New Voice, Same Spirit
Hello, I’m Steve “Stevo” Yang, and I’m honored to step into the role of publisher for Portsmouth City Lifestyle. I don’t see this as just carrying the magazine forward, but as a calling—to tell the story of our city by celebrating its people, its energy, and the spirit that makes Portsmouth unique.
What makes a city special isn’t just its skyline, restaurants, or local shops—it’s the people behind them. Every business owner, chef, creative, and neighbor has a story. Their dreams, challenges, and passions weave together to create the living, breathing energy of Portsmouth.
That’s what this magazine is all about: sharing stories that connect us, inspire us, and remind us how remarkable our community truly is.
I’m endlessly inspired by Portsmouth’s blend of tradition and innovation. Some of us work to preserve the city’s heritage and character; others dream up new ways to shape its future. Together, these perspectives keep Portsmouth vibrant. When we share our stories and listen to one another, we strengthen the bonds that make this city not just a place, but a community.
I’m grateful to those who built the foundation before me. Former publisher Anne Moodey and managing editor Tara Phillips poured their hearts into this magazine and into the people of Portsmouth. Their dedication made this transition seamless, and it’s a privilege to continue their work.
I’m also thrilled to be joined by two incredible partners: Robert Cook, our publication director, whose experience and high standards elevate everything we do; and Andrea Ball, our managing editor, whose creative eye and genuine love for people bring warmth and authenticity to every story.
Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited to see our team come together and bring new ideas to the magazine. Like artists with fresh brushes, each of us adds our own perspective to Portsmouth’s story. The style may differ, but as long as we stay true to ourselves and to our city, the result will celebrate Portsmouth and bring the community together in meaningful ways.
Here’s to the connections that unite us—and to the incredible city we’re fortunate to call home.
With gratitude,
Steve “Stevo” Yang
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Steve Yang | steve.yang@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Andrea Ball | andrea.ball@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Robert Cook | robert.cook@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Judith Rubenstein | judith.rubenstein@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Kevin Edge | kevin@kephoto.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Mia Walston | mia.walston@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Susan Gallagher, Rebecca Ingalls, Ann Kathryn Kelly, Krysten Godfrey Maddocks, Peggy Newland
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
David Murray
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
STEVE YANG, PUBLISHER
Seacoast
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Welcome to Gather’s new Community Food Center, which embodies the spirit of giving. 2: A look inside the new pantry at Gather’s Community Food Center. 3: The meals case features delicious premade meals from Gather’s Cooking for Community program. 4: Gather moved into its new home on 124 Heritage Ave. in mid-October. 5: Gather’s Culinary Classroom will open in 2026. It will provide culinary workforce training. 6: U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas and Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern tour the production kitchen. 7: This is Gather’s new gathering space.
RUC R I ER CHARMAND CANDLELIGHT
ARTICLE BY ANN KATHRYN KELLY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID MURRAY, CLEAREYEPHOTO
Siobhan Tully from North Hampton skates with the “Currier & Ives Vintage Skaters” during the annual Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke
“The performances add a touch of magic to Candlelight Stroll.”
Imagine the scene: the smells of woodsmoke and hot apple cider drifting in the air. Shimmering lanterns twinkling. A crowd of families, friends, and neighbors gathering on a snow-dusted December night—bunching together—as the swell of a favorite Christmas song starts. A scrape of blades on ice, and magically, women in ankle-length, billowing velvet skirts glide into view, dancing across a frozen wonderland.
Sounds like the perfect nostalgic scene from a circa-1800s holiday card, doesn’t it?
That’s because, quite literally, it is an interpretation of classic Currier & Ives winter prints. The artistic director behind this living Christmas card recreation, enjoyed each year at Strawbery Banke Museum’s beloved Candlelight Stroll in Portsmouth, is Douglas Webster, directing his professional company of skaters from Ice Dance International (IDI).
Now in its 12th season, IDI partners with Strawbery Banke Museum to reimagine the Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond
outdoor rink, akin to a life-sized snow globe. Old-world charm and the spirit of the season live on, as costumed skaters twirl and transport audiences to an idyllic winter scene from the 1800s. IDI’s “Currier & Ives Vintage Skaters” entertains Candlelight Stroll ticket holders to multiple evening shows over the first three weekends in December, featuring solo and ensemble performers in a theatrical dance on ice.
