New Hampshire Magazine December 2017

N E W H A M P S H I R E M AG A Z I N E D ECEMB ER 2 01 7

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Get Your Wassail Going — A Statewide Guide Page 74

FOLK ART PHENOM The Curious Creations of Jim Lambert Page 84

magazine Justin Spencer of s Chaos and Kindnes

THE IT LIST ARTIST JIM LAMBERT H O L I D AY E V E N T S FOOD GIFTS

Meet our favori t people of the ye e ar

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GET READY TO ROCK!

when the New Hampshire Theatre Awards rolls back into Concord to showcase the best in theatre from across the Granite State.

Saturday, January 20 at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Center for the Arts

Experience an entire year of the best in New Hampshire theatre in one fantastic night when the New Hampshire Theatre Awards returns to the Capitol Center for the Arts! Now celebrating 16 years of showcasing both community and professional theatre companies from all over the Granite State, this gala awards night dazzles and delights as winners are named and highlights from the year’s most rousing performances are presented by the original cast members and a talented ensemble of actors.

All lovers of theatre are invited to dress up and join in the glamour and fun • The evening concludes with a special event — our annual after party! • More information about this year’s nominated artists, theatrical performances and after party can be found on the NH Theatre Awards Facebook page or at nhtheatreawards.org.

Purchase tickets now from the Capitol Center for the Arts box office or online from ccanh. com/events/new-hampshire-theatre-awards

NHMAGAZINE.COM President/Publisher Sharron R. McCarthy x5117 smccarthy@mcleancommunications.com Editor Rick Broussard x5119

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New Hampshire MagazineÂŽ is published by McLean Communications, Inc., 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101, (603) 624-1442. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any mistakes in advertisements or editorial. Statements/opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect or represent those of this publication or its officers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, McLean Communications, Inc.: New Hampshire Magazine disclaims all responsibility for omissions and errors. New Hampshire Magazine is published monthly.

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nhmagazine.com | December 2017

OPEN DAILY MON THRU SAT THECROWNONHANOVER.COM

LUNCH, DINNER, BAR & GIFT CARDS

Contents

December 2017

the

62

l ist

First Things 8 Editor’s Note 10 Contributors Page 12 Feedback

Features

60 In Their Own Words Meet busker Tristan Kline, who’s about to take his show on the road.

by Kendal J. Bush

62 It List If you wanted to throw the ultimate New Hampshire dinner party, then this would be your guest list. This year’s choices are making big impacts in science, the arts, education, political comedy and so much more.

74

84

603 Navigator

603 Informer

603 Living

14 WATERVILLE VALLEY

34 A HANUKKAH TRADITION

92 Home

16 Outsider

36 REVIEW

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TRAILS

DIY HOLIDAY DÉCOR IDEAS

GIFTING LOCAL BOOKS & MUSIC

by Kristen Battles

by Rick Broussard

97 Local Dish

18 Top Events

37 Out and About

PROSCIUTTO-WRAPPED PINEAPPLE

NEW YEAR’S EVE

by Erica Thoits

20 Our Town STRAFFORD

by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers

24 Food & Drink

YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE

38 Blips

from left: courtesy photo; photo by john hession

84 Defying Description Whimsical. Folksy. Odd. These are just a few words that are used to describe Jim Lambert’s artwork. Meet the man whose creations defy easy categorization.

by Lisa Rogak

by Steffanie Adaska

98 Health

NH IN THE NEWS

CAREGIVER BURNOUT

by Casey McDermott

by Karen A. Jamrog

39 Politics

101 Law

CAROL SHEA-PORTER

UNENFORCEABLE LAWS

by James Pindell

by Jeff Woodburn

40 History

103 Calendar WHAT TO DO THIS MONTH

edited by Emily Heidt

74 Making Spirits Bright We may not wassail with bowls of punch anymore, but the tradition of celebrating Christmas as a community is still going strong.

by Barbara Coles

by Matthew Mead

107 Dine Out

EDIBLE ARTISANAL GIFTS

by Susan Laughlin

29 Small Bites FOOD NEWS & EVENTS

by Susan Laughlin

30 Retail CHRISTMAS IN CONCORD

NH’S CONNECTIONS TO THE JFK ASSASSINATION

by Jeff Woodburn

by Arnie Arnesen, Byron Champlin and Julianne Gadoury

ON THE COVER It Lister Justin Spencer is the frontman for New Hampshire-grown band “Recycled Percussion,” and is one half of the TV show “Chaos and Kindness.” Photo by Kendal J. Bush

GOOD EATS

edited by Susan Laughlin

112 Ayuh SEASON OF GIVING

by Jack Kenney Volume 31, Number 12 ISSN 1560-4949

nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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Step into a World of Salt.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Listening to Amy & Andy Just 150 years ago, one of the most illustrious female orchestral composers in American history was born in Henniker. It’s sad to think that most Granite Staters have never heard her music.

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F

or the record, her name is Amy Beach, and her 1896 “Gaelic” symphony (the first ever composed and published by an American woman) is a strong, confident piece of music. It starts with spacey grandeur but delves into earthy undertones. Portions evoke the scores of John Williams — music that might accompany a flying pirate ship, descending over fields of heather and buzzing a village green before swooping back into the clouds seeking new horizons. I’m listening to it as I write this. My first time ever.

A trusted advisor had suggested Beach to me for this year’s “It List” (page 62). The anniversary of her birth seemed like a good rationale, but our list needs to operate in the present for the most part. A posthumous inclusion is possible if the influence of the person has been felt in the past 12 months or so. While Beach’s music is as vital as ever, it’s ­ though not being performed that often — Symphony NH performed “Gaelic” back in October as a birthday tribute before an enthusiastic audience. Still, the story of a nearly forgotten composer of such historic importance is a reminder that we’re surrounded by greatness more often than we know.

My favorite part of this job is getting to meet fascinating people while fishing around for a story (usually unrelated to the person I wind up “discovering”). I had one such encounter in November.

My wife and I had driven up to Littleton for a book signing by Angie Bowie and Rick Hunt. Angie Bowie is a writer, performer, TV personality and the first wife of David Bowie, one of the most important figures in rock history who died in January 2016. Rick Hunt is an accomplished artist from Littleton who has illustrated several of Angie’s recent books. Their next collaboration, soon to be

published, is “Dancing With Ghosts,” which is Angie’s take on David Bowie’s music and career in the years they were married (a span that includes most of his greatest albums).

The signing took place at The Little Grille, an amazing Brazilian barbecue place that just happens to be illustrated with Rick’s murals (we wrote about it in our Best of NH issue last July). While rubbing shoulders with fans of both artists who had traveled from as far as New York City and Martha’s Vineyard, I noticed a fellow about my age and struck up a conversation. His business card read “Andy Pratt, Rock Legend.” Naturally, my curiosity was piqued. He entrusted me with a CD of his eponymous second album that I’ve now spun repeatedly. Turns out he was (and presumably still is) a musical genius, though the closest he came to a hit was a single (“Avenging Annie”) that made it to number 78 on the US charts. The album was well-reviewed and is now listed as one of the most influential recordings of the 1970s. His third album, “Resolution,” was a commercial dud but a critical darling. A Rolling Stone review said, “By reviving the dream of rock as an art and then re-inventing it, Pratt has forever changed the face of rock.” Then, just a couple of years ago, “Resolution” appeared on their list of “10 Weird Albums Rolling Stone Loved in the 1970s.” So, I guess “rock legend” wasn’t much of an exaggeration.

Pratt lives in New Hampshire and still records and performs. Like an Amy Beach symphony, the delights of his music await those with eager ears and a spirit that quests to find the greatness that’s hidden in people all around us in the Granite State.

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Contributors Kendal J. Bush shot our cover photo of It Lister Justin Spencer and produced this month’s “In Their Own Words.” Before calling the Monadnock Region home, she traveled the world as an editor and videographer for the National Geographic Channel and NBC. She combines years of experience as a photojournalist with her film school education to yield colorful, creative portraits, and corporate, wedding and event photography. Her work is frequently featured on the cover of Parenting New Hampshire magazine and in the pages of New Hampshire Magazine’s Bride.

for December 2017

Lisa Rogak, who wrote the feature story “Defying Description,” is a New York Times best-selling author of numerous books. She lives in Lebanon.

Former longtime New Hampshire Magazine Managing Editor Barbara Coles wrote the feature story “Making Spirits Bright.”

John Hession, who took photos for “Defying Description,” is also photo editor to our sister publication New Hampshire Home magazine.

Susan Laughlin, our food editor, wrote this month’s extended “Food & Drink.” She also produces our monthly “Local Dish” and “Artisan” sections.

Photographer Jared Charney shot some of the portraits of Dan and Katie Berube and Steve Bothwick for the “It List.”

See more at jaredcharney.com.

Frequent contributor Gloria Diianni illustrated this month’s “Health” section. You can see more of her work at gloriadiianni.com.

About | Behind The Scenes at New Hampshire Magazine Hello, Goodbye

PEZ William Henry Harrison (right) will keep PEZ Franklin Pierce company in Editor Rick Broussard’s office.

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nhmagazine.com | December 2017

With every farewell comes the opportunity to welcome someone new, but that doesn’t make goodbyes less difficult. Sarah Cahalan, our former assistant editor, moved on to an excellent new job at her alma mater’s alumni magazine. That would be at Notre Dame, which also happens to be near her hometown. During Sarah’s time here at New Hampshire Magazine, she became a part of our little work family, and we will miss her — and her distinctive writing talent, and definitely her organizational skills that put us all to shame. Pictured is her parting gift to Editor Rick Broussard. It’s a PEZ dispenser depicting William Henry Harrison, the only US president who may be more obscure than our own Franklin Pierce. On the flip side, we are happy to introduce you to Emily Heidt, a Newmarket resident and graduate of UNH, where she received her bachelor’s degree in English. She went on to earn her master’s in publishing and writing at Emerson College in Boston, where she learned that the world of magazines was her passion. As this issue went to press, she’d been here about three weeks, but she’s quickly becoming indispensable. Among her many duties, she is responsible for both the print and online calendars, “Top Events,” and the online-only “Good Cause of the Month,” “Meet the Brewer” and “Best Free Events.” Contact her at eheidt@nhmagazine.com if you have anything to share on those topics.

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Send letters to Editor Rick Broussard, New Hampshire Magazine, 150 Dow St. Manchester, NH 03101 or email him at editor@nhmagazine.com.

Feedback

emails, snail mail, facebook, tweets

nhmagazine.com, facebook.com/NHMagazine & @nhmagazine

We’ve Got (Real) Mail

By the by, we do love your mag and look forward to each issue. We think NH is one really great state, and you highlight all the places we want to go!

Best wishes and keep up the great work, (Please withhold our names so our neighbors don’t beat us up!)

Newport

dle school student, and we hope that’s apple cider! (We will tell his teacher.)

The Galore Family Lowell, Massachusetts

Blossoming Artist

Editor’s Note: Thanks for the good-humored correction.

Disturbing Art

Lesson From Some Flatlanders My husband and I are a couple of flatlanders who very happily moved to Newport 10+ years ago. We love our adopted town, the people and the history. When we read the “Our Town” article title however, we both nearly fell off the sofa laughing [November 2017]. “Haven’t these folks every heard of Plymouth?!”

The article was well-written and very informative and I love your magazine, but “birthplace” was perhaps not the correct word.

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Editor’s Note: The artwork mentioned is a part of an exhibit at the new gallery Kelley Stelling Contemporary in Manchester. “Report from the Front” presents a provocative and sometimes-challenging view of current events. It’s open through December 10, so readers have a chance to see these works for themselves. We should note, the views of artists and contributors who appear in the magazine do not necessarily represent the opinions of New Hampshire Magazine staff.

We Checked His ID Now, hopefully, New Hampshire Magazine’s last issue (October) was a Halloween issue, as Devin Bush on the cover looks like a mid-

My hair stylist works at Cassandra Salon, and her 6-year-old son Eli Duquette is raising money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital by selling his art. He started watching videos of Bob Ross to learn how to paint — and he’s really, really good! I remember watching Bob Ross as a kid, so it warms my heart to know that children are still learning to paint by watching him (although my paintings were never as good as Eli’s!). Eli is blossoming into quite an amazing artist — and he’s only 6!

Eli learned about St. Jude Children’s Hospital through his mother’s involvement with the charity, and decided that he wanted to help out the children of St. Jude by selling his art. It truly was his idea, but his mother helps him create note cards, bookmarks and magnets from his art to sell. In the first week alone he raised $600!

Right now, Eli’s art is only available for purchase at Cassandra Salon at 225 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua (cash or check only), but his mom, Sara Duquette, will be helping him set up a website so he can take credit cards. I thought New Hampshire Magazine readers might like to support a burgeoning young artist and great charity as they do their holiday shopping.

Courtney Hoppe Manchester Editor’s Note: Courtney Hoppe is a former co-worker and columnist here at New Hampshire Magazine who still who still keeps us updated on her adventures in the Granite State.

courtesy photos

This is a perfect day to pen a letter. We live in Thornton and, as a result of a rain and wind storm, we have no power — no television or internet — just a quiet, peaceful time to recall times when I would send and receive handwritten letters from family and friends.

I miss the anticipation of walking out to the mailbox to, perhaps, receive an update as to the happenings in the lives of those we care for. We reported to one another on the achievements and various activities of our children — milestones to be shared.

With the advent of technologically driven communication, we traded carefully written letters for speedy emails, etc. I am fortunate to have letters written by my parents during the trying times of the ’40s and ’50s — I can share a moment with them through their writings, until we meet again.

Sylvia Kinne (one happy subscriber to NH Magazine) Thornton Editor’s Note: Handwritten letters also make excellent (and cheap) holiday gifts.

I have been receiving New Hampshire Magazine for more than 10 years. I have thoroughly enjoyed the articles, highlights of places to visit, upcoming events and new restaurants. I find it helpful as I visit New Hampshire at least four times a year.

When I glanced at the table of contents in the November issue, I saw the depiction of the President Donald Trump in blackface, which is associated with black racism. I realize that under the First Amendment, we all have the right to express ourselves openly. I would have preferred if you explained your stand regarding President Trump than resort to this depiction which does not help our country. What I found disturbing is that I never expected to be exposed to this in the New Hampshire Magazine. I did not find it appropriate or acceptable to me.

I regret that I will not renew my subscription as I do want to enjoy the magazine, not become upset with its content.

Rosanne Burrell Staten Island, New York

Spot four newts like the one above (but much smaller) hidden on ads in this issue, tell us where you found them and you might win a great gift from a local artisan or company. To enter our drawing for Spot the Newt, send answers plus your name and mailing address to:

Spot the Newt c/o New Hampshire Magazine 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101 Email them to newt@nhmagazine.com or fax them to (603) 624-1310.

Last month’s “Spot the Newt” winner is Suzanne Kelly of Hanover November issue newts were on pages 21, 33, 86 and 97.

NEED A GOOD REASON FOR SPOTTING THE NEWT?

December’s lucky Newt Spotter will receive a $50 gift certificate to Marketplace New England, which offers unique gifts and gourmet food crafted by more than 300 local artisans. You can shop at their store in downtown Concord or online at marketplacenewengland.com. Marketplace New England is a proud member of NH Made (nhmade.com), the state’s official booster of locally made products.

WINTER ACCESSORIES THAT ARE ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY

Open: Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm; Sunday 10am–4pm Two Olde Bedford Way Bedford, NH 03110 603.472.2001 bedfordvillageinn.com nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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603 Navigator “It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it.“ — John Burroughs

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Photo courtesy of visitnh.gov

Outsider 16 Top Events 18 Our Town 20 Food & Drink 24 Small Bites 29 Retail 30

Winter Wonderland Embrace the season

It’s tempting to burrow into the couch with a good book and a hot drink, but with snow comes the opportunity to explore the state in an entirely new way.

There are several resorts across the state that offer a huge range of activities, from downhill skiing to ice skating. Waterville Valley Resort has long catered to families looking for winter getaways, and is in the midst of some major changes. Last season they added 45 acres of terrain during the Green Peak Expansion project, which was the first major addition in more than 30 years. The second phase is happening right now, with major improvements that will debut during the 2017/2018 season and throughout the coming years. They’ll be enhancing the lifts (including the new triple chair lift) and snowmaking capabilities, the base lodge will undergo renovations, the Nordic terrain will be improved and much more.

For even more winter activity, see our cross-country trail recommendations on the following pages. After a day of fun in the snow, you’ll have earned that hot toddy couch time. nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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OUTSIDER

photo by irene lemessurier

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Gliding on Snow Ideal trails for cross-country skiing

BY KRISTEN BATTLES

L

iving in New Hampshire, you probably know one (or more) of those people who can’t wait for the snow to fall. Once the temperature drops and the lifts open, they disappear into the mountains practically every weekend.

For those who never got into the downhill skiing lifestyle but still want to find a way to enjoy the winter season, cross-country skiing is a less intimidating way to join the ski fanatics.

Cross-country is a very popular winter sport in New Hampshire, and is just one type of Nordic skiing (which also includes Telemark and ski jumping). It’s also the

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most accessible for the casual skier. So long as there is snow and someplace you want to venture, opportunities abound. But with a little planning, you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking parts of the state amidst a winter wonderland, all while getting a great workout. And most importantly, it’s an excellent excuse to drink copious amounts of hot cocoa.

Adams Pond Trail, Londonderry A very popular spot in southern New Hampshire is the Adams Pond Trail located at Mack’s Apples in Londonderry (macksapples.com/plan-a-visit/trails). Addition-

The trails at Mack’s Apples in Londonderry are easily accessible and beautiful.

ally, Mack’s has a number of other trails, known simply as the Town Center trails, which are maintained by local nonprofit Londonderry Trailways. The Adams Pond trail loops around two orchards, skirts along a picturesque pond and is well groomed for cross-country skiing. There is no fee to use the trails.

Boston Lot Lake, West Lebanon A popular hiking area in the summer and fall, Boston Lot Lake (2.5 mile-lakeside loop trail) attracts cross-country skiers in the winter and offers scenic water views and abundant wildlife, including beaver, rabbit, moose and deer.

Bretton Woods Nordic Center Bretton Woods With 100 kilometers of cross-country and snowshoe trails, Bretton Woods offers some

603 NAVIGATOR

OUTSIDER

through dense, ancient forest. There is even a warming yurt available on Porcupine Trail for thawing out frosty adventurers.

Jackson Ski Touring Foundation

photo by irene lemessurier

The Stagecoach Road trail, a part of the Windblown Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing network in New Ipswich

of the best, most scenic winter skiing in New Hampshire. The full-service Nordic Center offers equipment rentals, and season passes are available for purchase (brettonwoods. com). The Mountain Road Trail is a favorite, featuring 7 kilometers of snowy skiing

More Info Additional places to hit the trails, plus other helpful information.

Jackson is a picturesque winter town that caters to ski fans of all types, particularly cross-country skiers. At the center of it all is the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, a nonprofit that’s dedicated to maintaining a huge network of cross-country and snowshoe trails, programs, events, rentals and more for all ages (jacksonxc.org). You must either purchase a trail pass or membership, but the prices are reasonable and it’s free for kids 10 and under.

All Trails

Tips for Success

Great Glen Trails

Before attempting any ski adventure, check weather forecasts and trail conditions ahead of time, but always be prepared for sudden changes. Ski with a buddy or small group, and let others know where you will be and when you plan to return. For longer trips, carry a comfortable backpack with necessary supplies. Pay attention to any right-ofway markings, and if you need to stop for any length of time, step off the trail to avoid potential collision with other skiers. NH

Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center in Gorham offers both excellent trails and instruction. greatglentrails.com/ski-school

A list of great trails for cross-country skiing throughout New Hampshire, including directions, photos and user reviews of the trails. alltrails.com/us/new-hampshire/ cross-country-skiing Windblown Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Monadnock Region, including gear, ski school and trial shelters. windblownxc.com

Learn to Ski Next month is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, when discounts are offered on passes and lessons for first-timers throughout January. See skinh.com for more details and information on participating venues.

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EVENTS

December | Picks Out With the Old

First Night Portsmouth December 31

First Night is a longstanding tradition that was originally created by a group of Boston artists in the ’70s. It was intended to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a novel way, as a family-friendly community event rather than the typical champagne-fueled party. The Portsmouth version, which started in 1986, is just that — a welcoming series of boozefree events that range from indoor concerts, ice sculpting, dancing, food, storytelling, fireworks and other sights and activities. The ticket in is actually a button, which will be for sale at proportsmouth.org. photo by philip cohen

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EVENTS

As we leave 2017 behind, we celebrate new Gunstock Rocks New Year’s Eve December 31, Gilford beginnings and the return of the light. The longest night is on December 21, and 10 days later we pop the bubbly, don our 2018 glasses and begin to look forward to what’s yet to come. Here are New Year’s Eve events you won’t want to miss.

