Massabesic Audubon Center, www.nhaudubon. org/about/centers/massabesic, 2–3pm May 6, 7 The Pirates of Penzance Audi, 7:30pm Sat; 2pm Sun May 7 15th Perennial Exchange Audi, 8am–12pm May 10 Amber Brown is Not a Crayon Capitol Center for the Arts, 10am

WWW. AROUND CONCORDNH .COM

May 10 Honoring Preservation Achievement Audi, 4:30pm May 11 Walker Lecture Fund Concert: The Key West Scene Audi, walkerlecture.org, 7:30pm May 13 Would You Believe? The Study of Wood as an Archeological Tool in Understanding the Past Massabesic Audubon Center, www.nhaudubon. org/about/centers/massabesic, 7–8:30pm

FIND ONLINE EXCLUSIVES AT WWW.AROUNDCONCORDNH.COM DELICIOUS RECIPES, LOCAL EVENTS, SPECIAL FEATURES, AND MORE! 70 find around concord at www.aroundconcordnh.com

May 14 Invaders Beware: Invasive Species Removal Family Volunteer Day Massabesic Audubon Center, www.nhaudubon. org/about/centers/massabesic, 10am May 18 Coastal Birding Massabesic Audubon Center, www.nhaudubon. org/about/centers/massabesic, 9am–2:30pm May 20 Salon Series: Alice Attie Capitol Center for the Arts, 7pm

Richard Russo, May 26 Capitol Center for the Arts, 7pm

May 25 Container Gardening: Food for You and Nature in Small Spaces Massabesic Audubon Center, www.nhaudubon. org/about/centers/massabesic, 7–8:15pm May 26 Richard Russo Capitol Center for the Arts, 7pm May 28 Gen’s Dance Studio: The 47th Annual Recital Audi, 2pm

A Tribute to Bobby Darin, May 20 Capitol Center for the Arts, 7:30pm

May 20 A Tribute to Bobby Darin Capitol Center for the Arts, 7:30pm May 21 Birdathon/Bloomathon 8–9:30am, bird walk 10–11:30am, bloom walk Massabesic Audubon Center, www.nhaudubon. org/about/centers/massabesic

May 21 Capital City Dance Center: Wishes and Dreams in 2016 Audi, 1pm May 21 KIDZ BOP Kids: Life of the Party Tour Capitol Center for the Arts, 7pm

May 28 Intro to Pelagic Wildlife Massabesic Audubon Center, www.nhaudubon. org/about/centers/massabesic, 3–4pm May 30 Pelagic Trip Massabesic Audubon Center, www.nhaudubon. org/about/centers/massabesic, 8am–5pm

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spring 2016 | ar ound concord 7 1

LAST WORD

The true harbinger of spring is not crocuses or swallows returning to Capistrano, but the sound of the bat on the ball. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Bill Veeck

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