Strawbery Banke Museum’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Veronica Lester, notes that the skaters are a highlight. “The performances add a special touch of magic to Candlelight Stroll, delighting visitors of all ages,” says Lester. “As the audience experiences seasonal and holiday traditions through multiple time periods, from the 1700s through the 1950s, the skaters bring the season to life with their spirit and nostalgia.”
North Hampton resident Siobhan Tully has been a Currier & Ives skater for four years. Before joining the troupe, Tully
Emma Clark from Rochester glides into the season
“I’m blessed to use not just my mind, but my heart, body, and spirit when I skate.”
Executive Artistic Director Douglas Webster, with L to R: Cailtin Yankowskas, Gillian Robidas, Caroline Mann, Emma Clark, Siobhan Tully, and Lydia Waldo
had been a fan in the audience. “I watched many performances and always loved how the music and the skaters’ interpretations brought us back to another century,” Tully explains. “It was magical and joyous, and I’m so honored to now be part of bringing this wonder to others.”
Growing up, Tully was a competitive artistic roller skater before she transitioned to ice skating 13 years ago. A software engineer by trade, her job requires analytical thinking. “Yet I’m blessed to use not just my mind, but my heart, body, and spirit when I skate,” she says. Tully connected with Webster while participating in IDI’s community classes, which she now occasionally leads. She was thrilled when, a few years after starting, Webster invited her to join as a performer.
The Currier & Ives ensemble—they call themselves “the Vintage Skating Sisters”— start meeting weekly in November each year at the ice arena in Dover to practice choreography that Webster creates. Tully and Webster agree that although the choreography highlights specific patterns, shapes, and moments, it’s especially meaningful when the skaters genuinely connect with the audience—whether through spontaneous high-fives with enthusiastic fans rink-side, or through warm smiles and waves.
And while audiences are accustomed to watching choreographed performances in much larger ice arenas, Webster says there’s something intimate and special about this rink. “The magic,” he points out, “is proximity. The skaters are within feet of the audience, and this helps our community feel like they’re part of the vintage holiday scene.”
Webster’s career in choreography is impressive. He was the artistic director of the acclaimed Ice Theatre of New York, and created ice dances for more than a decade
for Disney on Ice and Stars on Ice, as well as for Holiday on Ice in Europe. While still directing in New York City, Webster became a founding committee member in planning and building the Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond in 2011. After leaving the Ice Theatre in 2014 and moving to the Seacoast, he founded and became Executive Artistic Director for IDI. Featuring national, world, and Olympic champions as well as community members like Tully, IDI spotlights the technical and theatrical artistry of ice dancing.
IDI’s Currier & Ives performances are livestreamed from Strawbery Banke each year through Boston and Maine Live to audiences around the world. “We reach thousands more viewers this way, which is really exciting,” Webster notes. Tully adds: “I’m especially touched knowing that some folks who may not be able to get out due to age or other reasons can participate in the season’s magic through the livestream.”
Webster shares that after weeks of rehearsals, the early mornings and late nights dedicated to the craft, what he loves even more than watching the skaters perform is watching audiences watch them. “I get to see the wonder unfold, brand new every time, through their eyes. It brings me a sense of love and light as our community gathers for this now-treasured tradition.”
Ready to journey back to a time of glad tidings with neighbors, nostalgia, and a nip in the air? There’s still time to get your ticket to Strawbery Banke’s Candlelight Stroll, with several special performances planned from the Currier & Ives Vintage Skaters.
STRAWBERY BANKE CANDLELIGHT STROLL strawberybanke.org/stroll
Caroline Mann, Siobhan Tully, Gillian Robidas, and Emma Clark light up the night
Gillian Robidas, Caitlin Yankowskas, Siobhan Tully, Emma Clark, Caroline Mann, and Lydia Waldo dance a reel
Bikes are lined up and ready to go to new homes at Port City Makerspace.