Juston McKinney’s Year in Review December 29 and 30, Portsmouth

Skiers and riders know that most mountains are great places to find New Year’s Eve parties, and Gunstock Mountain Resort is no exception. The whole mountain is covered with events, and a New Year’s Eve lift ticket gets you access to it all. There are plenty of kid-friendly events too, such as face painting and s’mores by the fire.

The celebration is capped with midnight fireworks. gunstock.com

Grand Getaway

December 29 to 31, Bretton Woods

Take the family to the historic Omni Mount Washington Hotel for three days of New Year’s fun. One of the state’s remaining grand hotels is the gorgeous backdrop for events that include scavenger hunts, movies, fireworks, crafts, various New Year’s Eve party and dining options, the magical swing-era gala, late-night partying in the Cave (it was once a real speakeasy), tea parties, crafts and much, much more. brettonwoods.com/newyears

A Night in Havana

December 31, New Castle

Before the First Night revelry, reflect on 2017 with New Hampshire’s own Juston McKinney. The comedian is originally from the Seacoast, where he once served the community as a deputy sheriff on the Maine/New Hampshire border. These days he’s appeared on “The Tonight Show” and has filmed his own specials for Comedy Central. If this last year got you down, laugh it off with his signature brand of New England humor. Shows at 8 p.m. both nights at The Music Hall. themusichall.org

For even more grand hotel fun, the annual themed gala at the Wentworth by the Sea is an elegant night out. Leave the kids at home for this one, and don your best black-tie attire (or 1. First Night, Portsmouth for this year a linen suit or Rumba-style 2. Juston McKinney, Portsmouth 4 dress) for an 3. Gunstock Rocks New Year’s Eve, Gilford evening of dinner 3 4. Grand Getaway, Bretton Woods and dancing in the grand ballroom.

5. A Night in Havana, New Castle 1,2,5 wentworth.com

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OUR TOWN

A Strafford Christmas Holiday shopping combined with history

BY BARBARA RADCLIFFE ROGERS

W

e grew up not far from Strafford, and swam at friends’ camps on Bow Lake every summer. But I had never climbed Parker Mountain. Had I known as a rock-collecting kid that there was an abandoned mica mine on the mountain, I certainly would have badgered my parents into taking me hiking there.

Better late than never. I no longer fill my pack with mineral samples, but old mines are still fascinating. We found this one easily by following the Spencer Smith Trail from Route 126. The mine, a cave carved into a rock face, opened in the 1880s and

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was mined until the late 1950s. Its prime commercial products were feldspar and mica, an unusual silicate formation that has what geologists call “perfect basal cleavage” — a technical way of saying it separates into thin sheets. These are transparent and will withstand high temperatures, so they were used to make windows on woodstoves.

Mica’s main use today is in cosmetics, where it adds shimmer — the “glowing look” — to mineral makeup. Although the little Parker Mountain Mine is no longer commercially productive, it’s still of interest to rock hounds for the more than a dozen mineral types that have been found on the grounds.

courtesy photo

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Austin Hall, originally a school, was built in 1833. Counted among its pupils is Henry Wilson, who went on to become Ulysses S. Grant’s vice president.

The Spencer Smith Trail continues up to the summit of Parker Mountain, marked by a tall rock cairn. Trees near the summit obscure part of the view, so it’s not a full 360 degrees, but we continued on to another overlook where we had a bird’s-eye view of Bow Lake.

It wasn’t always a lake. When the early settlers came, it was a little pond with a brook flowing out of it, which they called respectively Bow Pond and Bow Pond Stream. Drawn to this area for its stands of virgin timber, settlers built the first sawmill at the outlet in the mid-1760s, harnessing the flow of the stream for power. By

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OUR TOWN

Fred Dolan’s hand-carved wooden decoys, such as the preening red-breasted merganser pictured here, will be a part of this year’s Christmas in Strafford event.

a dam on Bow Pond. Years later, in 1832, the dam broke, destroying all the mills along the stream, along with several other buildings in the settlement of Bow Lake Village. The dam that replaced it further enlarged the lake to its present nearly 3-mile length. Bow Pond Stream became known as the Isinglass River,

courtesy photo

the end of the century, several water-powered mills operated at the outlet, gradually enlarging the pond into a lake. These were shared mills, which their builders used in turn for a few days at a time.

In 1823, the Dover Manufacturing Company, which had bought the lower mill, built

a favorite trout-fishing stream for my father.

Isinglass is another name for mica.

A steam mill opened in Bow Village in 1829, and its building later became the Grange Hall. Today it’s the home of The Lakeside Players (“the best little theater by a dam site”), whose productions help pay for the maintenance of the Grange Hall. Along with their shows, which range from cabaret to drama to musicals, they produce dinner theater events and occasional afternoon teas with entertainment.

That’s quite an undertaking for a small community to support (Strafford’s total population was just under 4,000 in the last census), but Strafford is an unusually arts-supportive community. It was the annual townwide craft show that took us there in December.

This year, Christmas in Strafford celebrates its 28th year on Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3, with three group venues and 17 open studios and homes, some of those with multiple artists exhibiting. In all, more than 50 craftspeople show and sell their work, which includes media from wood and metal to wool and paper. The

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Grange Hall in Bow Lake Village, the Bow Lake Church and the historic Waldron Store are set up as mini craft shows.

Large signs picturing a colorful German nutcracker identify the individual studios and homes, which are easy to find with a downloadable map. Maps are also at the Strafford Town Hall, the library and Isinglass Country Store.

Many of the craftsmen are juried members of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, including Rick Gagne, whose heirloom jewelry boxes we had admired in league shops. At his studio are beautiful cherry burl boxes, along with smaller items

Old squaw by Fred Dolan

Please use this one if using the logo smaller than 3 inches

Give the Gift of 12 issues for $14.97 or 12 issues plus 6 issues (one year) of New Hampshire Home for $19.97.

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877.494.2036

and wooden jewelry. Here too are beautiful hand-turned pens by Wolfgang Liskow.

At Indigo Moon Farm we could meet the alpacas that provide the black, brown and white wool for feather-light hats, scarves and mittens. There are also hand-turned drop spindles for spinning the fleece, as well as pepper mills and bowls turned from exotic woods.

Journey’s End Farm specializes in wreaths and arrangements of evergreens and everlasting flowers. Also on Province Road, L.W. Brown Farm sells zesty pepper jelly and coiled fabric baskets and bowls.

Several colleagues are gathered here, showing photo greeting cards, local maple syrup and maple-coated peanuts. Barn Door Gap Gardens and Fine Wildfowl Carving combine evergreen wreaths and swags with Fred Dolan’s hand-carved and painted decoys,

OUR TOWN

603 NAVIGATOR songbirds and fish. A member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, Dolan has been named a Master Artist by the NH State Council on the Arts.

Timberdoodle Farm on First Crown Point Road reminded us of Strafford’s beginnings. It’s a sawmill and, along with selling kiln-dried slabs and project lumber, they sell finished and unfinished cutting boards. At the Grange Hall — the one that used to be a mill — Barry Nation’s photography and photo puzzles reflect the lake outside. His aerial shot of Bow Lake gives an even better view of its distinctive shape than the one we saw from Parker Mountain. NH

courtesy photo

Learn more Christmas in Strafford December 2-3 christmasinstrafford.com Woodworker Rick Gagne’s beautiful wooden treasure and jewelry boxes will also be available during Christmas in Strafford.

The Lakeside Players at the Bow Lake Grange Hall bowlakecc.org

IMPACT Make a lasting impact for generations to come.

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FOOD & DRINK

Local Gifts That Won’t Be Returned

We all have that special shelf in the closet or never-opened cabinet — where the well-meaning, but unwanted gifts linger in pre-Goodwill donation limbo. This year, skip the scented candle and give the gift of local artisan food and drink, from sweets and snacks to spirits and spices. No one will want to give these up, and they may not even last until the end of the evening.

BY SUSAN LAUGHLIN

KingOfPOP at 60 Gourmet Pl., Exeter, offers an amazing range of flavored popcorn, from birthday cake to dill pickle and strawberry cheesecake. It comes by the gallon in a tin for easy giving or keeping. The birthday cake flavor starts at $24.99. kingofpop.com

photo by melissa boulanger

There’s nothing like celebrities in the kitchen. Foodie and former WZID radio host Mike Morin pours a lot of love into his Chocolate Infinity cookies. They are rich, chewy and studded with nuts for the perfect mouthful. Don’t just take my word for it — he’s pictured here at the Deerfield Fair with his blue ribbon. Find them for $20 a dozen at Fulchino Vineyard in Hollis, a stop on the Symphony NH Holiday House Tour on December 2 and 3 (symphonynh.org). You can also visit Chew Hampshire on Facebook to contact Morin. With enough encouragement, he might go big-time with these.

courtesy photos

Mike Morin’s Famous Chocolate Infinity Cookies

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courtesy photos

FOOD & DRINK

Maybe the perfect oh-so-sweet New Hampshire gift is from Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill. The Polly’s Breakfast gift package includes your choice of their famous pancake mixes, choice of White Mountain Coffee, their own maple syrup and two signature mugs for one heck of a breakfast without the travel time. $43.99 to $48.99; pollyspancakeparlor.com

The Maple Roasted Peanuts from Dover’s Little Acre Gourmet Foods are a tasty and healthy snack with a touch of sweetness from the maple and salty goodness from the chili, onion and celery salt. 5 ounces, $6. Visit littleacregourmet. com to order or find a list of locations.

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The boxed cookies are just one of the many options at both the Portsmouth and Salem Tuscan Markets, which are brimming with gourmet gifts for foodie friends, some imported from Italy and others made right on the premises. Find their own pastas, fresh frozen or dried, and, of course, sweets. These boxed cookies are the perfect hostess gift. tuscanbrands.com

The Bailey’s Irish Cream Fudge is really made with Bailey’s. Pick it up at The Mill Fudge Factory at 2 Central St., Bristol, or order online for $12 a slice at themillfudgefactory.com.

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Chocolate Bear

This cute candy polar bear by RHD Candy was purchased at the Purple Tomato Farmers Market at 78 Main St., Lincoln. purpletomatofarmersmarket.com

FOOD & DRINK

Rum Cake

The Black Cat Rum Cake Company, based in Nashua, makes a rich, buttery classic recipe offered in three sizes: single-shot, standard loaf and the heavyweight, which is baked in a real wood box. It can be found at Cava de Vino and Bonhoeffer’s Café & Espresso, both in downtown Nashua, or you can place a special order at blackcatrumcake.com.

Nonpareils

Granite State Candy Shoppe, with locations in Concord and Manchester, offers nonpareils that are perfect for sneaking into the movie theater (although they do sell them at Concord’s Red River Theatres). The dark chocolate is delicious, but they’re also offered in milk and white chocolate with colored candy dots. 14 ounces, $12.98; granitestatecandyshoppe.com

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What’s more classic for the holidays than peanut brittle?

This buttery, crunchy brittle at Hutchinson’s in Londonderry is just like grandma used to make. 8 ounces, $7.99. Stop in at the 10 Tinker Ave. or you can shop or order online at hutchinsonscandy.com.

photo by susan laughlin

Peanut Brittle

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FOOD & DRINK

Sour Cherry Spiced Wine Savory Spread

This spread from Wozz! Kitchen Creations of Bethlehem is perfect for pouring over a slab of goat cheese for a delightful cracker experience. It also complements duck, sausage or ham. This is just one of the many wonderful products offered by this award-winning company, $10. wozzkitchencreations.com

Sangria Jelly

The sangria jelly from Meredith’s Our Local Table puts the taste of a warm summer evening on your morning toast. In addition to jams and jellies, the folks at Our Local Table make salsas, spicy peri peri sauce and onion relishes too. $6.99; ourlocaltable.com

Gourmet Pretzels

The tasty pretzels from Portsmouth’s Port City Pretzels come with a choice of three coatings: cinnamon sugar, ranch dill and feisty hot, offering a taste for everyone on your list. Widely distributed and available online, $7 for 16 ounces, $4 for an 8-ounce package; portcitypretzels.com

Hickory Deep Smoked Salt

Salt is a common seasoning, but there’s more to this seemingly humble culinary companion. The Salt Cellar at 7 Commercial Alley in Portsmouth offers a vast array of sea salts, infused salts and gift sets perfect for everything from popcorn to dessert. To start, the hickory-smoked salt ($6.99) is perfect for finishing pork, chicken, eggs and fish. salt-cellar.com

photo by susan laughlin

Orange Chili Relish

The orange chili relish from Mola Foods of Nashua is an easy way to add the flavors of authentic ancient Cameroonian tribal recipes that have survived by being passed from mother to daughter. The orange chili relish is perfect with chicken. $6.95; molafoods.com

Spice Delivery

Gift a monthly subscription of fresh spices for your foodie friend’s pantry. Who doesn’t need to update their spices and herbs and get fresh ideas with new recipes each month? Spiced Up of Auburn’s 12-month subscription is $204. spicedup.rocks

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FOOD & DRINK

’Tis also the season to raise a glass. A bottle of locally distilled spirits spreads the cheer and supports our local economy. For the gin enthusiast, it doesn’t get much better than Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile’s Tamworth Garden series. Of the five varieties, perhaps one of the most unique is the Wild Hops version, made with a blend of Citra, Amarillo, Centennial and Columbus hops, along with a New Hampshire heirloom vine they cultivated locally. Ideal for both sipping straight or in a gin and tonic. Visit the tasting room at 15 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth. tamworthdistilling.com

was invented by Lithuanian monks in the 1500s. Happily, you can find it in modern times at Djinn Spirits in Nashua. It carries the fragrant flavor of local honey balanced with the spice of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, fresh ginger and vanilla. Perfect on ice cream or for a hot toddy by the fire. djinnspirits.com

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The General John Stark vodka from Flag

Hill Distillery & Winery in Lee is made with New Hampshire apples and is triple distilled. Combine it with their cranberry liqueur for a local cosmopolitan (see the recipe online at nhmagazine.com). flaghill.com

Limoncello is a

lemon Italian liqueur, often served chilled as an after-dinner drink. You can find it locally at Fabrizia Spirits in Salem. They have classic lemon, blood orange, a cream style and the newer Italian margarita. fabriziaspirits.com

courtesy photos

Krupnik, a spiced honey liqueur,

SMALL BITES

Small Bites

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Food news from around the state by Susan Laughlin

Cupcake and a Martini

Is this a marriage made in heaven or what?

Each month at the Copper Door in Bedford (and at the about-to-open Salem location), Executive Chef Nicole Barreira dreams up an extravagant cupcake flavor that is matched by a dessert-worthy martini. December’s version is a rum cake martini made with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Chila 'Orchata Cinnamon Cream, Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur and a gingerbread cookie crumb rim. $12. Sitting ringside is the gingerbread cupcake with a caramel rum filling, vanilla buttercream frosting set in an edible white chocolate cup. $9. copperdoorrestaurant.com

News

A new chocolate shop in Exeter, La Cascade du Chocolat, is offering the Coquito 4 Puerto Rico bar, which was created specifically to raise money for those affected by the hurricanes in Puerto Rico. The profits from the sales of this bar will be donated to United for Puerto Rico. lacascadeduchocolat.com Speaking of Puerto Rico, Fuego Bar & Grill has opened in Nashua serving Puerto Rican cuisine, and will soon be offering salsa lessons and dancing. Find them on Facebook.

Event of the Month Colonial Christmas

photo by susan laughlin

December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17

Turn back time at the historic Pitt Tavern at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth. Pickwick’s Mercantile presents spirited revelry with a four-course Colonial-inspired meal, accompanied by the heartwarming sounds of classical guitar, violins and cheerful Christmas carols. $75 for adults and $35 for children. Reservations are necessary. pickwicksmercantile.com nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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RETAIL

Byron Champlin

Something old: Wellington’s Marketplace.

An aged cheese and a 35-year-old bottle of port are fine companions in front of the fire on a winter’s eve.

Something new: I’m a new music fiend, so my go-to disc store is Pitchfork Records.

From Kishi Bashi to LCD Soundsystem to Tank and The Bangas, if Pitchfork doesn’t have it, they will get if for me in a couple of days.

Clothes for my other: My spouse looks stunning in the designer clothes with a hint of international flair found at Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co. Another favorite at the other end of North Main Street is Fabulous Looks Boutique.

Concord’s annual Midnight Merriment is a great way to check out the city’s shops and revamped Main Street. It starts at 5 p.m. on December 1. See more at intownconcord.org.

Concord Christmas Find something for everyone in one town COMPILED BY RICK BROUSSARD

Y

ou might think you know your way around Concord. After all, it’s our capital city. But a lot has happened there recently, including a complete revision of the downtown Main Street shopping district.

It’s now arguably the most accessible city in the state and is cued up to provide some of the most inviting and picture-perfect holiday shopping to be found so we encourage you to check it out. Because some shops may have changed

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since your last tour, we’ve asked a few wellknown locals to serve as guides. Each of the following shoppers is known for a command of the terrain and a good sense of style. To ensure that you have a tip or starting point for any sort of gift you might need, we’ve asked them each to respond to the same set of prompts.

And if we missed anything, well, there’s always that old standby: a gift subscription to this fine magazine (full disclosure: I’m the editor).

Clothes for myself: People often ask me where I find the bow ties that I wear. The implication, despite the fact that bow ties are probably more popular than at any time since the ’50s, is that they are hard to find.

Not so. Britches of Concord has a great, colorful collection. And great slacks, sports shirts and jackets too.

Something fun: For fun, I can go around the world or just walk the dog at YoYo Heaven on North Main Street.

Something fine: Nothing is finer than 1,000-grit sandpaper from Rocky’s ACE Hardware on Loudon Road.

Something at the last minute: Being a bibliophile, my last-minute gift of choice is a book, and Gibson’s Bookstore has the best selection in the city, hands down, as well as a knowledgeable staff that can find a title for every taste — they are lifesavers.

concord downtown photos by eric fleming, all others courtesy photos

Concord City Councilor, Ward 4

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Arnie Arnesen

Host of “The Attitude” on WNHNfm.org and NH political commentator on WGBH and WKBK

RETAIL

Street. I can’t afford their furniture, but their accessories are to die for. Company C offers some stiff competition. Anything you buy at either place makes a statement.

Something at the last minute: I’d go back to Chickadee Lane because I could go in there blindfolded, and pick something off the shelf and know it will be cool.

Julianne Gadoury Arts Education Grants Coordinator NH State Council on the Arts

Something old: I have a PhD in second-hand anything, and without fail I do well and do good when I shop at OutFITters. I usually manage a one-of-a-kind find from some exotic place I will never visit or from a designer shop I have only read about in some chichi magazine. Also, it is a crucial source of funding for one of the most admired local nonprofits, Families in Transition.

Something new: I, for one, am the queen of eclectic, so I love Chickadee Lane Interiors.

You are drawn in by the charm and quaint cottage feel of the store and then want to linger because this place promises the perfect find for every taste.

Clothes for a friend: Probably Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co. or else Susana’s Sewing Studio. Susana’s is full of handmade items and looks like Mary Poppins meets 2017. The owner is a skilled seamstress so she can also alter or repair stuff that you can’t bear to let go.

Something old: I’ve had many treasure hunting adventures at Concord Antiques Gallery. Whether I need a quirky object for my own DIY project or a gift card for a housewarming, I know I’m purchasing both an object and hours of fun exploration.

Something new: I’m all about new experiences, and I love gifting a night at the Capitol Center for the Arts or Hatbox Theatre.

Sometimes a whole night of fun can be a more exciting and memorable gift than a physical object.

Clothes for my other: My partner is super active as a runner-cyclist-climber-swimmer-hiker. Concord has over 80 miles of trails in our city limits, and great stores such as Runner’s Alley, Joe King’s Shoe Shop and S&W Sports wrap those endorphins in quality gear.

Clothes for myself: Lilise Designer Resale! I can find both funky and professional clothing, and it’s second-hand, which is a little more affordable. Plus, there are always some really weird and fun items.

The funny thing is, I don’t actually like shopping! I find it stressful. What I do like is supporting local businesses and having interesting shopping experiences, so I tend to go to stores and venues that have locally made or handcrafted items.

Something fun: I am a big fan of Katmandu Bazaar in the Lamplighter Plaza on the Heights. It’s an Asian and African grocery store with cheap lentils, aisles of spices and a restaurant in the back for instantly gratifying and yummy samosas. A gift certificate here is usually received with wide eyes and a piqued interest in new recipes.