Kirsten Kautz, Paul Kayne, and David Josko in the PCMS bike shop
Seacoast Pedal It Forward open house at Port City Makerspace in August 2024 celebrated the first 100 bikes distributed
WHEELS of Joy
The battered bicycle lay half-buried in trash in the overflowing dumpster, handlebars bent at an odd angle, chain twisted and rusty, one wheel missing. To the eyes of the average person, the bike appeared useless. But to the trained eyes of the dedicated volunteers of Seacoast Pedal It Forward (SPIF), this crooked tangle of metal evoked an image of the bright, shiny, re-created bike it would soon become in their practiced hands.
SPIF, an innovative program of the nonprofit Seacoast Area Bicycle Riders (SABR), refurbishes discarded or donated used bicycles to provide to local nonprofits and individuals. Under the blazing lights of the bike shop at Port City Makerspace (PCMS), the program’s co-leaders Matt Glenn and Dawn Przychodzien spearhead a team of fellow volunteers who harness their passion for bicycling to make a difference for those less fortunate. Thanks to their skilled efforts, the sad bicycle from the dumpster was reborn as a gleaming gift to a Portsmouth middle schooler living with his mom without means of transportation. The precious new bike became the boy’s exhilarating ride to school and a ticket to exploring the mountain bike trails that had been calling to him. His grateful mother would write to SPIF, “You have given him so much joy.”
For a child, receiving one of these bicycles during the holidays is pure magic. Glenn, the father of two young children, understands there is a fantastical quality to this Christmas gift. He smiles as he recalls the look of wonder on his own kids’ faces when discovering a new bike under the tree. “The real gift is the freedom the bike brings,” he says. “It gives them a way to go places and hang out with friends.”
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Seacoast Pedal It Forward transforms used bicycles into freedom, connection, and opportunity
ARTICLE BY SUSAN GALLAGHER
Co-leader Dawn Przychodzien and volunteer David Josko show off a repaired bicycle ready to be donated.
Volunteer-repaired and -refurbished bicycles ready to be donated to those in need
SPIF grew out of the efforts of its parent nonprofit SABR, an organization that since 1992 has advocated for improved biking infrastructure—such as the hugely popular rail trail and bike-safe street routes—throughout the Seacoast. At the annual SABR meeting in January of 2024, the idea for the bike refurbishing program took wing, inspired by Portsmouth Housing Authority’s Andrea Pickett, who held a successful repaired-bike giveaway the previous summer. The ambitious, newly formed SPIF team had the program up and running by spring.
Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, a varying number of the 20–25 current volunteers happily toil away at the makerspace, channeling their cycling enthusiasm into their work. Volunteers are an eclectic bunch, ranging from high school students to senior citizens, some with vast expertise and some with very little. According to Glenn, the work nights hum with a collaborative vibe, in perfect harmony with PCMS’s pervasive spirit of knowledge sharing. Every bike they give out is checked by a qualified mechanic and includes a lock, light, and helmet. The program’s partnership with the makerspace has been invaluable, providing SPIF with a workspace, tools, and a storage area. “We wouldn’t be as far along as we are without them,” Glenn says.
SPIF partners with many local charities including Hope on Haven Hill, the Portsmouth Elks, and the Chase Home, as well as with the Portsmouth Housing Authority and local school guidance counselors. Most people the program helps are adults at a crossroads in their life, needing a form of transportation. The donated bikes provide recipients with a means to seek work, attend a job, or get to the grocery store. These partnerships work both ways: SPIF supplies the nonprofits with bikes, while the organizations collect used bicycles for refurbishing.
The impact of this program reaches beyond community members to those whose usual mode of transportation plies the frigid depths of the sea. In partnership with Portsmouth Elks Lodge 97, SPIF donates bikes to submariners at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, providing these far-from-home sailors with transportation off the base and giving them a sense of belonging to the local community. One such sailor returned the favor by volunteering to rehab bikes for his fellow shipmates, and by offering his services to other SABR events.
Co-leader Glenn often encounters his program’s unique “fingerprint” on his two-wheeled travels around town. While attending a community lunch, he parked his bike next to one sporting an SPIF sticker. On closer inspection, he remembered the bike as one his own hands restored. Another SPIF sticker caught Glenn’s eye at Market Basket, leading him to wonder if a store worker was using the bike to get to his job. “It’s nice to see an SPIF sticker on a bike I remember working on,” he says. “It lets me know we are making a difference.”