Something fine: I can’t resist handmade pottery, jewelry, rugs, wall hangings ... OK, handmade anything. So I hop on over to the

Clothes for myself: Name a thrift store (Concord has several) and it has contributed to my wardrobe. What I love is that people shop all over the world and then give it away here, usually to sell for a good cause. It’s also a form of recycling so it ticks off all my value boxes.

Something fun: Cobblestone Design Company is new to downtown but not new to Concord. It has no rival in floral arrangements and design add-ons. If bold color is your thing, hold on to your wallet because it is a color orgy in there.

Something fine: Pompanoosuc Mills just relocated downtown to a new space on Main 32

nhmagazine.com | December 2017

In addition to shopping, Midnight Merriment also has a s’mores station, carolers and more.

League of NH Craftsmen Fine Arts Gallery when I want a special gift. I love seeing the many individual choices and care that is crafted into functional works of art.

Something at the last minute: I am perpetually running out of time, and there are always a few people at the end of my list that are super-hard to shop for. Perfect storm for a shopping meltdown. To the rescue are Marketplace New England and Concord Handmade’s pop-up shop. Both have a really wide range of gifts, and every time you go it’s different. Plus, handmade equals love, so the recipient doesn’t know the gift was a last-minute find. NH

Get There OutFITters Thrift Store 20 S. Main St. outfittersnh.org

Gibson’s Bookstore 45 S. Main St. gibsonsbookstore.com

Chickadee Lane Interiors 25 N. Main St. chickadeelaneinteriors.com

Concord Antiques Gallery 97 Storrs St. concordantiquesgallery.com

Fabulous Looks Boutique 86 N. Main St. fabulouslooksboutique.com

Capitol Center for the Arts 44 S. Main St. ccanh.com

Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co. 13 N. Main St. clothingnh.com

Runner’s Alley 142 N. Main St. runnersalley.com

Cobblestone Design Company 89 Fort Eddy Rd. cobblestoneflorist.com

S&W Sports 296 S. Main St. swsports.net

Company C 102 Old Turnpike Rd. companyc.com Wellington’s Marketplace 124 N. Main St. wellingtonsmarketplace.com Pitchfork Records 2 S. Main St. pitchforkrecordsconcord.com Britches of Concord 1 Eagle Sq. britchesconcord.com YoYo Heaven 4 N. Main St. yoyoheaven.com Rocky’s ACE Hardware 20 Loudon Rd. rockys.com

Shop Fine Craft

2017 Annual Ornament Winter’s Waltz

by Walker Boyle

Find the perfect gift this holiday season.

Concord • Hanover • Hooksett • Littleton Meredith • Nashua • North Conway Center Sandwich (May-Oct)

Scott Ruesswick

Sibel Alpaslan

Gift Certificates are also available!

Gigi Laberge

www.nhcrafts.org

Hatbox Theatre 270 Loudon Rd. hatboxnh.com

Susana’s Sewing Studio 26 Warren St. Facebook

Pompanoosuc Mills 38 N. Main St. pompy.com

FINE CRAFT GALLERIES

Joe King’s Shoe Shop 45 N. Main St. joekings.com Lilise Designer Resale 113 Storrs St. liliseresale.com Katmandu Bazaar 133 Loudon Rd. katmandubazaar1.wordpress. com League of New Hampshire Fine Arts Gallery 36 N. Main St. concord.nhcrafts.org Marketplace New England 7 N. Main St. marketplacenewengland.com Concord Handmade Mobile shop location coming soon concordhandmade.com

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“Food, in the end, in our own tradition, is something holy. It’s not about nutrients and calories. It’s about sharing. It’s about honesty. It’s about identity.” - Louise Fresco

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Review 36 Out & About 37 Blips 38 Politics 39 History 40 Artisan 42

Doughnut History

How a tasty treat became a Hanukkah tradition As far as holiday foods go, one of the best might be sufganiyot — or jelly doughnuts — eaten at Hanukkah celebrations. Beyond the fact that the puffy, gooey, sugar-sprinkled, deep-fried treats are ridiculously delicious, there’s a symbolic reason for why these are a Hanukkah staple. Along with latkes (fried potato pancakes), there’s the connection to oil, which commemorates the miracle of one night of oil lasting for eight.

But there’s a historical reason as well. In the 1500s, a German cookbook credited with the first jelly doughnut recipe was translated to Polish, and slave-produced sugar from the Caribbean became more widely available. No longer was sugar such an expensive commodity, and sweet pastries in general became more common. By the early 1600s, jelly doughnuts, called pączki (ponchiks in Yiddish), were popular in Poland for both Christmas and Hanukkah.

Through the 19th and 20th centuries, the recipe traveled with Polish Jews when they emigrated to places such as Israel, which is where the name changed to sufganiyot from a “spongy dough” mentioned in the Talmud.

It wasn’t until the 1920s that sufganiyot became specifically and irrevocably tied to Hanukkah. The Israeli Labor Federation declared them the official food in an effort to create more jobs. The thinking went that latkes were easy to make at home, but the more complicated stuffed doughnuts required baking professionals. Perhaps there was a sudden boom of bakeries and delivery services, but the other result was that sufganiyot became forever intertwined with the Festival of Lights.

For the intrepid holiday homecook, visit nhmagazine.com for a sufganiyot recipe. nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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Review (Stuff worthy of your time and treasure or we wouldn’t bother with it)

Local Music from A to Zevedo

Local music impresario Rob Azevedo is carving out a reputation for hosting popular musical events on the radio and in performance venues in Concord and Manchester. He seems to have a knack for finding the best talent working in (and touring out of) the Granite State. We asked him to pick three CDs by local artists that would be guaranteed to please any music lover. He recommends the following. Trust him.

Steve Chagnon (Concord) “Stranger From The North.” One of the true, unsung gems we have in the Granite State, with flawless, beautiful singing and poetic tales about coming home. Buy it at cdbaby.com/stevenchagnon.

Devotional Hymns to Darwin Inspire Secular Awe

I

f you are one of the millions expecting to either buy, download or receive Dan Brown’s new book “Origin” for a Christmas (or Solstice) present this year, why not listen in on the music that inspired it?

The “Missa Charles Darwin” by Gregory Brown (who happens to be Dan Brown’s brother) is a beautiful work of composition and vocalizing (by the New York Polyphony quartet) that pleases the ear with a sacred tone but delivers a secular twist. Based on the standard five-movement structure of the Latin Mass, the “Missa Charles Darwin” would sound right at home in a cloister or cathedral, but the lines of scripture have been replaced with excerpts from “On The Origin of Species, The Descent of Man,” and other nuggets of correspondence from the pen of Darwin. The libretto, which comes boxed along with the CD, reveals what your science teacher probably tried to tell you. Along with being a world-shaking natural scientist, Darwin was an excellent writer who knew how to craft a sound bite — more than a century before that term came into existence.

The evolutionary link to Dan Brown’s new text — apart from the puzzle of genetics that created two such minds in the same nuclear family — is exhibited in the book “Origin,” where an entire chapter is devoted to Gregory Brown’s composition. It’s expanded in this note from the composer’s website: “At its core, the “Missa Charles Darwin” is the product of centuries of cultural evolution. It is built on the standard five-movement form, its harmonic and musical vocabulary is informed by ‘ancestral’ precedent, and its function — like all musical settings of text — is to augment the expressive power of language.”

This synthesis of the spirit-awakening power of sacred music and the mind-expanding work of the scientific method makes the “Missa” into something new and wondrous to behold. While it’s not a “hopeful monster” (a neo-Darwinian term for the birth of a new species), it’s at least a promising new sprout on the evolutionary tree of art.

The boxed set captures the excitement of the original performances of the “Missa” at the Marine Biological Laboratory in 2011, repackaged to coincide with the release of Dan Brown’s latest book. NH “Missa Charles Darwin,” boxed limited edition, signed by Gregory and Dan Brown is $9.99, from Navona Records navonarecords.com

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Catfish Howl, “10 Bourbon Street” (Manchester) A rub board rhapsody drenched in a perfectly spicy blend of original Zydeco and Cajun music. CD (or download) available for $10 from catfishhowl.com.

Some Books are Safe Bets for Gifts

Books make versatile gifts because they allow you to target special interests, and Granite Staters are famously interested in both weather and beer.

Stocking stuffer or stocking stretcher, “Be Nice to the Weather Guy” is perfect for kids or weather watchers of any age. Written by WMUR weather guy Josh Judge and illustrated by Ginger Nielson, all profits from the book go directly to CHaD (Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth). $19.95 from Peter Randall Publisher The craft beer craze in New Hampshire and beyond is, generally speaking, all about the hops. Butch Heilshorn of Portsmouth’s Earth Eagle Brewings sees thing a little differently. He took a deep dive into the history of beer and discovered that before hops, there was gruit — a style of beermaking that uses herbs, not hops. His new book “Against All Hops” offers insight into this ancient style of brewing, along with 13 recipes, tasting notes and lists of ingredients from lemon verbena to spruce tips. $18.99 from Page Street Publishing

courtesy photos

Original Spin

Hunter, “Hunter” (Nashua) When the walls are closing in around you this winter, just hop in your car, turn up the heat, head in no particular direction and crank “Hunter.” It just works in every possible way.

CD available from hunterstamas.bandcamp.com or, better yet, buy it at one of their shows.

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SCENE

Out and About Snapshots from Events of Note

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10/12 New Hampshire Film Festival

photos by kathie fife

New Hampshire Night was the kickoff for four days of movies, mixers and after-parties for the 2017 NH Film Festival in Portsmouth. It’s always a great chance to catch some cinematic talent on the rise. One screening of note was the premiere of the documentary “404 Not Found,” which began as a story in this magazine last January. Learn more about it and the film’s producers in this year’s “It List” starting on page 62.

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1 From left: Maggie Wallace, Jasmine Inglesmith and Nancy Phillips 2 A lineup of talent from NH Night takes to the stage at The Music Hall to answer audience questions. 3 NHFF co-founder Dan Hannon passes the mike to Joan Gosgarian to present the Van McLeod Award, named for her husband who died last year.

4 Van McLeod Award winner Aaron Wiederspahn says a few words.

10/11 Women Building Community

The New Hampshire Women’s Foundation held its 13th annual Women Building Community luncheon at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester. This nonprofit works to ensure opportunities and equality for women and girls in the state through research, advocacy, education and grants.

1 It was a packed house with a crowd of nearly 650. 2 From left: Women’s

photos by cheryl senter

Foundation outgoing board chair Mary Jo Brown, NHPR’s Virginia Prescott, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls General Manager Maggie Chieffo, Executive Director Meredith Walker, incoming board chair Susan Martore-Baker and CEO Tanna Clews 3 From left: Virginia Prescott, Maggie Chieffo and Meredith Walker

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3 nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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IN THE NEWS

Blips Monitoring appearances of the 603 on the media radar since 2006 “It’s interesting how there are all of these little doughnut shops that are so local and fresh, and all of a sudden you guys can’t get enough of it — so Dunkin’ Donuts has to put 100 stores in New Hampshire,” he adds. “I love it.”

And fear not, “Idol” fans: When he’s not filming his TV show, Hicks has hardly given up his musical career. He still performs live shows and debuted a new single, “Six Strings and Diamond Rings,” in September. In fact, the way he sees it, these pursuits are complementary.

“The way you prepare a dish is like the way you prepare a song,” says Hicks. “Hopefully you put a lot of love in it, and people will like it.”

On the Menu in the Granite State

Beyond the pumpkin festival, Hicks also sought out farm-fresh meat, dairy, produce and doughnuts at these spots.

Bonnie Brae Farms 601 Daniel Webster Hwy., Plymouth bonniebraefarms.com

The Laconia Pumpkin Festival and four local farms to star in an episode of Taylor Hicks’ “State Plate”

BY CASEY MCDERMOTT

S

o, let’s be real. When it comes to any kind of rich culinary identity, New Hampshire doesn’t exactly boast the same kind of storied, symbolic snacks seen in our sister states.

Maine has lobsters and blueberries. Massachusetts, its chowder. Vermont, its maple syrup.

Here? The folks at New Hampshire Public Radio recently embarked on a quest to determine our signature food, only to find that — perhaps appropriately, given our place in the middle of the region — it’s mostly a mishmash of other New England cuisines.

Of course, any local could tell you that what we lack in originality we make up for in quality.

And that’s just what Taylor Hicks (yes, that Taylor Hicks, the 2006 “American Idol” champion) set out to capture when he visited with the crew of his new food-focused roadshow, “State Plate.”

Airing on INSP (formerly The Inspiration Network), each episode showcases a distinctive plate of food from a single state: an appetizer, an entrée,

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two sides and a dessert.

New Hampshire’s episode won’t air until early 2018. While Hicks’ tour took him to an array of local farms, his agenda also included a stop at the Laconia Pumpkin Festival to sample something made from the state fruit. One takeaway from that detour: “I didn’t realize there’s a lot of different varieties in which you can prepare a pumpkin.”

And on the whole, his tour left him enamored with New Hampshire’s tapestry of tiny towns and general stores stocked with stuff grown right down the street.

“It’s truly a farm-to-table state,” says Hicks.

That said, the Birmingham, Alabama, native was also impressed — and surprised — by New Hampshire’s apparent reverence for at least one seemingly ubiquitous deep-fat-fried food.

“I didn’t realize how many doughnut shops there were,” laughs Hicks. “I grew up with a Krispy Kreme around the corner, but you guys take the cake — no pun intended.”

Apple Hill Farm 580 Mountain Rd., Concord applehillfarmnh.com Meadow Ledge Farm 612 Route 129, Loudon meadowledgefarm.com

IN OTHER NEWS: Should you stumble upon any lingering foliage ... “Cash 4 Leaves” caught the attention of Travel + Leisure Magazine for its offer to buy leaves from New Hampshire and other New England residents for $1 apiece. The catch: They have to be downright pristine, and “even the smallest parts with brown will be rejected.”

Manchester’s own Adam Sandler earns rave reviews for new Netflix film: It’s been a while since Sandler’s last turn in the spotlight, but his return as a leading character in family drama “The Meyerowitz Stories” (directed by Noah Baumbach) was praised by The Atlantic as “his best work yet.”

Wondering when to expect those rumored “new” releases from J.D. Salinger? So was The New York Times. The author’s widow divulged only this when reached by a reporter at home in New Hampshire: “I’m sorry, I can’t take this phone call.” Then, the Times says, she hung up.

courtesy phoyos

An American Idol Eats His Way Through NH

Huckins Farm 52 Magoon Rd., New Hampton huckinsfarm.net

POLITICS

Bidding Farewell Carol Shea-Porter was ahead of her time

BY JAMES PINDELL

illustration by peter noonan

N

ot all Democrats were enthralled with Carol Shea-Porter. Republicans vilified her. And everyone else? Well, the latest time a poll asked, only 39 percent of her constituents had a favorable opinion of her.

Yet somehow she kept winning. In fact, she won four times, something no one in her New Hampshire seat has done in a generation.

This fall, Shea-Porter announced that she would not seek re-election next year.

The decision probably means she’s done with the political world for good. With this news, it’s a fitting time to look back at what she meant to Granite State politics.

Love her or hate her, she was an important figure in the state’s political history — both a vanguard and the very embodiment of throwback political values that many thought disappeared from the state.

With her election in 2006, she became the first woman in history to represent the state in Washington. During her campaign that fact may have come up from time to time, but it was never what drove her.

Instead, she was one of the first candidates

in the country in a century to seriously discuss income inequality. She argued that there was a nexus of the rich and the politically connected elite to keep the status quo at the expense of the little guy. She talked about going to Congress to represent the bottom 99 percent of wealth. She said this before the Occupy Wall Street movement existed, and long before Elizabeth Warren ever became a figure with a similar message. Shea-Porter ran a populist campaign a full decade before Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders won their New Hampshire primaries by more than 20 points with similar campaigns.

Shea-Porter was also ahead of her time regarding the deeply polarized politics that has taken over the nation. More than a stateswoman taking a measured approach, she was at heart a liberal activist. She protested President Bush when he came to the Seacoast, and she was ejected from the event. She hounded incumbent Republican US Representative Jeb Bradley at several of his town hall meetings before she decided to challenge him as a candidate. While she could point to bipartisan efforts, she was the

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most fired up when it came to liberal causes.

This strain of activism is, in fact, a throwback to what many believe makes New Hampshire politics great. She was a human being who had passionate views, not some sort of political robot with the best words.

She rebelled against her own party’s establishment, she thought there was too much money in politics, and she valued a vigorous grassroots style of campaigning instead of glossy television ads.

Because of this, she also became susceptible to the state’s yo-yo style of politics. Her wins only happened during strong Democratic years, such as 2006, 2008, 2012 and 2016. She lost in good Republican years.

She passed on running statewide even when there was an open seat for US Senate.

Unlike, say, John Lynch or Judd Gregg, she doesn’t leave New Hampshire politics as some giant to measure against or name buildings after. That said, her style of politics ushered in a new era of partisanship and activism that everyone followed, no matter their party or state. She was 100 percent authentic before the age of political authenticity that most thought began with Barack Obama, two years after she came to the stage.

And six years after she became the first woman to represent New Hampshire in Washington, all the members of the federal delegation were women. NH nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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MYSTERY HISTORY

The now-iconic image of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in the moments prior to the assassination. tk Sullivan is pictured above.

Bill

Assassination Echo Examining NH’s own grassy knoll mystery

BY JEFF WOODBURN

B

ill Sullivan was too controversial to die quietly. As the number three man in the FBI during the turbulent mid-20th century, he collected the nation’s secrets, and when he retired to Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, they came with him. And in November of 1977, they died with him at the hands of young hunter who mistook him for a deer.

His untimely death came just weeks before he was to testify before a Congressional inquiry into the assassination of John F. Kennedy, an investigation that he led.

The event is the most provocative and famous hunting accident in the state’s history. But not everyone agrees that it was an

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accident. Conspiracy theorists “from away” see a web of coincidences and contradictions, while locals familiar with both the men and the circumstances involved see the events of that fateful day as nothing more than a terrible accident caught in a cultural clash.

During the 1970s, New Hampshire lost about a third of its deer population — mostly due to a string of severe winters, but also because of a persistent band of outlaw poachers, out to prove their manliness with a prize buck trophy (or at least something).

These factors only exacerbated a condition known as “buck fever,” a kind of tunnel vision or wishful thinking that leads inex-

perienced hunters to ever-so-rarely mistake humans for their prey.

On the early morning of November 9, Robert Daniels Jr., a Lisbon native and 22-year-old son of a local New Hampshire state trooper, entered a large side yard between two stately summer homes. It was early — probably too early to legally hunt — and dark. The spot was complicated by a the rise of a knoll. Daniels was on one side of the knoll and Sullivan was 241 feet away on the other side.

At around 6 a.m., Daniels saw a motion and raised his rifle. He pressed one eye against the four-point scope and saw what he thought was a deer — or at least something that resembled a deer. “I saw brown,” he said in an affidavit a day after the incident. “I dropped my rifle and saw a flicker of white. I’m not sure what it really was, but I thought it was the flag [of a deer].” He raised his gun again and, he said, “I saw the brown again and I squeezed the trigger.” The gun exploded, breaking the early morning silence. He missed, or so he thought. As he moved toward the location — up and then down an incline — he saw the shadowy figure of “a man lying there.” He rushed toward the disturbing sight and found a man that he knew to be Bill Sullivan.

Daniels tried to revive and then carry Sullivan to his nearby vehicle. Both attempts were unsuccessful, so he rushed to the nearby home of Gary Young, the Sugar Hill police chief, for help. A hysterical Daniels woke the chief in his bedroom. “Through his sobbing and carrying on,” wrote Young in his official report, “I was able to understand him to say, ‘I think I have killed a man,’” and “that it was Bill Sullivan.”

That name meant something — at least to Young and certainly to law enforcement officials. In the close-knit North County, everyone knew everyone, and many of the people involved had personal relationships with both Sullivan and Daniels, at least through his father, also named Robert Daniels, who was a local state police corporal.

Young called the local ambulance, young

courtesy photos

Just before the December issue went to press, a new trove of files on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy was released. As of our deadline, no new earth-shattering revelations had come to light, but it dredged up discussion of conspiracy theories, one of which has roots right here in New Hampshire.

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MYSTERY HISTORY

Sullivan’s so-called “mysterious” death became a common touchstone for JFK conspiracy theorists.

Daniels’ father and the local State Police barracks and then proceeded to the scene of the shooting, where he met the ambulance crew and Corporal Daniels, who took his son home.

As it was immediately deemed a hunting accident, New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officer Richard Dufour was charged with leading the investigation. “I had no idea who he was,” he said when asked recently about the incident. Not until some of the state troopers arrived did he learn that Sullivan was “a big deal with the FBI.” John Tholl, one of those state troopers who assisted in the investigation, said, “When we found out who it was, we paid more attention to it. [We knew] there were going to be rumors.”