SEACOAST PEDAL
It
Forward
Joy abounds in this program, radiating to all involved. Przychodzien explains that each bicycle transformation touches three different people in a positive way: the person who donates the bike, the volunteer who works on it, and the recipient. “We are creating this beautiful life cycle,” she says.
Co-leaders Glenn and Przychodzien with a volunteer at an SABR event
A World
ARTICLE BY REBECCA INGALLS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN EDGE, KEVIN EDGE PHOTOGRAPHY
From its grassroots start, Seacoast Holiday has grown each year to touch the lives of hundreds of families
of Difference
It may not surprise anyone to know that the inspiration for Seacoast Holiday came from the heart of a child. Eight years ago, Justin Pike’s young daughter shared with him her awareness about the poverty that some of her peers were facing, with honest questions about what could be done to help them. Pike, whose grandfather was a World War II veteran, had grown up watching him act selflessly for the benefit of those around him. “He was a constant example of giving back,” Pike recalls. “Now I tell my kids: I do enough wrong, I can do a little right.”
Justin Pike walks a local trail in Portsmouth
That “little right” has grown exponentially over the last eight years. In its first year, Seacoast Holiday fed 12 families, using the networking opportunities of social media to build a small team of a handful of people who shopped and coordinated deliveries. From the start, the intention was to offer pre-made meals, but also to provide ingredients so that those in need could create meals they could be proud of.
Since then, the integrity of the mission has remained the same; only the scale has changed. Last year, Seacoast Holiday fed 1,800 people. The team has added a holiday gift drive that supports hundreds of children. This year, 70 volunteers have committed to doing the shopping.
The arms of the project stretch beyond its core team members to include collaboration from local businesses. Market Basket and Community Campus have provided space where the team can assemble food and gather items for the gift drive. Social workers and case managers at Seacoast Mental Health, as well as staff members of the
Portsmouth Housing Authority and the school system, have helped to make connections with families in need. The Roundabout Diner has offered meals at no cost.
Today, volunteers abound. Pike emphasizes that this project isn't the brainchild of a single human, but more the result of a “small army.” He explains, “I can put out a call on Facebook and within an hour have a response. There’s no one person that could ever orchestrate this. Individually, it would be impossible. Collectively, we make a difference.”
The opportunity to support individuals on a deep level has yielded unforgettable memories and a keen awareness of just how tremendously difficult the burden of poverty can be. Pike describes an elderly Portsmouth woman who had no family and was alone for the holidays. After she received a gift purchased for her by a
Justin Pike
A group of Portsmouth police officers and volunteers hand out gifts in Market Square
volunteer, Pike received a note from her saying it was the first time in several years that she had gotten a gift at all. He also recalls a voicemail of appreciation left by a mother who let him know that her son had cried out of fear of not having a meal. It’s the reality of that very fear that Seacoast Holiday aims to address with its cooperative efforts.
To receive assistance, individuals can fill out an application, or organizations can make referrals.
“We don’t ask questions, and we don’t say no to anyone,” says Pike.
Pike has seen the project’s mission come full circle: Some folks who have been helped in the past have then turned around and become volunteers.
“As much of an honor as it has been to find people to provide and volunteer,” he notes, “I value just as much the friendships I have made with the families we have helped.”
Seacoast Holiday is not alone among the many generous organizations that exist in this corner of the world. Together, and throughout the year, these groups serve as beacons in a time when the world can seem especially dark.
“There’s so much negativity and bad that happens,” Pike says. “See the goodness in people, especially at a time of year when people need it most. It can make a world of difference. No one will ever be talking about the car you drove, the number of zeros in your bank account, or the square
footage of the house you lived in. They will remember you for how you made them feel. Helping others will be a legacy I will be most proud of.”
Despite the encroaching cold, visitors are drawn to the Seacoast during the holidays for its nostalgic romance against the backdrop of rugged New England resilience. Those who have dropped anchor here, however, know that our resilience is rooted deeply in the strength of our community. A steadfast commitment to outreach motivates the robust team of volunteers for Seacoast Holiday; they return to their mission every year, supporting individuals and families who endure poverty and food insecurity, and making lasting human connections.
If you would like to volunteer to work with Seacoast Holiday, or if you know of someone in need who might benefit, send an email to Communications@seacoastholiday.com.
Justin Pike
Photography by Memories Studio
FIND YOUR Hygge for the Holidays
SEASIDE HOLIDAYS BRING GLOW, ROSY CHEEKS, AND WAYS TO GIVE
ARTICLE BY PEGGY NEWLAND
Strawbery Banke Museum decked out for the annual Candlelight Stroll
Photo courtesy of Strawbery Banke Museum
Hygge is meant for the holidays and when you live in Portsmouth, there are many ways to find a “warm and cozy” community on the coast. Hygge, which is pronounced hoo-ga , comes from the Danish (and Norwegian) concept of finding contentment, well-being, and connection during the dark days of winter. Think of simple gatherings filled with laughter, connection, good food, generosity, and warmth shared.
Wentworth by the Sea offers a perfect hyggekrog, or cheery getaway nook, for starting off the season of light. Starting on December 2, the hotel offers a gathering place for the annual illumination of the Victorian hotel. With thousands of lights on balustrades, porches, and windows of this classic beauty, you’ll find a free, family-friendly celebration. Local marching bands, strolling carolers, complimentary holiday treats, mulled cider, Santa on a horse-drawn carriage, a gigantic “made on property” gingerbread house, winter buffet menus, and early seasonal rates—this is hygge by the handful.
Last year, I waited in the dark, smiling at other families. We held cider-filled mugs in mittened hands, until, with a flare of holiday magic, the lights blazed, the porch filled with song, and we cheered as the festival of light began. Hygge also embodies the value of “giving back.” The hotel partners with Operation Blessing; you can place new, unwrapped presents under the bedazzled tree in the lobby.
Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond
Photo courtesy of Strawbery Banke Museum
Skaters warm themselves at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond
Photo courtesy of Strawbery Banke Museum
After the celebrations, a favorite of many families is heading to Salt’s grouped tables or to the favored Chef’s Table, with its wood-fired oven. Seafood is a specialty here, and so are shared plates, so there’s more hygge, the “mix and match” way. I usually enjoy my specialty cocktail of the season: hot buttered rum with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Next up for community hygge is the Portsmouth Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade—a “don’t miss” event. On the first Saturday of December, the blocks around Market Street fill with revelers, waiting in anticipation for the special tree to glow. Usually a white fir or spruce, the huge tree never disappoints as the bedazzled boughs shine, illuminating the downtown, before the start of the parade. Lit-up trucks, dancing elves, floats themed and decorated elicit cheers. Smiling faces and rosy cheeks abound as Portsmouth celebrates and comes alive for the holidays. Come prepared with non-perishable foods to place in shopping carts and baskets in the parade; they’ll be donated to local food banks.
Smiling faces and rosy cheeks abound as Portsmouth celebrates and comes
this event is a true building of historic memories for families and friends. While you’re strolling, you can visit lit-up gardens, sing carols in the Cider Barn, clap for wandering musicians and singers, spy the Victorian Santa on a horse-drawn carriage, and tour the ornamented, garlanded historic houses. Pause to chat with “Mrs. Aldrich” or a “1950s girl” role player, and warm your hands around a blazing bonfire. Then take a whirl around the Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond for more outdoor fun. Try to catch a performance by Ice Dancers International for a throwback in time.
alive for the holidays.
My favorite hygge event is the Candlelight Stroll, which is held Fridays through Sundays for three weekends, starting December 5, at Portsmouth’s own living history museum, Strawbery Banke. Magical, traditional, and community-focused,
The holiday season can be a flurry of activities, events, gatherings—all seasonally sensational—but what about finding the quiet in togetherness? Instead of a race to the finish line of celebrations, perhaps it’s a collection of small moments. Perhaps it’s staying present with gratitude for collective storytelling, for the annual family card game, for tea sipped together in front of a stoked fire. Candlelight and cozy slippers propped up and the smell of gingerbread. Taking time to give to others.