The news of Sullivan’s death spread quickly through the national news media.

Prominent gadfly attorney William Kunster, who led the ACLU, called for an investigation of Sullivan’s death, saying, “There was never more of a motive to kill a man.”

Sullivan joined the FBI during World War II, and in 1961 broke into the top ranks.

He became known as “Crazy Billy,” said the New Times magazine a year after his death, “for his maverick style [and because he] had been privy to the FBI’s most sensitive secrets.” As the bureau’s top liberal Democrat, Sullivan ironically ran the counterespionage and domestic intelligence unit that the magazine said “attempted to neutralize the leftist organization with such tactics as infiltration, monitoring of mail, burglaries and illegal bugging.”

As years passed, Sullivan was seemingly being groomed to replace his notorious boss, J. Edgar Hoover, but in 1971, the two had a serious falling out. A year later Hoover was dead, but Sullivan was passed over for the top FBI job.

During his time in Sugar Hill, Sullivan became a well-known figure in the community. While living a rural lifestyle, he was writing a book about his experience in the

FBI, which was published after his death. He was scheduled to testify before a Congressional committee re-examining the assassination of President Kennedy. Adding to the conspiracy theory fever, he was actually one of several witnesses who died shortly before the hearings began.

Sullivan’s so-called “mysterious” death became a common touchstone for JFK conspiracy theorists, most notably, Jim Marrs’ best-selling book, “Crossfire,” which became the basis of Oliver Stone’s movie, “JFK.” But even more mainstream journalists, such as Robert Novak in his 2007 memoir, “The Prince of Darkness,” added to the conspiracy notion by relating conversation with Sullivan in 1972. Novak wrote, “[Sullivan] told me someday I probably would read about his death in some kind of accident, but not to believe it. It would be murder.”

The controversy even made its way into “Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader,” a collection of odd stories and anecdotes.

At first blush, the one-page report explaining the incident seems wholly inadequate by today’s high-tech investigative culture, rooted in DNA and CSI. But none of this existed 36 years ago, and certainly not in the rural North Country. Several websites mock the investigation — especially the cozy relationship between the elder Daniels and local law enforcement officers and specifically wonder why young Daniels was released into his father’s custody. They also wonder about how the case could have been resolved in just 10 days, and why it was handled by conservation, not law enforcement officers. There also seem to be simple discrepancies between what Sullivan was wearing and what was gathered at the scene.

“We weren’t trained for that kind of investigation,” said lead investigator Dufour more recently. “We investigated hunting accidents” and those were very rare, he added.

In his 20 years with Fish and Game, Dufour said he investigated just three or four shooting incidents — and only two were fatal, and

interestingly both occurred in Sugar Hill.

Still, Dufour has had time to think about the incident. He’s quick to deflect many of the criticisms but questions remain. “The odd thing about it,” he says, “is that he was hit in the right shoulder blade and [the bullet] exited through his neck.”

This may be — at least partially — explained by the terrain and the angle and trajectory of the bullet — Daniels was shooting across the knoll and may have fixed his sight on the top of Sullivan’s head, which was adorned with a “dark brown toque hat” and contrasted with his white face. Could Daniels’ bullet have skidded across the ground of the hill and then hit a rock and ricocheted in an upward motion? Other questions have come up over the years. Was there another shooter in the woods? Was Sullivan’s dead body brought to this spot?

Critics like Kunster questioned how someone at this distance with a high-powered scope could confuse a man for a deer, but this misses several factors, Dufour says, including a “buck fever” induced state of mind, and that the “scope magnified the light” of Sullivan’s face against the brown of his hat. But the bottom line, he says, “[at that hour] it was too damn dark to know what you’re shooting at.”

“I always wondered,” Dufour says. “I was the lead investigator. There are still questions in my mind — I just don’t know.” NH

About the Author

Jeff Woodburn is a freelance writer, teacher and child advocate. When he’s not writing, he leads a state council for children with chronic health conditions.

Once prominent in state politics, he sold his award-winning historic real estate firm and returned home to the North Country where he enjoys and writes about the wonders of rural life. nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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ARTISAN

courtesy photos

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Prices range from $50 to $595 for stock work from 3 1/2 by 5 inches to 11 by 16 inches.

Shown here: Santa’s Magical Toys, 5 by 6 inches, $85. Contains 60 pieces. Two of the pieces are Beffa-Negrini’s “foolish figurals” — a candle and Santa in his sleigh.

Puzzle Master

Fitting in all the pieces can be charming or challenging

BY SUSAN LAUGHLIN

I

f your idea of relaxation is fitting together the pieces of a puzzle, then one of artisan David Beffa-Negrini handcrafted puzzles will make your pastime all the more special.

At his Fool’s Gold Puzzles in Harrisville, Beffa-Negrini starts with 1/4-inch basswood, backed with a mahogany veneer. The veneer insures that both sides look good.

After dry-mounting an image of a painting or photograph, he uses a scroll saw — much like a quilter would use a sewing machine to top quilt. He turns the wood in a freehand manner to cut puzzle pieces in a variety of sizes using a very fine .0007 blade.

To create a custom puzzle or just to add a

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bit of whimsy, Beffa-Negrini can cut words (or “foolish figurals,” as he calls them) into the pattern. Puzzle dimensions vary from 4 by 6 inches to 36 by 48 inches, while the pieces range in size to create puzzles in a range of difficulty, from relatively simple to deeply complex. After finishing with the scroll saw, the pieces are sanded, rubbed with tung oil and lastly given an additional coat of paste wax. The pieces are then tucked into a soft gold lamé pouch and packaged inside a custom black box with a gold jester on the lid. The jester is the Fool’s Gold signature, and it actually fits into the puzzle.

Beffa-Negrini signs and numbers that piece, saying that it’s a way to identify the puzzle

maker should the box be misplaced. These puzzles are collector’s items, and you won’t find them at the Goodwill store along with the cardboard variety.

To add an additional layer of difficulty, an image of the finished puzzle isn’t included.

Also, tricks are employed to fool the assembler, such as disguising the edge or corners, cutting between two colors, adding voids and using irregular edges.

Stock images include reproductions of work by local artists, including Marianne Stillwagon, Fred Parsons, Victoria Elbroch and Bob Askey. They are available is a variety of sizes.

Custom and corporate work is accepted, so a favorite family photo or meaningful image can be transformed into a puzzle for about $2 per piece. Fool’s Gold puzzles are available at many League of New Hampshire Craftmen’s shops and Exeter Fine Crafts. Orders are also fulfilled online at foolsgoldpuzzles.com. NH

Find It

David Beffa-Negrini, Fool’s Gold Puzzles (603) 827-9825, Harrisville foolsgoldpuzzles.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FACES OF

NEW HAMPSHIRE DECEMBER 2017

Everyone should know the FACES OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.

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THE FACES OF VEIN HEALTH PATRICIA FUREY, MD, FACS YVON BARIBEAU, MD, FACS CATHOLIC MEDICAL CENTER The cardiovascular system is a network of veins and arteries that connect your heart to every point in your body. Thoracic and vascular surgeon Yvon Baribeau, MD, FACS and vascular surgeon Patricia Furey, MD, FACS, are the faces of the new CMC Vein & Vascular Specialists, opening this spring. This state-of-the-art center is dedicated to promoting, restoring and maintaining vascular wellness. From treating varicose and spider veins to addressing vascular disease and conditions, these board-certified surgeons bring decades of knowledge and surgical expertise to a convenient, outpatient location on South River Road in Bedford.

Applying the latest technologies and techniques to address vein and vascular conditions, Dr. Baribeau and Dr. Furey help patients feel, look and be their best.

100 MCGREGOR STREET, MANCHESTER, NH 03102 ■ WWW.CATHOLICMEDICALCENTER.ORG PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

THE FACE OF CULINARY EXCELLENCE

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ANGELINA JACOBS CABONNAY Chef Angelina Jacobs creates worldly flavors rooted in New England tradition. A native of the area from a long line of fisherman, she grew up in an Italian household, cooking with her family from an early age. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in hospitality business from Southern New Hampshire University. Prior to joining the Cabonnay team, she was the sous chef under a James Beard awarded-chef at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Boston. She uses a number of techniques including French, and her travels to Thailand added Thai flavors to her repertoire.

Though she is well versed in a variety of cuisines, she’s always been in touch with nature, working on farms and in gardens her whole life. As a result, she is inspired by farm-to-table cuisine.

A lifelong New Englander, she is able to use all the ingredients that the land and sea provide, and she hopes to share her passion of simple but flavorful cuisine with her guests.

55 BRIDGE STREET MANCHESTER, NH 03101 WWW.CABONNAY.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

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THE FACE OF HERITAGE INDUSTRY ADAM NUDD-HOMEYER TAPPAN CHAIRS The lore of crafting Tappan Chairs has been handed down in Sandwich, New Hampshire, for nearly two centuries — since 1819, to be exact. A member of the League of NH Craftsmen, Adam Nudd- Homeyer is the seventh generation steward of this tradition. “For me, the most amazing part of this is the sense of being connected to a bigger story — whether that’s using equipment that dates as far back as the 1850s, or using patterns that were in some cases used over a century ago,” says Nudd-Homeyer. “It makes you feel like there’s a soul in every piece you make, and that soul is the spirit of our community, which has kept this business alive for 198 years. As we look to the future, it is now tasked to me to make sure that this historic undertaking continues to thrive for future generations in our town.”

331 WENTWORTH HILL ROAD, SANDWICH, NH 03227 ■ WWW.TAPPANCHAIRS.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

FACES OF

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THE FACES OF WATER TREATMENT CHRISTINE FLETCHER SECONDWIND WATER SYSTEMS. INC. The safety of our drinking water is of increasing concern in the region and across the country. Secondwind Water Systems, with its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, has almost 30 years of experience in treating the region’s top water health issues including arsenic, radon, bacteria and emerging contaminants such as PFOA. Seventy percent of New Hampshire’s Water Quality Association-certified water specialists work for Secondwind Water. They treat the area’s most common water problems such as hard water, staining and odor, bad taste, fluoride and so much more. Secondwind Water also specializes in commercial applications, serving hospitals, surgical centers, breweries and manufacturing plants as well as public water systems. Personalized, reputable service ensures clean, safe, great-tasting water for your home or business.

735 EAST INDUSTRIAL DRIVE, MANCHESTER, NH 03109 ■ WWW.SECONDWINDWATER.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

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THE FACES OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT GUS AND BART FROMUTH FREEDOM ENERGY LOGISTICS, LLC Freedom Energy Logistics continues to make headlines as innovators in New England’s energy market. Pioneering the “Direct-to-Grid” movement, they have brought numerous clients to source wholesale energy direct from the ISO NE Pool or via similarly innovative solutions. Many of New England’s largest commercial and industrial consumers of electricity and natural gas rely on Freedom Energy Logistics for their consulting and procurement strategies.

From municipalities securing fixed energy rates to large manufacturers on self-supply, the clients of Freedom Energy Logistics depend on their expertise, experience and buying power. In this highly volatile and commoditized industry, the Freedom Energy Logistics team takes pride in educating their clients and reducing utility overhead.

5 DARTMOUTH DRIVE, AUBURN, NH 03032 ■ WWW.FELPOWER.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

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THE FACE OF NON-SURGICAL AESTHETICS DR. LISA VUICH RENEW MEDISPA Dr. Lisa Vuich is a graduate of Tufts University (1988) and Tufts University School of Medicine (1992). She opened Renew MediSpa in 2006, and has worked steadily since then to ensure that Renew MediSpa remains at the cutting edge of the latest advancements in non surgical aesthetics. She is a nationally recognized injector, a member of numerous aesthetic organizations and an instructor for the American Cosmetic Cellular Medicine Association. She is board certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine, and regularly instructs physicians and other providers on injection technique, platelet rich plasma therapies and other aesthetic procedures through the Renew MediSpa Training Institute. Her focus on both the artistry and science of aesthetics has positioned Renew MediSpa as the regional industry leader in the field.

29 INDIAN ROCK ROAD, WINDHAM, NH 03087 ■ WWW.RENEWMEDISPA.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON SLIVIAK

FACES OF

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THE FACES OF KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN NINA HACKEL DREAM KITCHENS It is easy to understand why DREAM KITCHENS has won over 200 awards for kitchen and bath remodeling. Their kitchen and bath remodels are completely customized to the client and are a true design experience. Their designers are constantly keeping an eye out for new and interesting ways to store things so that countertops are completely clear, and they guarantee that your kitchen and bath will have at least 30% more storage. The design team works closely with you and will present you with at least three different options. After each design concept is discussed, you will choose the aspects you love from each one, and from there your design will take shape. The next step is to think of how to personalize your new space. At Dream Kitchens, they know how important it is that your newly designed space reflects your personality. When the project is completed, you will enjoy a beautiful kitchen and bath that has been customized for efficient storage and which reflects your personal taste.

The Dream Kitchens team aims to provide you with a great remodel experience and results you can be proud of.

139 DANIEL WEBSTER HIGHWAY, NASHUA, NH 03060 â– WWW.ADREAMKITCHEN.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW LOMANNO

FACES OF

NEW HAMPSHIRE 2017

THE FACE OF INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP EMSHIKA ALBERINI As the founder of Chang Thai Café and Chaiwan Enterprise, LLC, Littleton serial entrepreneur Emshika Alberini has multiple passions. After relocating to the US in the early 2000s and earning a master’s degree in organizational management, she spent a few years working in the corporate world before moving to Littleton in 2008 to open her award-winning Chang Thai Café.

A number of other honors soon followed, including the presentation by Gov. Maggie Hassan of the Most Intriguing Woman Business Leader award at the Business NH Magazine Ultimate Biz Bash 2016. In addition to overseeing the restaurant, Emshika also founded real estate holdings company, Chaiwan Enterprise, and purchased a building on Littleton’s Main Street that houses a number of other local businesses as well. Not done yet, Emshika is launching her own line of food and beverages, which is coming soon to New England and New York City. On top of it all, she thrives on working with start-up companies as both an advisor and investor. Constantly moving forward, she is always learning, growing and improving, keeping each day new and exciting.

WWW.EMSHIKA.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

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NEW HAMPSHIRE 2017

THE FACE OF INFORMATION SECURITY CAM SHILLING MCLANE MIDDLETON Confidence and clarity are critical when one stands at the intersection of technology, business, and the law. As Chair of McLane Middleton’s Privacy and Information Security Group, Cam Shilling has the insight, the determination, and the experience that businesses and individuals so dearly need today to visualize and navigate the roadway to information security, as well as the steady hand essential for steering clients through the crisis of a breach. As a consequence of his longtime dedication to this industry, Cam’s influence and impact have been felt deeply throughout New Hampshire, northern New England and beyond. A broad range of private and public organizations – banks and credit unions, medical and dental providers, financial and investment advisors, independent schools, law firms, accountants, other professionals, retailers, manufacturers, state and local municipal entities and many other types of businesses – all trust Cam to help them design, implement and maintain their information security programs.

NEW HAMPSHIRE AND MASSACHUSETTS WWW.MCLANE.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FACES OF

NEW HAMPSHIRE 2017

THE FACE OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT NICHOLE RAFTOPOULOS CFP® CDFA™, AIF®, MPAS NVEST FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Nvest Financial Group, LLC (Nvest) is an independent boutique wealth management firm working with financially established individuals and families throughout New England.

The Nvest team of professionals is dedicated to serving clients who demand an unparalleled experience and exclusive personal attention. Nvest prides itself on simplifying the complexities of the financial world in helping clients meet their personal needs and goals.

They consider each situation a unique relationship and not just a portfolio balance. Nvest’s goal is to help bring clarity to your vision. Nvest Financial Group has created a kind of place where each employee, themselves, would want to be a client. This dedication and expertise has helped the firm’s President, Nichole Raftopoulos, in being named one of “Forbes’ America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors for 2017.” Mrs. Raftopoulos also has been awarded by Five Star Professional as top Wealth Manager for 2017 and Nvest recently became a CEFEX®-certified firm.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS WWW.NVESTFINANCIAL.COM

Securities offered thru Commonwealth Financial Network; Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services maybe offered thru Commonwealth Financial Network, a Registered Investment Adviser and/or Nvest Financial Group, a Maine and New Hampshire licensed Investment Adviser. Advisory Services, Fixed Insurance Products and Services offered by Nvest Financial Group, LLC are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth. The ranking of Forbes' Top Wealth Advisors(1) (Top Women Advisors) is based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative criteria, including a minimum of seven years of experience, a minimum of $1 million in production, and the weighing of factors including revenue trends, AUM, compliance records, industry experience, and best practices (gathered through telephone and in-person due-diligence interviews). Shook Research also employs an opinion-based weighting system that prioritizes its preferred “best practices,” which include business models, activities, processes, and structure. Overall, 2,723 advisors were considered, and 200 (7.3 percent of candidates) were recognized. For the full methodology(2) that Forbes developed in partnership with SHOOK Research, please visit: http://bit.ly/forbesmethodology. Based on 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria, including a minimum of 5 years as an active credentialed financial professional, favorable regulatory and complaint history, accepts new clients, client retention rates, client assets administered, education, and professional designations. 739 New Hampshire wealth managers were considered for the award; 104 (14 percent of candidates) were named 2017 Five Star Professionals. (The criteria provided reflects the most recent year for which advisor received the award. The criteria used, the number of wealth managers considered for the award, and the percentage of those who receive the award, may vary from year to year). These awards are not indicative of the wealth managers' future performance. Your experiences may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.

FACES OF

NEW HAMPSHIRE 2017

THE FACES OF ORTHODONTICS DR. WILLIAM MEHAN & DR. PAUL JOHNSON III MEHAN AND JOHNSON ORTHODONTICS Since opening his orthodontic practice in 1977, Dr. William Mehan has been a fixture of the southern New Hampshire dental community, saying that, “It’s an honor and privilege to have helped so many people achieve healthy and beautiful smiles.” Dr. Paul Johnson III joined the Manchester orthodontic practice in April 2013, bringing with him a drive for excellence, beautiful smiles and happy patients. Known for his affable, down-to-earth southern nature and gentle care, Dr. Johnson’s “greatest pride is becoming part of a great family in and out of the office, with wonderful patients, friends and colleagues in the Greater Manchester community.” Dr. Johnson is currently serving as president of the Greater Manchester Dental Society and president of the New Hampshire Association of Orthodontists.

113 MAMMOTH ROAD, MANCHESTER, NH 03109 WWW.NHORTHODONTICS.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW LOMANO

THE FACE OF CONCIERGE MEDICAL AESTHETICS ERICKA MCCARRON,RN OWNER & PRESIDENT ABOUT FACE MEDICAL AESTHETICS Ericka cares deeply about providing clients with an exceptional experience that they won’t find elsewhere. An expert injector of neurotoxins and dermal fillers, Ericka has over a decade of experience in the field of aesthetic nursing. With her masterful articulation of beauty and science, refined touch and keen eye, it’s no wonder clients are drawn to her practice. Ericka leads a talented team that offers a broad portfolio of innovative non-surgical services, including facial rejuvenation, fat reduction and body contouring, anti-aging skin renewal and hair restoration. Through creating highly customized treatment plans with a commitment to building long lasting relationships, her team’s goal is for clients to walk out the door every day with confidence in themselves and their appearance.

64 PORTSMOUTH AVE STRATHAM, NH 03885 WWW.MYABOUTFACE.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

FACES OF

NEW HAMPSHIRE 2017

FACES OF

NEW HAMPSHIRE 2017

THE FACE OF HEALTH CARE JOANNE M. CONROY, CEO AND PRESIDENT DARTMOUTH-HITCHCOCK Dr. Joanne M. Conroy entered as the second chief executive officer and president of Dartmouth-Hitchcock in August 2017, becoming the first female leader of the largest health system in New Hampshire. Dr. Conroy comes to Dartmouth-Hitchcock from Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts, where she served as CEO. Her career also includes leadership positions at the Medical University of South Carolina, Atlantic Health System and the American Association of Medical Colleges. She is a 1977 graduate of Dartmouth College and received her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Conroy sees a bright future for Dartmouth-Hitchcock and health care for the region in general. “Dartmouth-Hitchcock really can be a formidable, integrated health system in New Hampshire and southern Vermont,” she says. “There is no other organization that is delivering care the way we do. There has been incredible change in our health care environment the last few years – locally, regionally and nationally. This is the right time as an organization to concentrate on the elements of our core mission – to focus on patient care, research, education and community outreach. Now is a great time for Dartmouth-Hitchcock to redefine ourselves for the future.”

ONE MEDICAL CENTER DRIVE LEBANON, NH 03756 WWW.DARTMOUTH-HITCHCOCK.ORG

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

FACES OF

NEW HAMPSHIRE 2017

THE FACES OF DENTAL IMPLANT EXPERTS NADER MOAVENIAN, DDS & CAMERON BRAASCH, DMD NH ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY We are committed to providing safe and compassionate care to our patients. As the leading experts in dental implants and wisdom teeth in Nashua and Salem, we now offer a state-of-the-art facility at the Elliot Medical Office building in Manchester.

Our early adoption of 3D digital imaging and computer aided planning software allows us to reduce the number of appointments and treatment time needed for dental implants. We can often place dental implants at the time a non-savable tooth is removed.

We pride ourselves on availability and are always happy to accept new patients. Oral surgery problems are often urgent, and we go the extra mile to accommodate emergencies. We are also certified to provide your choice of local or general anesthesia.

Drs. Moavenian and Braasch are Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and on staff at hospitals in Nashua and Manchester.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS â– WWW.NHOMS.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

FACES OF

NEW HAMPSHIRE 2017

THE FACES OF TODAY’S DISABILITIES LEADERSHIP TEAM EASTERSEALS NEW HAMPSHIRE Easterseals has been part of the New Hampshire community for more than 80 years. We recently completed a massive renovation of our headquarters in Manchester, New Hampshire, that allows us to offer the state’s largest array of services under one roof for children, adults and seniors with disabilities and special needs. We’re excited about these changes and how they will allow us to open doors to independence for the people we serve. Our 12 core programs and services include child development centers and the Family Resource Center, early support and services, autism services, residential and educational services, special transit services, camps and recreation, community based services, workforce development, military and veterans services, senior services, substance abuse treatment and oral health services. Easterseals NH employs more than 1,400 individuals serving more than 25,000 clients statewide. We believe all people, regardless of ability, can live a life of their choosing.

555 AUBURN STREET, MANCHESTER, NH 03103 ■ WWW.EASTERSEALS.COM/NH PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN W. HESSION

FACES OF

NEW HAMPSHIRE 2017

THE FACES OF FIREARM SAFETY & EDUCATION TERRYANN & JAKE BOWEN MANCHESTER FIRING LINE When you see TerryAnn on the range with her hot pink Glock 19, you would never know that just a short while ago she’d never fired a handgun. She and Jake combined their business expertise along with TerryAnn’s insights as a novice to craft programs ideal for true beginners. TerryAnn and Jake handpicked the personal instructors who work at Manchester Firing Line. They not only want to offer you the best service, they tried it themselves to be certain it’s the best. Although Manchester Firing Line is a fun, family friendly place to visit, the true vision is to educate and raise awareness of firearms and the responsibility that comes with owning them. Come gain experience, and leave with an enlightened opinion about firearms. Manchester Firing Line is much more than just a place to shoot.

2540 BROWN AVE, MANCHESTER, NH 03103 ■ WWW.GUNSNH.COM PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDAL J. BUSH

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Bus-King Photo and transcription by Kendal J. Bush

Tristan Kline is a merry millennial in the midst of turning a school bus into a traveling tiny home. Kline confesses to playing an “absurd instrument” for tips — the Brits call it “busking” — as a way to earn cash. For now, he calls Wilton, New Hampshire, home. He’s got talent, determination, a vision for unencumbered living, and he’s given himself a year to literally get his busking, bus king show on the road.

The accordion was an impulse buy. I was 16 and in the car with my mom. We drove past a second-hand music store and I just had this bug to see if they had an accordion. I was embarrassed to ask my mom to pull over, but I did.

I had just stopped taking clarinet lessons because it was too rigid.

When I started accordion, my approach was to find songs I liked and play them. I learned the basics from YouTube.

What I like about the accordion is that it’s kind of a one-man band in an instrument.

It allows you to be much louder than one person should be.

And it’s on your chest, so you feel the vibrations on your body when you perform. I like feeling the rumble of the low notes.

The accordion has established itself as part of the musical identity of many cultures such as Mexico, Germany and Poland.

Busking is kind of like fishing. Sometimes you are out there all day and you don’t get anything, and some days you get an unexpected big fish.

My mom is French, and I grew up with French music in the home. I heard this sound all the time. I liked the power of the accordion sound.

The accordion itself is heavy and it hurts my hands, so I usually set a goal for myself for the day. Once I meet that goal, in either time or money, I just go.

The most requested song is “Lady of Spain.” When people see the accordion, they think of the Lawrence Welk show. I’ve refused to learn how to play that song, although I do love Lawrence Welk.

I have a set routine, but I’ll adjust depending on the people I see. If I see nerds, I’ll immediately start playing theme songs or video game songs.

The second most requested song is the “Game of Thrones” theme song, but only after they’ve heard me play it.

Kline’s Busking Basics: Go to the biggest city nearby, and look for an event or a shopping center with a public space. Find a place where you can fit in with the passersby who want to be there, and not be a pain for people who have to be there. Faster, louder, happier songs folks are familiar with will hook people, then throw in something that is more emotive. When you finish a song, it has to have an epic ending. That’s when you really have to sell the donations.

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the

l ist

New Hampshire’s people of the year rarely toot their own horns, but they usually do march to the beat of a different drummer.

Or sometimes they ARE the different drummers (like these guys).

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Justin Spencer and Ryan Vezina of “Chaos and Kindness� (and Recycled Percussion bandmates). See next page for their profile. nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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Alan Chong NOW MUSEUM

The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester is a point of pride for New Hampshire. This internationally renowned cultural gem is home to works of art by European and American artists, including giants such as Monet, Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe and Andrew Wyeth. Don’t get us wrong, that’s reason enough to visit, but the Currier’s new director and CEO, Alan Chong, wants it to be something more — a community center of sorts, where people gather to, yes, experience art, but to also have fun while doing so. Case in point was the recent Moulin Rouge event, replete with can-can dancers, aerial performers, fire throwing (don’t worry, that took place outside), dancing, music and food. It was all to celebrate the exhibit “The Paris of Toulouse-Lautrec.” There’s something for everyone here — the Currier After Hours series (past events include craft beer tastings and holiday fairs) that feature local musicians, the always-popular jazz brunches, art classes and workshops, family programs such as Storytime in the Gallery and so much more. It’s all aimed at making the museum accessible to everyone — you don’t need a degree in art history to enjoy what’s happening at the Currier.

PHOTO BY MATTHEW LOMANNO

Chaos and Kindness POSITIVE POWER BROKERS

Bad news seems to have become the norm for America, even in the entertainment industry. Justin Spencer of famed junk-rock quartet Recycled Percussion thinks he knows why: If you want some good news, you’ve got to go out and make it yourself.

That’s what he and his merry band have been doing for the last year in their travels around the country, always returning to their home state of New Hampshire, taking time along the way to delight fans with benefits and fundraisers for local causes. It’s been 22 years since the founding of Recycled Percussion and the band just keeps getting bigger in terms of following and vision. “What other band can say that?” asks Spencer. And while the unique path of RP from a Goffstown High School talent show to a residency on the Las Vegas Strip may have been unpredictable, the constant has always been the unquenchable energy of Spencer and his bandmates. Notable among those is Spencer’s cousin Ryan Vezina, who is his production partner for “Chaos and Kindness,” a half-hour, independently produced TV show that has been airing monthly on WMUR Channel 9. The show is a hit (and just renewed for 20 more episodes) because it reveals just how much fun you can have doing good deeds for others. Plans are underway to take the show on the road to other states and maybe a few other countries, like Africa and Central America, where an infectious dose of “Chaos and Kindness” could go a long way to putting bad news on the run.

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Flowers for a fan while filming episode 5 in Franklin

Episode 3 of “Chaos and Kindness” treated a couple of sweet seniors to a black-tie gala renewal-of-vows party.

photo by michael sterling

Maggie Wallace | Nancy Phillips | Jasmine Inglesmith 404 NO MORE

Last fall, we asked writer and photographer team Maggie Wallace and Jasmine Inglesmith to take on a difficult task — produce a story on youth homelessness. With the help of Child and Family Services, Wallace and Inglesmith met with teens in Manchester, learning about their experiences, struggles, hopes and dreams. Instead of a dry story filled with statistics and quotes from officials, they created a window into youth homelessness through the eyes of kids living that reality.

The story was January 2017’s “Cold Comfort,” and for Wallace and Inglesmith, it could have ended in the pages of New Hampshire Magazine. Instead, they went on to create the film “404 Not Found,” which debuted in October at the New Hampshire Film Festival. After reading “Cold Comfort,” Nancy Philips, who would become the producer, called Wallace and Inglesmith about creating a small video. From that first meeting, the project evolved into a full-scale documentary, with Wallace as the screenwriter and Inglesmith directing. The hope, says Wallace, is that people will be inspired to “reach out to local organizations and officials, as well as recognize and engage with those young adults in their own community who are living a life ‘not found.’”

Above from left: Maggie Wallace, Nancy Phillips and Jasmine Inglesmith at the New Hampshire Film Festival

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Col. Kevin Jordan of New Hampshire Fish and Game. At right are scenes from “North Woods Law: New Hampshire.”

FRIENDS OF THE FOREST

New Hampshire is known for its lush forests, rugged mountains and beautiful scenery, but it also might become known for its hit series, “North Woods Law: New Hampshire.” The stars of this Animal Planet show are New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officers. Viewers follow along as the officers go about their duties, which range from enforcing wildlife and fisheries laws to search-and-rescue operations and responding to public calls.

The department hopes that they can show the public the diverse nature of the job that officers and biologists do, while highlighting the complexities. “This program illustrates the challenges that our officers face while on the job, the variety of things they are asked to do and the limited resources they have to do it,” says Col. Kevin Jordan, chief of New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement (pictured above). “Our department is excited to have the opportunity to highlight some of the talent on our staff and give them the credit that they deserve.”

It has received positive feedback, and the officers in the show have even been recognized outside of the Sunday Animal Planet episodes. Whether officers are saving sick loons, dealing with illegal bobcat trappers or even climbing into the treetops to deal with an aggressive hawk, they are heroes working tirelessly to serve and protect the Granite State.

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NH Fish and Game

Martha Madsen

Since November 2016, citizens across New Hampshire have been more divided than ever when it comes to civics-related issues, and many feel as though their voices don’t matter. Enter Martha Madsen, who is here to change that. Madsen is the president of the NH Institute for Civics Education, an organization that is dedicated to reinvigorating the teaching of civics in New Hampshire. She aims to improve civics education through a professional development program for teachers from K-12 grades, and by sharing high-quality curriculums, which are based on current best practices. Whether it is engaging people at public events or offering free training and workshops to educators, the NHICE has its sights set on making the state first in the nation in citizenship preparation.

CIVICS SERVANT Madsen and others involved in the institute believe that the power of collaboration and connection is one of the driving forces behind the resurgence of civics education. “I have become a hub of connection and a connector of people interested in civic knowledge,” says Madsen. “People in New Hampshire are actively looking for ways to make civics relevant today.” Madsen, along with other board members, look to lawyers, teachers and other community members to raise the topic in their local schools and districts. “I encourage educators of all kinds to gain training and confidence in facilitating those controversial conversations in their classrooms,” she says. “We need to teach our students how to discuss, agree and disagree with civility.”

PHOTO BY JARED CHARNEY

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THE USUAL SUSPECTS

Some It Listers are perennial in the power and influence of their works. Here are a few names that appear on our list so regularly that they deserve their own category.

Dean Kamen

Dean Kamen has long lamented the fact that American fame tends to be lavished upon sports and film stars, while most high school students are hard-pressed to name more than a couple of the stars of science and engineering. Now, thanks to the success of his FIRST Robotics series and the over-hyping of his sometimes mocked (but still pretty darn cool) invention, the Segway, a substantial number of high school students have his name handy when that question comes up. But in New Hampshire, we know Kamen as not only a technical whiz, but also a visionary for the real estate where he has built his company DEKA Research and Development. Under his influence, the Manchester Millyard has transformed into a true tech magnet for other companies on the leading edge of science, and it was Kamen’s impact that turned the key on the Millyard’s latest asset, the new BioFabUSA, which operates under the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI). To put it (very) simply, the mission is to create engineered tissue and organs to help injured soldiers.

Dan Brown

Calling him Dan Brown of Rye, New Hampshire, makes him sound a bit provincial. After all, he’s world famous for his books like “The Da Vinci Code,” “Angels and Demons” and “Inferno” (and the successful Hollywood franchise that they spawned). But like his lead character, Robert Langdon, Brown at heart is just an adventurous academic. Unlike the world-ranging Langdon, Brown has clung pretty tightly to his home turf. He was born at Exeter Hospital and taught at Phillips Exeter Academy where his father was a professor for nearly 30 years. His early fascination with puzzles (encouraged by his parents) could explain why he has made the unraveling of historical and cosmic riddles into a personal literary mission. He’s stirred up plenty of controversy over the years with the focus of his unravelings, and that’s certain to be the case again with his latest book, “Origin,” in which Langdon perilously navigates the evolutionary-creationist debate and the question of how the questing, puzzle-solving mind itself came into being. As the debate about artificial intelligence becomes less academic and more practical (and controversial), a look back at the origins of real intelligence is more vital and relevant than ever.

The remarkable span and scope of the documentaries of Ken Burns’ Florentine Films have created a film-based encyclopedia of American history. Within these visual volumes there are high and low points, one-offs and epics. Add to the list of masterpieces crafted by Burns and his associates the September release of “The Vietnam War.” It’s his latest collaboration with documentary historian Lynn Novick (she won an Emmy for producing Burns’ nine-part series, “Baseball”) and fills 18 hours with intensely watchable and challenging reporting about the military conflict that redefined America’s notions of war and reshaped the country’s self-image.

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Ken Burns

Mary Jo Brown photo courtesy new hampshire humanities

NO CAN’T DO

“Isn’t the word ‘can’t’ an incredible invitation?” asks Mary Jo Brown. The owner of two successful businesses, catalyst and chair for the NH Women’s Foundation, and a board member of the NH Charitable Foundation, Brown also finds the time to be a single mom, a professional photographer and an unflappable source of optimism.

Her design company’s local handiwork appears on Moat Mountain beer and The Music Hall, and perhaps most recognizably in the famous logo and branding for Planet Fitness — that’s right, the big, yellow thumbs-up — but Brown & Company Design also donates design services at reduced rates to nonprofits such as CASA and New Hampshire Humanities. “I believe that business can be a force for good,” says Brown. She has taken this philosophy to heart, creating a legacy of philanthropy throughout her career. Most notably, as chair of the Women’s Initiative, she spearheaded mergers in 2012 and 2014 that unified five major women’s groups into one umbrella organization, the NH Women’s Foundation, to focus on research, education, advocacy and grant-making services for the women and girls of New Hampshire.

What’s her secret to success? “I succeeded because I was persistent and patient,” says Brown. “There is no replacement for simply doing lots of work ... Raw talent exists, but refined talent is critical.” It’s hard work, Brown says, that wears down the ‘can’t.’

Deborah Watrous HUMANITY BEING

She started as a staff member for the NH Humanities Council 22 years ago, eventually taking over as director in 2004.

Since then, the council, long a key player in the state’s cultural fabric, has distinguished and updated itself, tackling the big issues of the past decade with a remarkable blend of passion and sanity.

That blend is a pretty good description of the role that the humanities can play in modern life, where too often even our virtues are played against one another to lure eyeballs or encourage click-throughs. This year, she’s leaving the recently renamed and beautifully rebranded NH Humanities organization to work for FoodCorps in Boston. At the NH Humanities’ annual dinner in October, she was recognized with a standing ovation and a keepsake box from the League of NH Craftsmen. She downplayed any special gifts that might be responsible for the successful years behind her, claiming only the charm of knowing how to hire a great staff, all longtime colleagues and friends. That core group of fellow humanitarians, or “humans” as they call one another, are perhaps Watrous’ most important contribution, carrying on for NH as she moves on to new challenges.

PHOTO BY CHERYL SENTER

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OUR COMEDY DELEGATION

There’s something funny in the water around Manchester: That might explain why three of the country’s premier comic voices all grew up in and around our Queen City. And in our stressed-out and anxiety-ridden age, providing a good laugh is almost equal to a public health program. Recent studies indicate that laughter, while maybe not the best medicine, does have real benefits to the heart, the immune system and the brain, boosting creativity and recall. Here’s an update on how our at-large humor therapists are doing.

Seth Meyers

The former head writer for “Saturday Night Live” made the transition to host of NBC’s “Late Night” back in 2014, which gave him a couple of years to get ready for his current role as late-night foil and comic steam valve to the Trump presidency. The contrast between the hyper-rational and bemused Meyers and the histrionics of President Trump’s supporters and detractors sets him apart so much that Pastemagazine.com declared Meyers to be the true heir to the former prince of political satire, Jon Stewart of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.”

Sarah Silverman

She cut her comic acting teeth here in the Granite State.

Among other local roles, she played an orphan in a production of “Annie” by the Concord Community Players back in the early 1980s. She made her name in stand-up for her decidedly frank and specific takes on body parts and functions along with the human foibles they generate. Recently she’s been gaining fame as a serious actress in films like this year’s “The Book of Henry” and “Battle of the Sexes,” but is still keeping fans laughing with her Netflix comedy special, “Sarah Silverman: Speck of Dust” and Hulu series “I Love You, America.”

The only film mogul ever to emerge from the Granite State just has to be one of the most beloved and reviled (often simultaneously) comic filmmakers since Jerry Lewis. He’s frequently denounced for formulaically infantile movies filled with unflattering stereotypes. Less frequently, but just as passionately, he’s lauded for his Oscar-worthy performances in serious films like his latest “The Meyerowitz Stories,” which premiered at Cannes and was given rapturous reviews. When asked by USA Today what he thought of the four-minute standing ovation that followed the screening, Sandler remarked, “Who times those things anyway? Why not just say five?”

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Adam Sandler

Robert Azzi

photo by peter biello, courtesy nhpr

MUSLIM ANSWER MAN

Robert Azzi, advisor to Tufts Fletcher School on Islam and leadership council member for the Harvard Divinity School, is proud of his Lebanese-American heritage, but he was born in Manchester and attended the Congregational Church and Sunday school. Then, while spending time in the Middle East in the early 1970s surrounded by Muslim friends and families, he came to appreciate the dignity of Islamic life and the respect Muslims he met held for all people. There was daily prayer and no need for an intermediary, priest or bishop to relate personally to the Creator. After a while he read the Koran and found it “beautiful and revealing in its repeated message of faith and mercy and justice and forgiveness,” says Azzi.

So he converted. Now those early experiences form the outline for a series of town hall meetings titled “Ask a Muslim Anything,” in which he opens his heart and mind to all comers and all questions. As a result of stories on WBUR and National Public Radio, word of his sessions has spread far. Recently a reporter from an Austrian newspaper traveled to interview him. He says that while some questioners come with “a sheaf of notes” citing horrors from the news and history, he works to contextualize their concerns. “Muslims weren’t the only people waging war in name of God,” he says. And he has found that people listen to answers once you listen to their questions. “No one has stormed out of a meeting yet,” he says.

Joe Faro

courtesy photos

THE CONSTANT BUILDER

Having spent the better part of the last decade establishing his Tuscan Kitchen brand in New England, Faro is about to bring major change to southern New Hampshire. After selling his popular line of sauces and Italian products to Nestlé, Faro retired — for a moment — in his early 30s. But he was soon back at work, opening the first Tuscan Kitchen Restaurant in Salem in 2010 (the market opened in 2012). Faro and his team quickly built a following in the region for his family-first and from-scratch-cuisine vision of Italian culinary fare, opening more locations in Portsmouth and Burlington, Massachusetts, with yet a fourth under construction in Boston.

For most, that would be enough to start resting on one’s laurels. But Faro and his team are in the throes of developing Tuscan Village, an ambitious and potentially region-altering development project at the old Rockingham Park racetrack grounds. The megacenter of life, work and play will include a 42,000-square-foot Tuscan Kitchen Restaurant and Market, which will anchor the 1.1 million square feet of general retail space (think cinema, bowling alley, supermarkets and storefronts), a hotel and more than 350 living units (townhouses and apartments). When completed, it will be the largest of its kind in New England. nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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PHOTO BY JARED CHARNEY

Katie & Dan Bérubé Dan grew up in Manchester (and is now the Manchester Arts Commission chair) but he met Katie during their salad days in the Boston area. They worked together on the Boston Creative Pro User Group,­a collaborative he managed for digital filmmakers and broadcasters, so they decided to see if they could instigate that same kind of creative ferment back in Dan's home turf. The result is Jupiter Hall, a new gallery/performance space/classroom/ creative center that opened September 18 on Hanover Street, smack in the center of the Manchester arts district. The timing couldn’t be more perfect as the city has begun to flex its cultural muscles. Their vision is to tap into some of the excitement and panache that a big-city arts center offers and use that as a catalyst for uniting the various artistic factions of Manchester, including schools like the sprawling NH Institute of Art, SNHU and the growing footprint of UNH Manchester. “We want to be an incubator,” says Katie, “to bundle different ages, cultures and communities together to work on ideas and get out of their creative blocks.” And those “blocks” include city problems and opportunities of all sorts, from merging immigrants into community life to tackling the opioid crisis. “We’re putting skin in the game,” says Dan, “and trying to find ways for art and culture to be part of the answer.” Although all art, from spoken word to installations, will be part of the mix, the couple’s original interest in digital arts and video is the focus and plans are in the works for a new film festival, in partnership with the Palace Theatre, scheduled for next spring.