Connecting to loved ones is the best celebration of all. Bring your own shared hygge to the holidays, and best wishes to all for a winter in wonderland.
Dr. Philip Zakko is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon with expertise in minimally invasive and motion-preserving techniques. A clinical researcher and accomplished violinist, he brings technical precision and compassionate care to every patient. Move freely again with strength, stability & ease.
ATLANTICORTHOPAEDICS.ORG
Portsmouth, NH | Dover, NH | York, ME 603.431.1121
PLAY, DINE, and Give Back
PORTSMOUTH’S BLACK ROCK SOCIAL CLUB MAKES ITS DEBUT
ARTICLE BY KRYSTEN GODFREY MADDOCKS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN EDGE, KEVIN EDGE PHOTOGRAPHY
Step inside the sleek, dark-painted building of the Black Rock Social Club and walk the concrete “red carpet.” Following it will lead you past the dining area’s gleaming bar, into a massive space that includes golf and flight simulators, a stage, and plenty of space to gather.
If that’s not enough, the venue also includes 20 flatscreen TVs and will soon have an 18 x 12-foot “video wall,” perfect for viewing major sports events or movies. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, you can shoot pool in the smaller room off of the dining area.
Decorated in red, black, and gold, the Black Rock Social Club’s decor includes a martini glass logo and aims to be “where luxury meets fun” on the Seacoast— but it’s far from stuffy.
“It’s like if the One Hundred Club and Dave & Buster’s had a baby,” jokes Christine Schindler, director of operations at Anchor Management Group. The company owns and developed Black Rock and has developed hospitality, fitness, and entertainment properties in the Seacoast and beyond.
Located at 140 West Road in Portsmouth, the club offers a slice of glamour for Seacoast residents looking for a wide variety of entertainment options. Opening in December, it aims to attract a maximum of 1,500 members, but plans to freeze that number at 250 initially. Individuals and businesses can purchase memberships at a discount through January 2026.
According to Alex Choquette, president of Anchor Management Group, his vision of the club evolved several times since he bought the former Blitz Trampoline Park building in spring of 2021. Originally, the building was designed to have two floors and office space. Ultimately, Choquette decided on a single-level design and concept that would offer games and live talent, and serve as a conduit for philanthropy.
“When we purchased the property, I kept trying to figure out what we're going to do with a 17,500-squarefoot building. I didn’t know where we’d end up, but knew we wanted to create something different with a venue
CONTINUED >
Jacob Eichelser tests out the new racing simulator
where we could help the community raise awareness and give back with community outreach,” says Choquette.
The club’s activities list reads like an arcade dream: golf and multi-sport simulators, digital darts, axe-throwing, fighter-jet simulators, pool, shuffleboard, ping-pong, and more.
“It’s designed basically so you have a lot of fun,” Choquette says. “The axe throwing and other games are really simple. They have electronic scoring so there’s no cheating,” he says with a laugh. “We offer more than 200 different games.”
Schindler and Choquette say they didn’t create Black Rock with any specific demographic in mind. Instead, they view it as a local venue designed to attract Seacoast-area residents ages 21 and up.
Robert Hathaway, 27, an army veteran and Portsmouth resident, signed up for the social membership after hearing about it from friends and family.
“It’s something new to do besides going downtown,” he says. “The games, the music — it’s a cool spot.”
MEMBERSHIPS FOR EVERY LIFESTYLE
Choquette emphasizes that Black Rock does not aim to be exclusionary, and describes it as a “membership-based club”
rather than a “members-only” club. The base social membership starts at $199 per month. Black Rock also offers executive and business memberships.
“The membership gets you access to the building,” Choquette says. “You can use all the facilities. You can bring unlimited guests. You have access to play all the games, but you have to pay for the food and beverage.”
Unlike other social clubs, you do not have to spend a food and beverage minimum, nor do members “vote” you in.
The club plans to welcome members on Thursday and Friday evenings, and will open at noon on weekends. And to keep things fresh, Choquette already has themes, comedy acts, and parties planned.
“We have seasonal party themes,” Choquette says, “like Great Gatsby, Las Vegas, black tie, red carpet, and beach themes.”