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photos courtesy dan berube

QUEEN CITY CATALYSTS

PHOTO BY JARED CHARNEY

Steve Bothwick DIGITAL UNITER

The digital divide is a concept born early in the history of the personal computer, but it made a quantum leap with the expansion of the internet as a global hive mind with astonishing reach and resources.

It’s now practically assumed that a person has access to the web for everything from job applications to registering for social services, so what happens to those who can’t afford the luxury of a laptop or PC? Thankfully, in New Hampshire, there’s a company for that. Steve Bothwick started Computer Technology Assistance Corps to assist worthy nonprofits and low-income families to keep pace with digital communications and processing power. In the seven years the

Manchester-based organization has existed, they have refurbished and distributed nearly 4,000 computers. He has trained recovering addicts and individuals with special needs to help with the recycling and repairs, and has formed a network of 100 schools and companies that benefit from their efforts along with countless individuals. Desktops, fully updated with Windows 10, sell for around $60 and laptops around $100. They also recycle old computers and parts, so even if it’s not refurbishable, CTAC can provide a service and make a little money with your dead PC. “We make families happy,” says Bothwick.

“I love seeing folks come in with their kids excited about a new computer. It’s Christmastime every time one goes out the door.”

courtesy photos

Hany Farid

TRUTH DETECTOR

“What is truth?” asked Pontius Pilate at the trial of Jesus Christ. You’d think that in the past two millennia we’d have gotten better at knowing, but technology is a two-edged sword in this respect. “The forensics guy and the forger share similar skillsets,” says Hany Farid, a professor of computer science at Dartmouth College who is one of the foremost experts on unraveling the digital mazes constructed to conceal or alter images and sound. And tools of the trade that once belonged to the hacker are now available at the app store. “Photoshop is getting better and better,” he notes, and with the speed of the internet, once a false image or sound bite is released it can go viral in hours. “Then it’s too late,” he says. “It’s out there.” His personal skillset has been used in many high-level cases and government matters, but increasingly it’s needed in cases of medical malpractice, civil disputes and divorce.

“With digital media permeating every aspect of our lives, it’s a fair question to ask, ‘Is it real?’” says Farid. And he’s sometimes called in not to prove an image is phony, but to determine that one is authentic. For instance, in child pornography trials, if no actual child was used in the production of the video or image, then it is protected as free speech. This takes his algorithms and his eyes into some pretty dark places, says Farid. He credits the beauty and tranquility of New Hampshire with keeping him positive. “There’s something peaceful and restorative here,” he says. “I can’t tell you how much I value that.” nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT A Holiday Guide to NH’s Wassail Trail

We may no longer go door-to-door with bowls of mulled wine, but there’s plenty of community holiday cheer to be found in New Hampshire.

By Barbara Coles

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Northeastern Ballet Theatre’s performance of “The Nutcracker”

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“Wassail! Wassail! All over the town”—

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50,000 pieces of mail, most of them cards, many sent by the box-full from all over the world. “We put in a little more time,” he says, “but it’s well worth it.” After doing it for 22 years, he sees generations of families, “three, sometimes four generations,” come to experience it each year.

Some of the people arriving at the post office have made the trip from the Omni Mount Washington Resort in nearby Bretton Woods. They’re there to mail their children’s letters to Santa, written as part of the holiday celebration at the resort.

From December 22 to Christmas Day, guests enjoy “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” with tons of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, a favorite one the horse-drawn sleigh ride. There are stops for peppermint

photo by matt kalinowski

so goes the first line of a Christmas carol that dates back to the Middle Ages. The wassail bowl, decorated with garlands and ribbons, and filled with spiced ale or mulled wine, was carried from house to house on Christmas Eve to get all to join in the festivities. “Was hál” they would say as they shared a drink, “Be in good health.” A song would be exchanged for a gift, and they’d be on their way to the next.

Celebrating the season as a community is a long tradition, broken only by the Puritans who didn’t celebrate Christmas.

(Too much wassailing going on for them.)

Today, though, we’d be surprised if someone showed up at our door with a punch bowl, inviting us to partake. Even the Christmas carolers, descendants of the wassailers, have disappeared from our neighborhoods.

With Christmas in New Hampshire now upon us, we wanted to encourage some modern-day wassailing by offering an overflowing of holiday happenings that bring us together for merrymaking. Some are classics; some are offbeat. All are guaranteed to lift your spirits and create the magic of days gone by.

Let’s start in Bethlehem.

The town of Bethlehem, yes, little (pop.

2,526), just north of Franconia Notch, comes alive at Christmas. And it’s not just the we-were-in-Bethlehem-at-Christmas quest that draws visitors. There are (at least) two unique ways to celebrate there.

For starters, head for Christmas Tree Lane at The Rocks Estate, where it’s always Christmas. “We sing ‘Jingle Bells’ all year long to stay in the spirit,” says Nigel Manley, The Rocks’ director. During that time, they’ve been pruning the branches of their balsam and fir trees — all 45,000 of them — so they’re perfectly shaped come Christmas. They’re so special that some people claim them — even decorate them still standing — as early as September. So pick your tree (there are wreaths too), then enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride and some s’mores around the fire pit.

Hard as it is to leave the scent of the balsams, go into downtown Bethlehem, to the post office, and take your Christmas cards with you. There, you can get them postmarked with “Bethlehem, NH” and rubber-stamped with a special design that depicts the town, its rolling hills and a bright star above. Postmaster Brian Thompson says that every season they handle more than

tionally Yours.” You can enjoy craft fairs, open houses, drink tastings, storytelling, cookie decorating and, of course, Santa lighting the community tree. But, best of all, says Kathleen Driscoll of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, there’s the Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour: “It’s spectacular, magical, it truly is.” A horse-drawn sleigh takes you through town, stopping at inns and stores, and ringing jingle bells to summon a myriad of chocolate goodies.

If cookies are more your style, you can take the Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie and Candy Tour on December 9 and 10. A stay at one of the 11 participating inns, all of them decked out in their Christmas best, guarantees you “The Best Sugar High,” as New Hampshire Magazine named the tour.

At each of the inns, not only will you have treats from savory to sweet, you’ll get the

A cut-your-own-Christmas-tree adventure at The Rocks Estate in Bethlehem comes with a horse-drawn wagon ride and s’mores around the fire pit.

brownies and cocoa, and, of course, the great Christmas feast. It unfolds amid the century-old hotel’s lush decorations. “The grand dame shines brightly with the glitter and tinsel,” says the resort’s Craig Clemmer. “It really is magical.”

Another historic landmark — the Jackson covered bridge, built in 1876 — is the entryway to more enchantment. Christmas in the white-steepled Jackson Village — so beautiful it draws photographers and artists from all over the world — is sublime. For four weekends in the heart of the White Mountains, Jackson and its near neighbors Intervale, Glen, Bartlett and Hart’s Location offer all manner of Yuletide fun at “Tradi-

recipes for them in a keepsake cookbook, plus a whole bunch of decorating ideas from the inns. It’s not much of a trek between the inns; they’re about 15 minutes apart, with many much closer.

Just south of the White Mountains, in Eaton, right on the edge of Crystal Lake, there’s a quieter Christmas happening. At the town’s historic Little White Church, pianist Dana Cunningham performs with cellist Max Dyer on December 10. It happens in late afternoon, at 4. “The light is just going to dusk,” says Cunningham. “It’s a beautiful moment in the church.” Beautiful too is the acoustic music that Windham Hill’s William Ackerman has praised as

photo by matt kalinowski

Head to Christmas Tree Lane at The Rocks Estate, where it’s always Christmas.

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“touching the soul.” Cunningham, playing the church’s Steinway grand piano, and Dyer on the cello offer a program that’s both traditional and not, from the “We Three Kings” carol to the haunting “Lullay My Liking.” No matter what people’s beliefs and traditions are, Cunningham says, “I want to offer something with depth and meaning, something beautiful. Beauty unites us.”

One thing everyone can agree on is that “The Nutcracker” is a must-see Christmas classic. The Tchaikovsky ballet is performed in many venues large and small in New Hampshire, but one stands out. The pro-

duction by the Northeastern Ballet Theatre rivals Boston’s, and for good reason. Its director is Edra Toth, a former Boston Ballet prima ballerina. She says, “The version we’re doing is the old Boston Ballet version, the one I remember doing.” In the three performances — Durham, December 2 and 3, and Wolfeboro, December 10 —Toth makes it young-kid-friendly by softening parts that might be scary to them, and by keeping it fast-paced. To all ages, she says, “Expect to be thoroughly enchanted, thoroughly entertained.”

If your venture into the magical Land of

The Jackson Covered Bridge is the gateway to Christmas magic.

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photo by jim salge

“No matter what people’s beliefs and traditions are,” Cunningham says, “I want to offer something with depth and meaning, something beautiful. Beauty unites us.”

the Sweets has whetted your appetite for candy, stop at Kellerhaus in Laconia. There you will find an unusual Christmas sweet — handmade ribbon candy. Not many places make the centuries-old candy anymore and even fewer make it by hand. The crew creates it with the same equipment that was used when the store opened in 1906. It’s not easy, even though there are only three ingredients — the weather has to be cool and dry, and a hot, gooey mass of candy has to be pulled into a long, thin ribbon and fed carefully into the circa 1880 crimping machine. People apparently appreciate the effort; on average the store sells 43,900 inches of the candy. That translates into about 1,000 boxes.

The simple pleasures of earlier times can be found at “Christmas at Canterbury” as well. Inside the historic Shaker buildings on December 9 and 16, you can sing carols at the Village Christmas tree lighting, see a 19th century magic show with Andrew Pinard of Hat Box Theatre, enjoy a sizable toy train display, learn about 19th and 20th century medicine in the infirmary, and hear about bygone days of education in the schoolhouse. And, to the accompaniment of old-time fiddle music, you can decorate gingerbread cookies, create ornaments,

make Christmas cards and greet Santa in his mistletoe-bedecked historic costume.

“We wanted to offer hands-on activities that people might not have done,” the Village’s Nicole Laurin says. “We wanted to show the village in a simpler time.”

You can go from the flicker of candlelight to the glow of 2 million LED bulbs with a short trek south to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon.

On a 2.5-mile drive around the Speedway property, you can see 400 different lighting displays. A fan favorite is going through two 130-foot-long illuminated tunnels that enter and leave the infield. “The tunnel is definitely the coolest part,” says Kristen Lestock of the Speedway. “There are so many lights in one place.” After the drive, stop for s’mores and a visit with Santa. Aside from being fun, it’s for a good cause — a portion of the proceeds go to charity.

The “Messiah,” now a fixture of the Christmas season, allowed its composer to be charitable in his time. Handel donated the proceeds of the oratorio’s debut to a debtors’ prison and a hospital. That debut, in 1742, was unusual because Handel staged a public rehearsal the day before the live performance. He did it, reportedly, to create buzz. Today, Handel’s innovation is being

carried on by the Concord Community Chorus. Their “Messiah” performance is December 3; the public rehearsal is the day before, both at the South Congregational Church. With professional soloists and orchestra, the chorus will take the stage to sing the great work for the 87th time.

For something a bit out of the ordinary this year, see “A New England Christmas” at Pontine Theatre.

While in Concord, check out Red River Theatres, where you’ll find some of the best arthouse cinema around. For Christmas, the three-screen, state-of-the-art theater will serve up some serious nostalgia with a December 17 showing of 1954’s “White Christmas” with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney. The songs, by Ir-

ving Berlin. But it’s not all remembrance of things past. “The Elf ” with Will Ferrell will delight young and old on December 9. And the current kiddo favorite, “Polar Express,” will be shown on December 16, with each child given a keepsake sleigh bell to ring out their belief in the spirit of Christmas.

Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim — who doesn’t know these characters from “A Christmas Carol”? Ever since Dickens crafted his tale of redemption in 1843, the play has been a favorite, and many venues stage it during the holidays. But the preeminent performance, hands down, is at The Palace Theatre in Manchester. “People say it doesn’t feel like Christmas until they see the play at The Palace,” says Hunter Ulbin, guest director of the Palace Youth Theatre. There are four ensembles of young actors, four Tiny Tims, to accommodate the 22 performances of the play, which run from December 1 to December 23. The adult roles are played by professionals with a live orchestra. There are special effects that will wow you. And, to top it off, you’ll be greeted by carolers when you arrive.

Carolers will be at Currier too. As they have done for the past 25 years or so, this year, on December 9, auditioned members

christmas revels photo by erin sutherland; courtsy photo

The theme for this year’s “Christmas Revels” in Hanover is a celebration of Nordic traditions.

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of the Manchester Choral Society sing classic carols in one of the museum’s galleries and in the restaurant foyer. “It’s a great way to start soaking up the spirit of the holiday season,” says the Choral Society’s Amanda Simeone. “It’s also part of our mission to promote the best in choral music in a variety of periods and styles.” A centerpiece of that mission takes place December 16 and 17 at the acoustically wondrous Saint Joseph Cathedral in Manchester with their “Sweet Was the Song” concert. Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio” Parts I and III will be performed in collaboration with a youth choir.

It’s been said that Ed Gerhard can make his guitar sing, something his concertgoers can attest to. The internationally known, Grammy-winning acoustic guitarist each year gives a concert in Portsmouth to celebrate the season. This year, on December 15 and 16 in Portsmouth, and December 2 in Laconia, he again puts his soulful spin on traditional carols as well as performing on his own concert favorites. As Gerhard has said, “The music, the audience … the whole experience is profound for me. Sharing this

experience with everyone is what being a musician is all about.” If you like guitar music and you like Christmas, this is the place to be.

From the Palace Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol”

And, if you like knowing the history of Christmases past, Strawbery Banke’s Candlelight Stroll is the place to be. The first three weekends of December, with the paths

and streets of the outdoor living history museum lined with candles and lights, you can walk through more than 300 years of holiday celebrations — Colonial, Victorian, WWII and more. Each historic house, decorated as they would have been in the era, is filled with people in costume explaining their Christmas or Hanukkah traditions.

There will also be carolers, sing-alongs and skating on the pond. “People come back every year,” says Strawbery Banke’s Alena Shellenbean. “It’s part of their holiday tradition. It’s a great way to get in the spirit.”

The spirit is on the move all through Portsmouth at Christmas. The Stroll is just part of the monthlong, citywide “Vintage Christmas” celebration. It kicks off on December 1 with the Portsmouth Historical Society’s 27th annual gingerbread house contest. The candy-trimmed confections will be displayed at the Historical Society first-floor gallery until the 23rd. The creations are juried, but you can take part in the People’s Choice voting. The annual tree lighting, a food drive and illuminated holiday parade through Market Square hap-

courtesy photos

For some, it’s not Christmas until they see the Palace Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol.”

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courtesy photos

During the Candlelight Stroll, revelers can also enjoy skating on Puddle Dock Pond, located in the historic Strawbery Banke area of Portsmouth.

Farmington, and 10, in Rochester. Also in the offing, carols, sing-alongs, spirituals and other uplifting music. Two members of the Choral Society love the performance so much they’ve been singing since 1974.

The Society’s Elizabeth Tonkins-Agea says,

Step back into simpler times with the events at “Christmas at Canterbury” at the Canterbury Shaker Village.

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photos courtesy nelson’s candy shop

Top: Nelson’s handmade candy canes Above: Doug Nelson at work

“Everybody puts their heart and soul in it. If someone is looking for holiday spirit, they’ll find it at this concert.”

For another Christmas sweet treat, head west to Wilton. There you’ll find Nelson’s, a candy shop that does what few do these days — make candy canes by hand. “We’ve been doing it the same way since the early 1900s, for four generations,” says Nelson’s Manager Rachel Barnard. Thousands of people visit the store each year to buy the no-two-the-same candy canes; early in the season many storegoers watch the process of making them in the adjacent kitchen.

With the scent of pure peppermint wafting in the air, the candy cane crew pulls the candy using an antique taffy machine, makes it into a loaf, applies the red and green stripes and forms the cane, all by hand, one by one. Barnard says, “Watching it happen makes people smile.”

There are more smiles to be had at the “Tuba Christmas” concert. Yes, tubas. And euphoniums, the smaller tubas. We’re used to seeing one in an orchestra, jazz band, oompah band or military parade, but this performance is all tubas. James Chesebrough says, “When I saw it for the first time 20 years ago, I said, ‘Holy mackerel, is this for real?’” Now Chesbrough, a Keene State music professor, is the Tuba Christmas conductor. It’s usually 30 to 40 players who come from far and near for one day, this year December 3 at Keene State, and play Christmas tunes with just an hour’s

photos courtesy canterbury shaker village

pens on December 2, and from November 29 to December 17 “White Christmas, The Musical” will be performed at The Music Hall in collaboration with The Ogunquit Playhouse. Who can resist singing along with “Count Your Blessings” and “Sisters.”

People who have seen the performance say it rivals Broadway’s.

In Portsmouth’s version of off-Broadway, there is a gem of a performance at Pontine Theatre. On December 8, 9 and 10, “A New England Christmas” will be unveiled by Marguerite Mathews and Greg Gathers, Pontine’s co-artistic directors, who have produced more than 50 original works using gestural theatre, toy theatre, puppetry and storytelling. The Christmas program features stories and poems by three authors connected to New England: Ogden Nash, Alice Van Leer Carrick and Kate Douglas Wiggin. Greg Gathers says come to the performance “if you’re looking for something that’s new and different, but also has a sense of place that makes you feel warm and fuzzy.” There’s good reason why Pontine has been called “a small miracle.”

“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is, of course, a well-known song about gifts (each better than the last) given by “my true love.”

Well, one Christmas festivity — “Sing the Joy, Ring the Season” — is adding a twist to that. “The Twelve Days AFTER Christmas” will be performed by the Granite State Choral Society and the Granite State Ringers handbell choir on December 9, in

Making

Wassail!

Since 1954, the brothers at Our Lady of La Salette have decorated the 20 acres with lights.

courtesy photos

rehearsal as a group. Tuba Christmas is an international phenomenon, started 44 years ago as a tribute to a famous tuba player.

In New Hampshire, there are similar tuba performances in Colebrook, New London, Plaistow and Wolfeboro. Chesebrough says the sound of all those tubas “is really quite lovely, not something you hear every day. It’s a great way to get in the spirit.”

The spirit is evident at La Salette of Enfield. Once the site of the state’s other Shaker community, it is now home to a Catholic religious order, the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette. Each year since 1954, the brothers have decked a 20-acre hillside with light displays that inspire and entertain throughout the whole month of December. Father John Sullivan says the theme this year, “Lighting Our Common Home,” is meant to enhance our awareness of the beauty of nature. He adds that there is also a display of 500 nativity scenes from all over the world. For generations of families, the festival of lights at La Salette has

been, and is, a welcome sight in the darkest time of the year.

Also chasing away the darkness — “The Christmas Revels” in Hanover. But here, it is the joy of storytelling, song and dance that lifts the spirts. The Revels, now in its 43rd year, draws on traditions of world cultures to celebrate the winter solstice. This year, from December 14 to 17, it’s a Nordic celebration, with some native Nordic performers as cast members. Much of the cast, more than 70, young and old, are amateurs who audition to act, sing and dance. “My heart fills with joy seeing everyone act together,” says The Revels’ Lyndsay Rose. “It’s a one-of-a-kind experience.” Just because you’re in the audience doesn’t mean you won’t be singing and dancing. Right before intermission, the blare of trumpets signals the Morris dancers to lead the audience in a line dance to “The Lord of the Dance,” a joyful song that implores everyone to “Dance, dance, wherever you may be.”

Was hál! NH

2 quarts burgundy or sherry ½ cup water 2 cups sugar ¼ tsp. nutmeg ½ tsp. ginger ½ tsp. mace ½ tsp. allspice 2 cloves 1 tsp. or ½ stick cinnamon 6 eggs, separated 6 baked apples Heat wine, almost to boiling point. In separate saucepan, combine water, sugar and spices. Bring to slow boil; boil 5 minutes. Beat egg yolks and whites separately.

Yolks should be frothy; whites stiff. Fold yolks into whites. Add hot water, sugar and spices to eggs, stirring rapidly. Gradually add heated wine. Stir mixture thoroughly as wine is incorporated. Pour into punch bowl. Add baked apples. Serve immediately.

Yield: 12 servings Baked apples may be placed into individual mugs and hot wine mixture added. The apple may later be eaten with spoon or the mug refilled, as desired. Some traditional New England recipes follow the British custom of combining ale with wine (usually sherry); 3 pints ale to 1 pint wine.

If you’d like a taste of wassail made from the recipe above, the Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm in Tamworth Village will be serving a non-alcoholic version at its Homestead Christmas celebration on December 2.

In the 19-century homestead tradition, there’ll also be roasted chestnuts, Christmas treats and cookies baked in the woodstove. You can tour the decorated historic Remick family home, take a wintertide wagon ride, meet and greet farm animals in their seasonal setting, and observe demonstrations of open-hearth cooking. A great way to celebrate the season. nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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efying Desc iptio

Whimsical. Charming. Folksy. Eclectic. None of these words sum up Jim Lambert’s work, but all are accurate.

This New Hampshire artist doesn’t fit neatly into a category — perhaps that’s exactly why he’s so beloved.

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t the annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair in Sunapee each August, artist Jim Lambert of Hillsborough gets peppered with questions: Where do you get your ideas?

What is it made of?

What the heck do you call it?

It’s no real surprise. Once you take a look at his work, it’s hard to look away. His quirky suns, dogs, cats, chickens, birds, Abe Lincolns and other humans look slightly surreal, but at the same time are very down to earth.

Many visitors to his booth — and those who see his pieces in the League’s Concord and Littleton stores — like to use the word whimsical to describe his style, but it’s clear that Lambert’s work involves much more than mere whimsy.

We wanted to find out more, so we came up with even more questions.

Where did you come from?

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frugal nature. So he began to make animals he liked —cats, dogs, chickens — and started exhibiting at a few crafts fairs and shows throughout the state. A buyer for the American Folk Art Museum in New York spotted his work and commissioned him to make some wooden cats for its gift shop, and his career took off from there.

What Do You Call This Stuff Anyway?

Besides using the terms quirky and whimsical to describe Lambert’s art, people often label it “outsider art.” Today, Merriam-Webster defines outsider art as “art produced by untrained or naïve artists (such as children or psychiatric patients) who are not part of the mainstream art tradition.”

Years ago, after he’d started out as a full-time artist, he read a New York Times article about an outsider art show at the Museum of Modern Art. “I thought, ‘Isn’t that great, they’re going to have an art show outside.’”

He laughs at the memory. “That’s how naïve I was about what was going on in the larger art world.”

He understands why people use the term outsider art, but he dismisses it as a description of his own work because of his academic background. But people want to call it something since it doesn’t fit into any defined category, so he obliges them.

“At first I called it folk art, but then it morphed into contemporary folk art because I’m creating images that I’m seeing today,” he explains. But that confused a few people because, well, it still looked old. So he finally settled on contemporary primitive folk art, which has met with no complaints.

It doesn’t matter anyway, because here’s his own definition: “I’m taking Presidents, most notably Lincoln (above) and Washington found objects and making art.” (page 90), are frequent subjects of Lambert’s art.

Lambert grew up in Claremont, and his mother and father both came from large families with seven or eight kids, so naturally they were both frugal and skilled at making things — talents they passed on to him. “My mom was always busy making something,” says Lambert. “She was an incredible seamstress, making clothes for myself and my brother, and she also baked and decorated cakes for weddings and special occasions.” His father was employed at a local foundry where he worked with his hands, so early on Lambert learned firsthand that “idle hands are the Devil’s tools.”

He liked art class at St. Mary’s School — despite earning the nuns’ disapproval by finishing class projects before the others so he could work on his own — so he decided to go to Plymouth State University to pursue a degree in art education so he could become an art teacher. Because of this, Lambert is classically trained in art. “Since we were training to become art teachers we had to be familiar with all of the disciplines, from graphic art and ceramics to landscapes and portraits and still lifes,” he says.

In his senior year, he got a little restless studying and painting bowls of fruit in the classical style: He wanted to experiment.

One day, he read a news story about a man who stabbed his girlfriend to death, and something took hold of him — he wanted to tell that story through his art.

Lambert covered a medium-sized wooden 86

board with wallpaper and set an old frame around the perimeter. “I dipped my fingers in a can of red paint and wrote ‘I loved her’ with my fingers,” he remembers. “It was a bit off-center and the letters were dripping.”

He says the work was a total gut reaction and was influenced by true-crime magazines of the time, where blood-spattered crime scenes were often described in painstaking detail. Somebody bought it for 20 bucks. It was the first thing he ever sold.

After he graduated in 1968, he taught art at Newfound Regional High School in Bristol for 10 years before striking out on his own to create art full-time. A couple of artist friends were setting up at a Christmas

fair at Canterbury Shaker Village and asked Lambert if he wanted to make something to sell at their booth. At the time, gnomes were popular, so he cut some old boards into an approximate shape and painted them to resemble the mythical underground creature.

A few sold, and several customers said they looked like folk art.

Lambert was intrigued and delved into a few books on the subject. “I liked it because people were making stuff that they knew,” he says.

Plus, he learned that folk artists used materials that were already on hand — wood scraps, bits of iron, milk paint left over from painting the barn — which appealed to his

What is it made of?

Sticks. Rocks. Beads. Tin scraps. Moth-eaten sweaters. Old model ships. Papier-mâché. Bottle caps. Wig hair. Pieces of old porches. Rubber duckies. Wheels from an old baby carriage. Thrown-out medicine cabinets. Bits of yarn. Old fence slats.

Barbed wire. Alarm clocks. The paper slip from a Hershey’s Kiss candy. A birthday party hat. Old wire. Ad infinitum ...

Where do you find this stuff?

The better question is where doesn’t he find it?

Friends call when they’re heading to the dump: “Is there anything you want me to look for?”

“Crazy Dog,” scrap wood, stick and tin sheeting

“Bottle cap Mermaid,� twine, costume jewelry, bottle caps and porch railing top

Carpenters and construction workers pull into his dooryard to offer him leftover scraps from job sites.

And when he leaves his apartment and studio in an attached adjacent barn, he never knows what he’ll find on the doorstep when he returns. Then again, there’s already so much material in reserve that when a buddy occasionally drops off something in the barn, Lambert may not notice it for a while.

When he’s out and about, Lambert keeps an eye peeled for something that might work, either now or at some point in the future.

“I’m always scrounging,” he gleefully admits.

Nothing is sacred — or out of contention. The seat from an old outhouse, a stovepipe — everything’s fair game, and everything inspires.

And it doesn’t necessarily have to be old.

The birdcage that imprisons a cat with a bird perched on top came from Pier One. “If I want to keep making these I can’t find them unless I go online or find one by accident,” he says.

“It’s not a conscious effort on my part. I watch it happen, I watch my hands, and I just get lost in the process.”

How does New Hampshire inspire you?

The real question is, how doesn’t it?

He’s lived his whole life in the Granite State, he says. “How would I ever move?”

Where do you get your ideas?

Everything speaks to him; it’s simply unavoidable.

And since he works both with household castoffs and stuff rustled up from nearby woods, one thing often naturally leads to another.

Say he’s running low on cats to sell in the League stores. He always starts with the tail: a stick. He’ll glance at a pile of sticks in his studio, but if nothing has just the right twist or turn or kink, he’ll head off into the woods for more. But he often gets sidetracked when he finds a stick that reminds him of something else, so he’ll go off on a whole new tangent, leaving the cats temporarily abandoned — until he spots a sick that would make a perfect feline tail.

“It’s like osmosis,” he says. “Everything just changes all the time and I just witness it. It’s not a conscious effort on my part. I watch it happen, I watch my hands, and I just get lost in the process.”

Where do you work?

His studio is, shall we say, a bit disorganized — he refers to it as “organized chaos” — but admittedly no different than a certain writer of similar temperament. The only difference is that said writer works with paper, pencils and laptop, while Lambert has potentially injurious materials overhead and underfoot.

“The challenge has been to maintain an environment that’s safety conscious, but then again, I work in a barn,” he says. “It’s not a typical studio environment. It’s not neat and organized. Besides, this is how I work.”

How long does it take to make each piece?

“A lifetime.”

What do you like about the annual League of New Hampshires Craftsmen’s Fair?

After spending years setting up at shows and fairs up and down the East Coast, these days Lambert only does the annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair in Sunapee, the oldest crafts fair in the country.

Given the way he works and the naturally jumbled state of his studio, Lambert admits to holding onto a bit of nostalgia about his early years at the fair.

“People would just show up with sawhorses and put stuff down,” he says, and he’d do likewise, throwing his booth together willy-nilly. “People like going to yard sales and they like to discover things.” At other shows, he admits to hesitating before enter-

Lambert chats with a customer at the League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair in Sunapee.

ing a booth that looks too fancy and unapproachable, which is why he likes to keep his own a little jumbled, though standards at the fair require considerable decorum.

Each summer, he strolls around the fairgrounds to survey the other booths, and lately he’s noticed a disturbing trend.

“Everyone’s getting older,” he says. “There are no new younger people coming in.” It’s a trend he attributes to diminished art programs in the schools, but also to society in general. A few years ago, Lambert was taken aback when a man came into his booth and told him that his work — and the fair — was a vanishing breed. “He said, ‘Soon you won’t be able to go to a fair and see people who make stuff selling their own work, it’ll just be online,’” Lambert recalls. And the artwork will be smaller. While today’s hipsters and the makers and DIY movements are growing, he says they primarily work with different media, typically smaller items to sell on Etsy that are also easy to ship.

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he meets at the fair. “I don’t have much contact with the outside world in my work,” he says. “When you’re working at home, you tend to have a bit of tunnel vision, but when I walk around the fair I see potters and jewelers and see how they do stuff.” Though he’s a loner at heart — and puts on a pretty good gruff-artist act — there’s something else he particularly relishes about the fair.

“I believe that the work is just an excuse to talk to each other,” he says. “Occasionally, someone will come into the booth and we start talking and it’s like we’ve known each other in another lifetime. Other times people will start to tell me really personal stories, and sometimes I think, ‘Why are you telling me this stuff?’”

But he admits it’s a testament to the strength of his work that encourages people to start spilling their guts to him minutes after walking into his booth.

Is there anything you regret selling?

“All of it.”

What do people do with your work?

The first time you encounter Lambert’s work at his Sunapee booth or hanging on the wall at a League shop, you’d be excused for standing there for a moment slack-jawed, trying to take it all in. But Lambert says he’s more gobsmacked by what happens after a customer brings their piece home.

Lambert holds “Father of his Country,” painted tin and cabinet-wood

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“It’s almost like they have a religious experience,” he says. “I’ve had countless customers tell me that my pieces are much stronger when they’re by themselves.”

A few years back, he created a large piece depicting a group of baby pigs in a huddle, their leather ears poking out from the picture. Lambert sprinkled a few quotes about friendship around the perimeter of the frame in pinks and light grays, and when he visited the customer at her home and came face-to-face with the work hung on a purple wall, he just froze. “It was absolutely incredible to just walk into that room; it just jumped out at me,” he says.

Susan Dispensa lives in Danbury, and she has 13 of Lambert’s works in her collection.

She purchased her first piece — a fox in a henhouse — in 2007 at Sunapee. It’s an old window with four painted horizontal panels: one contains a hen, one shows an egg, another is background, and the last panel displays the face of a fox with a carved wooden nose jutting out. It’s still her favorite.

“Jim’s art is accessible and imaginative, and anyone can enjoy it,” she says. “His art makes me smile, and his message is peace and happiness.”

“It’s just a bunch of sticks and wire,” he says. “But I really like the fact that I can take junk and make a piece that has that kind of effect on people.”

What are you up to lately?

“I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing,” he says. “After all, I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.” NH You can find Lambert’s work at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen stores in Concord and Littleton, and at VynnArt Gallery in Meredith where he shares the space with portrait artist Teresa D’Esopo Spinner of Sanbornton. The 2018 League of Craftsmen’s Fair takes place from August 4 to 12 at the Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury. Visit nhcrafts. org for more information.

“Grandma Angel with Cigarette,” old curtain lace, feathers, wood, sticks, plastic doll hands and fur collar

If Folk Art Is for You, How About Tramp Art?

Tramp art is the name for fanciful creations made from scraps of shipping crates and cigar boxes, usually geometric in shape and decorative in nature. This piece in a sampler style is embellished with numerous carvings of birds, an eagle, sunflowers in pots, a star, hearts and other symbolic carvings. The artist is unknown, but the plaque has a remnant of a New Hampshire newspaper affixed to the back and other indications of a Granite State provenance, circa 1880 to 1890.

The plaque appears on page 65 in the book “A Legacy in Tramp Art.” The piece is priced at $8,500, and is available from Clifford A Wallach. trampart.com nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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“Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.” – Washington Irving

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Photos by Matthew Mead

Local Dish 97 Health 98 Law 101 Events Listing 103 Dining Out 107 Ayuh 112

HOME

Deck the Halls Ideas for creating a homemade holiday

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW MEAD We can’t all be professional designers, but lucky for us, New Hampshire native Matthew Mead shares some of his holiday decorating ideas that you can make your own. Mead, whose work has been featured in many national publications, is also the former editor of Country Home magazine, and his eye for style is impeccable. From creative ways to embellish gifts to making your wrapping station the star of the show, he often uses objects you can find around the house.

Far left: Be prepared up until the last holiday minute with wrapping supplies that double as dĂŠcor. Stage a wrapping table with jars and bins filled with everything necessary to wrap and trim gifts. Ornaments, ribbons and vintage finds make for a stellar display.

Top left: Cards and wrapping paper can be made by scanning vintage tags. Simply print and then cut them out.

Left: Upcycle old newspaper into a fun stocking with a sewing machine and pinking sheers. nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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Newspaper, clothespins, greens from your backyard — even jarred vegetables find new life as seasonal decorations. You don’t have to spend a fortune or be an interior designer to make your home look festive.

Using these images as a starting point, why not take a walk around the house to see what else you can turn into creative holiday ornaments? NH

Setting the Scene

There’s nothing wrong with the classic village or carolers, but consider new ways to create ares of interest in your home with something of the season, but perhaps a little outside the typical.

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Make an instant centerpiece with a toy truck, some faux snow and tiny feather brush trees. Park it on your dining or coffee table and surround with candles and gifts.

Bring your garden statuary inside and reinvent it with some greens and a topiary form.

First, fill a mini birdbath with wet floral foam. Festoon with fresh greens and plant a clay pheasant in the center. Top with topiary cage and water daily.

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Gifts from the Kitchen Jar your favorite fruits and savory vegetables in vinegar brine or a light sugar syrup. Run through a water bath and top with fabric, ribbon and berries.

Or, search farmstands and gourmet food stores for pretty jarred foods and simply embellish.

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HOME

603 LIVING

LOCAL DISH

Caramelized Pineapple Wrapped in Prosciutto with Bacon Dust Gremolata Sweet, salty, tangy yumminess in every bite

By Chef Steffani Adaska Chef Steffani Adaska combines unique flavors to create this easy, one-bite appetizer. You can learn from her in person at A Taste of the Mountains Cooking School at Glen’s Bernerhof Inn. The Culinary Institute of American grad is also available for consulting on menu development and hosting food-related events. Contact her by email at steffani@steffaniadaska.com.

Makes 16-20 pieces Feel free to double the recipe. It disappears quickly.

3 slices of North Country Smokehouse bacon (or other high-quality bacon) 1 small garlic clove, peeled and zested with a microplane 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh chives or parsley 1 fresh pineapple 5 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 5 ounces, paper-thin slices of Prosciutto di Parma – cut in half lengthwise Freshly ground black pepper to taste Bamboo toothpicks For the Bacon Dust Gremolata: Cook bacon slices until well-done, but not burnt. Pat dry with paper towels to remove as much fat as possible. Place in the refrigerator to cool and harden. Once cool, break up the bacon into small pieces and pulse in a spice grinder to fine. Alternatively, you can mince as small as you can with a sharp knife.

Combine bacon dust with garlic, lemon zest and fresh chives. Set aside.

For the Pineapple/Proscuitto: Heat up grill or cast iron pan to medium-high.

Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple and remove the skin with a sharp knife. Cut the pineapple into ½ inch round slices.

In a small bowl, loosen the brown sugar by adding the lemon juice, adding a bit of water if needing a looser consistency.

With a pastry brush, liberally brush the brown sugar mixture on one side of the pineapple slices and place on hot griddle or pan. Add brown sugar to the top side of pineapple slices as the bottom cooks.

Cook pineapple slices on each side until the sugar begins to caramelize and the pineapple begins to soften a bit, about 1 ½ to 2 minutes per side. Remove pineapple slices from the pan and allow to cool on a plate. Finish cooking the remaining slices.

When all of the pineapple is cooked, cut the slices into quarters and remove core with a sharp paring knife. Be sure to reserve any of the brown sugar-pineapple juice that seeps from the slices.

Wrap a piece of prosciutto around each chunk of pineapple and secure with the toothpicks.

photo by susan laughlin

Arrange pieces on your serving tray and drizzle the slices with any reserved brown sugar-pineapple juicy goodness.

Sprinkle generously with the bacon dust gremolata, season with freshly ground black pepper and serve.

Chef’s Note: The bacon dust gremolata can be made a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator. Chef Steffani recommends wrapping with the prosciutto just before serving to avoid the prosciutto becoming soggy. Or the prosciutto-wrapped pineapple pieces can be lightly browned in a non-stick pan right before serving. nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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“[The caregivers’] identity becomes so tied up in the caregiving, a lot of times they push aside their own needs and who they are as a person.”

Caregiver Burnout

You don’t need to shoulder the burden alone

BY KAREN A. JAMROG

W

hen Mary Murphy’s father developed pancreatic cancer, and then her mother was diagnosed with severe macular degeneration and Parkinson’s disease, she was determined to help them stay in their home for as long as possible.

And so, every Friday, after putting in long hours at her job as a senior executive at IBM, Murphy drove two hours from her Bedford home to her parents in Springfield, Massachusetts. She stayed with them through each weekend to help with various tasks and errands. “It was a lot to bear,” Murphy admits.

Eventually, it became clear that the arrangement wasn’t sustainable, so Murphy quit her job. Giving up her career, taking a significant financial blow, and being her parents’ caregiver were all emotionally difficult, she says. “It’s very stressful watching your

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loved one go through a disease like Parkinson’s where it doesn’t outright kill you; it just takes your life away a little bit at a time,” Murphy says. Regardless, she educated herself about how to best care for her parents, and soldiered on, ultimately moving into her parents’ home until her dad passed away and her mother relocated to a retirement and assisted-living community in Nashua.

Murphy is not alone in her willingness to make profound sacrifices to help a loved one who is seriously ill. As more people live longer and develop chronic disease such as cancer, heart disease or dementia, family members often shoulder the burden of providing day-to-day care. It’s an honorable role, but it takes its toll.

For example, caregivers often find that fatigue becomes a constant companion. Many of them believe they are woefully underquali-

fied for some of the tasks they are required to do, and feel way outside of their comfort zone when they need to provide personal care for a loved one who needs help showering, dressing or using the toilet. Many caregivers feel stressed as they navigate the ins of outs of the healthcare system, and worry about the financial fallout of their loved one’s disease.

And often, they do not totally understand the path that their loved one’s disease is likely to take, says Kristin Fox, ANP-BC, ACHPN, an oncology and palliative nurse practitioner at St. Joseph Hospital.

However, faced with the alternative of bringing in costly outside help, many caregivers feel they have no choice but to continue to go it alone. As they do, their own health can suffer. “I would say probably more than 50 percent of people who provide care for patients [at home] experience not only mental or emotional stress — it’s a parent or some other loved one, and there’s that whole emotional piece that goes with that — but physical strain,” Fox says.

Indeed, caring for a loved one “affects the whole person,” says Laura Berman, LICSW, a palliative care social worker at Concord Hospital. “[The caregivers’] identity becomes so tied up in the caregiving, a lot of times they push aside their own needs and who they are as a person,” Berman says.

Over time, many caregivers lose touch with friends and favorite activities. They stop playing golf. They quit their book club. They cancel their gym membership because they never have time to go. One caregiver Berman knew constantly put her ill husband’s needs before her own, neglecting her

illustration by gloria diianni

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HEALTH

own health and doctor appointments even though she sensed something was physically wrong with her.