Membership will have its privileges. The club designed an app that allows guests to reserve game times. Members can also reserve a space for their favorite wine in the club’s wine locker. And Black Rock even offers use of a 14-person van that will pick up and drop off business and executive members located within a six-mile radius of West Road.
Black Rock Social Club
Visitors to the club engage in friendly competition with a game of chess
Patrons enjoy a drink at the bar
FUN WITH A PURPOSE
Before the venue opened, Schindler and Choquette connected with more than 100 local nonprofits. Their business model isn’t focused on asking their members to fundraise—instead they want to celebrate organizations and people in the community who dedicate their time to helping others.
“We’ve managed a lot of different businesses over the years,” Choquette says, “and now we want to operate a great social club and help out the community any way we can.”
So far, Black Rock has hosted Haven, GoodWork, and the Portsmouth Music and Arts Center. The team also plans to host appreciation events for teachers.
“Volunteers work hard. There’s not much of a benefit other than they’re giving back to the community,” he says. So, we do community events for them, for free.”
Black Rock is also excited to offer nonprofits space to host fundraising events and recently raised money for the Robert Irvine Foundation, which supports veterans and active-duty service members.
“Following it will lead you past the dining area’s gleaming bar, into a massive space that includes golf and flight simulators, a stage, and plenty of space to gather.”
HOW BLACK ROCK GOT ITS NAME
Many people associate the name “Black Rock” with the global investment company, but Choquette chuckles when he hears rumors about the venue’s name and origin.
Although the building may appear to look like a giant rock, the name actually came to be after Choquette researched hundreds of other names.
“We came up with a name that people recognize and matched the building color,” he says. “Once we painted the building dark gray and black with the white stripe, the name just came to us.”
Schindler and Choquette have 21 years of experience working together on various projects, and are excited to bring world-class entertainment with a purpose to Portsmouth.
“Our business success is based on trying to be a good steward to the community, and treating our team with respect,” Choquette says.
BLACK ROCK
SOCIAL CLUB
140 West Road, Portsmouth https://www.blackrocksocial.com/
Alex Choquette, Christine Schindler, and staff member Chris Hollis
LOVE YOUR HOME AGAIN
DECEMBER 5TH
A Christmas Carol
Player’s Ring | 105 Marcy Street | Portsmouth | 7:30 PM
An adaptation true to Dickens’ charming, chucklesome, yet unforgettably haunting tale. Select Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Visit www. playersring.org to purchase tickets.
DECEMBER 5TH AND 11TH
Summerwind Celebrations
Summerwind Jewelers & Goldsmiths | 49 Market Street | Portsmouth | 5:00 PM
Discover locally-owned, women-led small businesses from across the Seacoast at Summerwind’s monthly collaborative Ladies’ Night on December 5. Then help celebrate their 53rd Anniversary on December 11 at a holiday party featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, designer collections, and special discounts for one night only. Visit www.summerwindjewelers. com for additional events & updates!
DECEMBER 6TH
Portsmouth Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Market Square and Downtown Portsmouth | 5:00 PM
Come enjoy the city’s annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting! The evening begins with the mayor and city council hosting the Tree Lighting ceremony. The parade then starts at 6:00pm before arriving in Market Square. The parade is free and all are welcome to attend.
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BREAKFAST HOLIDAY
The holidays are filled with family gatherings. Enjoy this easy, make-ahead recipe to simplify your holiday breakfast; it is sure to impress your guests.
CROISSANT LEMON BERRY DELIGHT
Casserole Ingredients:
• 6 large croissants (from the bakery) sliced into cubes
• 3 cups mixed berries
• 1 package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 5 eggs at room temperature
• 2 cups half and half at room temperature
• ¾ tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¾ tablespoon lemon juice
Lemon Glaze Ingredients:
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and toast the cubed croissants on a baking dish for 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, half and half, lemon juice and vanilla and mix until smooth. Place the toasted croissants into a greased 9 x 13 pan and layer with 1 ½ cups berries. Pour custard mix on top and then add the remaining berries on top. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes. Set aside and make glaze by adding all ingredients to a bowl and mixing until smooth. Drizzle over the casserole and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
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