After her husband died, she finally went to the doctor and discovered she had cancer, but by that time it had advanced to the point of being untreatable.

Ultimately, caregivers need to remember that,

“Sometimes people feel they don’t have anyone to ask,” Berman says.

“But many times, if you dig a little deeper, there is somebody.” even as they do their best to cater to their loved ones, they are responsible for own health too.

Among other things, that means they must be willing to ask for — and accept — help when they need it. “Sometimes people feel they don’t have anyone to ask,” Berman says. “But many times, if you dig a little deeper, there is somebody.”

Parents, for example, are often hesitant to ask their children for help, Fox says. “They think, ‘They have their own life. They have their own children.’” But in the meantime, Fox says, “adult children will often ask, ‘How do I get my mother to let me help her?’” NH

Help for caregivers

Caring for a loved one can be a tough job, leaving the caregiver physically exhausted and emotionally drained. It’s common for caregivers to feel overwhelmed and alone, but many times helpful resources are out there if you know where to look, says Kristin Fox, ANP-BC, ACHPN, an oncology and palliative nurse practitioner at St. Joseph Hospital.

If you are a nonprofessional caregiver looking for guidance or some other form of support, talk to the doctors and nurses at your loved one’s primary care office. Let them know the issues you’re having at home, Fox says, so that they can try to connect you with relevant agencies, support groups and more. Have conversations with the providers about the likely trajectory of your loved one’s disease, take care of your own health and be willing to accept help.

For more information

AARP’s help for caregivers: aarp.org/home-family/caregiving The American Heart Association has a downloadable PDF on the signs of caregiver burnout. heart.org. See the online version of this story at nhmagazine.com for a direct link.

Lotsa Helping Hands, to ease everyone’s burden when requesting help from friends and family: lotsahelpinghands.com The ServiceLink resource center: servicelink.nh.gov

Help New Hampshire Magazine, in partnership with the New Hampshire Nurses Association, honor the unsung heroes of the state’s medical community by nominating nurses in a variety of vital specialties.

Do you know a nurse who deserves recognition?

Nurses are key members of any health care team, but their skills and contributions are often unrecognized.

We want to celebrate the very best in nursing – those who go above and beyond to comfort, heal and educate – to bring to light how critical nursing is to achieving comprehensive health care. If you know of such a nurse, please consider nominating him or her in one of the award categories.

Excellence in Nursing categories: • Ambulatory Care Nursing • Cardiac-Vascular Nursing

• Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

• Gerontologic Nursing

• Nurse Educators

• Medical-Surgical Nursing

• Emergency Nursing

• Maternal-Child Health Nursing • Pediatric Nursing • Nurse Leader

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• Public Health Nursing

nhmagazine.com | December 2017

• Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Finalists will be featured in the May 2018 issue of New Hampshire Magazine and honored at a special awards event.

To nominate, visit: NHMagazine.com/ NursingAwards Deadline for nominations is January 4, 2018

For sponsorship information, contact Kim Lencki at klencki@mcleancommunications.com or call 603-413-5154

LAW

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Release the Ferrets?

Even “outdated” laws have staying power

BY JEFF WOODBURN

E

ach legislative session produces more than 1,000 bills, of which only few become law. Among those that succeed are a handful that are strictly ceremonial ideas introduced on behalf of school children across the Granite State to teach them the inner workings of the legislative process. Maybe that’s why New Hampshire has so many official symbols for everything, from the state’s amphibian (red-spotted newt) to our very own mineral (beryl). The Granite State may even hold a record for having not just one official state song (“Old New Hampshire”), but eight honorary alternative state songs.

This trend of bringing children to the Statehouse to bird-dog legislation so annoyed a pair of liberty-minded lawmakers wary of the expansion of government, they

came up with an alternative lesson plan.

In 2015, Representatives John Burt, from Goffstown, and Max Abramson, of Seabrook, decided to teach kids how to repeal, not pass a law. The two started a statewide school contest to name the state’s “dumbest” law and planned to employ the students to help repeal it.

The contest garnered quite a bit of attention and a dozen prospects for the title of the state’s “dumbest” law. The winning entry came from Newport Middle High School, whose students cited a law that prohibits the collecting of seaweed or rock weed at night. An animated teen from the school declared the injustice was “bogus” in an on-camera interview on New England Cable News, and Abramson said the students even testified at a legislative hear-

ing and “got cross-examined a little bit.”

The Union Leader editorialized in support of the contest and the principle it promoted adding, “Imagine if the New Hampshire Legislature took 10 percent of the effort it puts into writing new laws into clearing outdated and useless laws off the books.” They also added their two favorite “dumb” laws — one from 1935 that prohibits hunting with the aid of a ferret and a 1971 law banning open sugar bowls in public food establishments, which also regulates the width of the holes in the dispenser.

All would eventually learn that repealing seemingly outdated laws is easier said than done. Law, like culture, prefers slow and incremental change. Laws are typically responses to practical situations, says David Hess, a former house majority leader and retired attorney from Hooksett.

“Original passage in most instances was probably based on some rationale,” he says, “but because of changes in technology or progress in society the law may have become antiquated.”

Each law is like the tip of an iceberg with a lot of hidden institutional inertia and expert minutiae that doesn’t appear until it is challenged. For example, live sea and rock weed are valuable products owned by the public, and overharvesting can impact marine animals and their natural habitat.

Many states ban the use of hunting with ferrets because it violates basic “fair chase” rules. As their name implies, ferrets “ferret nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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illustration by emma moreman

Repealing seemingly outdated laws is easier said than done. Law, like culture, prefers slow and incremental change.

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out” animals from the safety of their dens or burrowed nests. Ferrets, like their cousins the weasels, are effective killers; so effective that they were used in the mid-19th century to protect grain stores. In the wild, they can unbalance the local ecology and wreak havoc on poultry farms.

Many places govern the self-service disbursement of sugar in public restaurants because, as the World Health Organization says, it is critical to “measure carefully and guard against contamination.” Sanitation concerns faded after World War II, when packets of sugar could be produced cheaply.

Granted, there are few examples of people being convicted of these laws, and they may prove to be hard to enforce, but are they unnecessary? Are they contrary

Each law is like the tip of an iceberg with a lot of hidden institutional inertia and expert minutiae that doesn’t appear until it is challenged. to the public good or just to public opinion? And what are the consequences of leaving the law on the books for extreme cases? Laws such as New Hampshire’s recently repealed anti-adultery law were hot potatoes for many years as politicians didn’t want to condone bad behavior.

Those committing adultery were hardly at risk of being charged, but how many divorcing couples found leverage in this law, if not solace?

Hopkinton attorney and former state legislator Gary Richardson says judges can choose not to enforce laws like these. There’s nothing keeping a judge from saying to him or herself that laws enacted 100 years ago from another era are no longer relevant, and

More (supposedly) silly laws RSA 184:30-d prohibits the use of milk containers as a receptacle for any substance other than dairy products.

RSA 286:1 requires a local license for any public exhibition or competition that includes an entry free including the following acts: showman, tumbler, rope dancer, ventriloquist or people exhibiting any feats of agility, horsemanship, sleight of hand, rope dancing or feats with cards, or any animals, wax figures or puppets.

RSA 338:1 makes it illegal to sell your clothes to pay off gambling debt. dismissing the case.

The interpretation of the law could be off base too. Richardson points to a relatively new sexting law, noting it was aimed at older men who might impersonate a younger person to arrange a sexual encounter, but it was used to convict a 17-year-old boy for sexting a 14-year-old girl. “The law was never intended to cover two teenagers sexting one another,” he says. The state Supreme Court will decide this case.

There are some laws previously ignored or thought to be unenforceable that have been re-employed to good effect. Hess says an example is the “broken window” theory employed in New York City in the 1990s.

The theory posits that one broken window left unrepaired soon condemns all the other windows on the building to a similar fate.

When long-overlooked petty crimes such as graffiti, loitering, skipping out on subway charges or dancing in unlicensed establishments were strictly enforced, they resulted in, as Hess says, a “significant drop in overall crime rates, particularly serious crimes against both persons and property.”

The Newport students’ hopes to repeal the seaweed harvesting prohibition was overwhelmingly defeated on a voice vote in the New Hampshire House. The “dumbest law” contest also fizzled out and Abramson left the Legislature, but he still rails against government overreach. “Victimless crimes and prohibition laws make matters worse,” he says. “They are not enforceable, increase crime and contribute to the breakdown in the legitimacy of the law.” NH

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EVENTS

Calendar OUR FAVORITE EVENTS FOR DECEMBER 2017

12/2-12/3

Symphony NH Holiday House Tour Private homes in downtown Nashua are decorated by professional interior designers. During the tour, local musicians, including an ensemble from Sinfonietta Strings and students from the Nashua Community Music School, will perform holiday music at various homes. $17 in advance and $20 day of. 12-4 p.m. both days. (603) 595-9156; symphonynh.org

Ch oi ce

12/3

courtesy of omni mount washington resort

Ed ito r’ s

Exeter Holiday House Tour Visit five of Exeter’s homes that are decked out for the holidays. New this year is the chance to visit the Folsom Tavern at the American Independence Museum. $25. 1 to 5 p.m. (603) 502-3805; exeterareaholidayhousetour.com

12/8-12/10

Amherst Tree Lighting Festival Many towns will have tree-lighting celebrations this month, but Amherst makes the absolute most of theirs.

Festivities begin Friday night when the lights come on, and continue all weekend with Santa breakfasts, holiday craft demos, concerts and even a wine cellar and art gallery open house at LaBelle Winery. Prices, times and locations may vary. amhersttreelightingfestival.weebly.com

12/9

12/22-12/25 Holly Jolly Christmas Celebration For one of the coziest holidays of the year, you need a picturesque hotel tucked in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The Omni Mount Washington Resort is magical when it is covered in snow and even more festive with their celebration of sleigh rides, snowshoeing, stories with Santa, holiday treats, movies and crafts during their Christmas Celebration. You can even have your little ones tucked into bed by an elf on Christmas Eve, while you go take part in the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party in the Cave. Prices and times may vary. The Omni Mount Washington Resort, 310 Mt. Washington Hotel Rd., Bretton Woods. (603) 278-1000; brettonwoods.com

FESTIVALS & TOURS Through 12/31

Gift of Lights Remember when your parents used to stuff you and your siblings in the van to drive around checking out neighbors’ Christmas lights? This is that drive and then some. More than 400 light displays, 60 holiday scenes and two million LED bulbs light up New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Spectators are urged to drive the route (including the tunnel and part of the track’s road course) and revel in the sight around them. $20. 4:30 to 9 p.m. daily, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 1122 NH-106, Loudon. (603) 783-4931; nhms.com

12/1-12/3

Altrusa Festival of Trees This year’s 22nd annual Festival of Trees will be bigger and better than ever. Delight in more than 40 trees, from traditional displays to Disney themes to more whimsical exhibits. There will also be raffles, cookies and cider. $5, free for kids 12 and under.

Fri 2 to 6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun 12 to 4 p.m., Waukewan Golf Course, 166 Waukewan Rd., Center Harbor, Meredith. altrusameredithnh.org

12/2

Homestead Christmas Get ready for the holiday season with Tamworth Village by taking part in their seasonal traditions. There will be festive tours of the Captain Enoch Remick House, winter wagon rides, holiday-time tastings, seasonal exhibits and decorations in the museum center, among other activities. You can even meet some of the farm animals in their seasonal setting on the farm. $5, ages 4 and under free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth Village. (603) 3237591; remickmuseum.org

12/2-12/17

Candlelight Stroll The signature event of Portsmouth’s Vintage Christmas celebrations, Strawbery Banke’s holiday classic encourages families to enjoy a bit of “stopfulness” amid the crazy pace of the season. Watch historical reenactors create scenes of Decembers gone by, and take advantage of complimentary snacks and hot apple cider at the Cider Shed. $12.50-$25. Sat 5 to 9 p.m., Sun 4 to 8 p.m., Strawberry Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth. (603) 4331100; strawberybanke.org

SantaCon Manchester Have you ever wanted to throw on a Santa suit and spend an afternoon hopping from bar to bar with a mob of other Kris Kringles? No? Well, whether you could have dreamt it up or not, that unique opportunity is yours with the Queen City’s iteration of SantaCon. This year newcomer Bonfire Country Bar is on the list of stops, along with Strange Brew Tavern, The Shaskeen Pub and more. There will be food and drink specials for all those in costume. 4 to 11 p.m., downtown Manchester. Facebook

12/9-12/10

21st Annual Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie & Candy Tour Come about as close as you can get to the North Pole experience with this beloved ode to small-town streets. Eleven country lodges, such as North Conway’s 1785 Inn and Albany’s Darby Field Inn, open their doors for visitors to taste their best holiday cookies and candies, and snag some recipe and décor ideas.

Don’t forget to vote for the best cookie along the way — the winning inn receives $500 to give its favorite charity. $30. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., locations vary. (603) 356-2642; countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com

12/9-12/17

Wolfeboro Festival of Trees More than 65 exquisitely decorated Christmas trees deck the halls of the Wright Museum for this annual event.

Marvel at the colorful conifers (spread across two floors), and enjoy live entertainment from local performing groups such as Expressions Dance Academy. $2-$5. Times vary, Wright Museum of World War II, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro.

(603) 948-5504; wolfeborofestivaloftrees.com

12/16

Christmas in Andover Tour historic homes that have been decorated for the holidays during this community event. $30 in advance and $40 the day of. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (603) 673-3231; ccamherst.org/cav

12/26

ZESTFEST: A New Vaudeville Festival Presented by Pontine Theatre, this festival features a number of shows, each by a different vaudeville nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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12/2

Ski for Hunger Food Drive As Cannon Mountain kicks off their ski season, they’re offering charitable visitors a can’t-miss deal. Any skier who brings along four nonperishable food items for Franconia’s Good Neighbor Food Pantry will get 50 percent off their lift ticket for the day – meaning you can get in your first passes of the year with both your wallet and your heart feeling full. Cannon Mountain Ski Area, 260 Tramway Dr., Franconia. (603) 823-8800; cannonmt.com

Enjoy New Year’s Eve festivities both on and off the slopes at Pats Peak. The mountain will not only have the trails open for skiing and snowboarding, but there will be tubing, a comedy show, raffles, fireworks and more. Delight in food from any of the three food stations and don’t forget your party favors. It has become an event known as “the throwing of the beads.” Ticket prices may vary. 6 p.m., Pats Peak, 686 Flanders Rd., Henniker. (603) 4283245; patspeak.com Ch oi ce

BENEFITS

12/31 New Year’s Eve Party Family Celebration

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performer. These are family-friendly performances filled with humor, magic and mayhem. $15. 2 p.m. The Seacoast Science Center, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye. pontine.org

EVENTS HOME

12/9

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Teddy Bear Toss You’ve seen spectators throw roses and teddy bears on the ice to celebrate great skaters. Now you can try it yourself for a great cause. After the Monarchs score their first goal against the Reading Royals, the crowd will be asked to toss stuffed animals onto the ice to be donated to local kids in need. In the past two years, the promotion has collected more than 2,000 cuddly creatures — team mascot Max the Lion not included. 6 p.m., SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester. manchestermonarchs.com

MUSIC 12/2

Keep it in the Family – Holiday Show Don’t miss Darol Anger (founding member of David Grisman Quintet, Republic of Strings, Berklee professor) and Emy Phelps (Brian Random’s Ceramic Ensemble) as they bring their talented group of all-stars for a special holiday show at The Stone Church. Get your tickets early for this special evening. $18. 7 p.m., The Stone Church, 5 Granite St., Newmarket. (603) 659-7700; stonechurchrocks.com

12/2

Strafford Wind Symphony Holiday Pops The annual holiday concert includes old and new favorites, plus a special narrated piece. $7-$12.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m. The Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester. (603) 335-1992; rochesteroperahouse.com

12/3

Greater Keene Holiday Pops Concert Under the direction of Diane Cushing and accompanied by Walt Sayre, the pops will be singing music from around the world celebrating the holiday season. $12 in advance and 15 the day of. 3 p.m. The Colonial Theatre, 95 Main St., Keene. (603) 3522033; thecolonial.org

12/5

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from his groundbreaking “Fresh Aire” series. 7:30 p.m. SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St. (800) 745-3000; ticketmaster.com

12/7

An Irish Christmas in America Now in its 12th year, this show includes Irish music, song and dance. Enjoy ballads, lively instrumental tunes, energetic dancing and more at this family-friendly

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event. Prices vary. 7:30 p.m. The Dana Center, 100 Saint Anselm Dr., Manchester. (603) 641-7700; anselm.edu/dana

12/8

Christmas with the Celts If you’ve had your fill of Christmas in New England, get away for a night to soak up the holiday traditions of the Emerald Isle.

Step dancers, vocalists and a rollicking band combine with Irish instruments such as the bodhran and uilleann pipes to create an evening of classic holiday music from both sides of the Atlantic.

Tickets start at $39. 7:30 p.m., The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performing Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com

12/14

Buzz Ball 2017 Join your hosts for the evening, Greg and the Morning Buzz, for this 7th annual Rock and Roll Christmas Ball that will be sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. This show includes some of the best talent and entertainment in New England, and will feature special guest musicians, actors and comedians. $30-$40. 7 p.m., Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St., Concord.

(603) 225-1111; ccanh.com

12/14-12/17

The Christmas Revels As the Winter Solstice brings with it long, cold nights, grab your family and friends and gather together to witness a tale of adventure and enchantment. You can watch this Nordic celebration come to life before your eyes in this performance from Revels North. Enjoy the journey of a young girl in search of her Nordic heritage, and the heroes and magical creatures that she meets along the way. $7.50-$46. Times vary. Spaulding Auditorium at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, 4 E. Wheelock St., Dartmouth College, Hanover. revelsnorth.org

12/16

Ronan Tynan’s Holiday Tour Tenor Ronan Tynan’s holiday concert features traditional carols and classic Irish ballads accompanied by pianist Bill Lewis. $29-$43. 8 p.m. The Colonial Theatre, 95 Main St., Keene. (603) 352-2033; thecolonial.org

12/16

The Boston Pops The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and Conductor Keith Lockhart will perform new arrangements and holiday favorites, including their signature “Sleigh Ride.” They will be joined by the Metropolitan Chorale, one of Boston’s premier ensembles. Santa will make an appearance at the finale, which will be followed by the traditional holiday sing-along. 7:30 p.m. SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St. (800) 745-3000; ticketmaster.com

12/20-12/21

Family Holiday Pops There’s no shortage of holiday pops concerts around the state this month, but our favorite is this two-night engagement from the Seacoast’s local symphony. Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra’s annual spectacle includes guest choruses and a special performance by resident artist Randy Armstrong. $12-$25. 7:30 p.m., The Music Hall, 28 Chesnutt St., Portsmouth. (603) 436-2400; themusichall.org

12/23

Dreadnaught “Hard Charging” Album Release For 21 years, this ever-changing group has dabbled in everything from experimental electronic to orchestral music. Join them for an unforgettable album release celebration and concert with special guest The Screen. $10 for members, $13 in advance and $15 the day of. Doors open at 7 with the show at 8 p.m. 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughn St., Portsmouth. (603) 766-3330; 3sarts.org

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THEATRE & DANCE 12/1-12/17

Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas, The Musical” Start this holiday season with a timeless tale of joy and see Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas, the Musical.” This heart-warming show is filled with stunning dance numbers and iconic songs. Don’t miss this “holiday card come to life.” $34-$94.

Times may vary. The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth. (603) 436-2400; themusichall.org

12/1-12/23

“A Christmas Carol” Dickens’ classic tale takes center stage in this Palace Theatre tradition.

Enjoy professional acting, live orchestra accompaniment and a lively performance that even the Scrooge in your family is bound to love. $25$46. Times vary, Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. (603) 668-5588; palacetheatre.org

12/2-3

“The Nutcracker” You can catch one of Northeastern Ballet Theatre’s signature productions this month as this classic ballet takes the stage for three shows in Durham and Wolfeboro. $17.50-$20. Times and locations vary. (603) 8348834; northeasternballet.org

12/7-12/23

“A Christmas Carol” Keeping true to the original text and bringing the atmosphere of Victorian Christmas traditions to the stage, this version of the holiday classic draws upon the themes of time, family and society’s ills. Times and prices vary. The Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester. (603) 335-1992; rochesteroperahouse.com

12/7-12/23

12/9-12/15

“The Nutcracker” Sole City Dance performs both full-length and special abbreviated performances for school groups. Full-length shows take place on 12/9-12/10 and 12/14-12/15. Abbreviated versions take place at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on 12/13. Times and prices vary. The Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester. (603) 335-1992; rochesteroperahouse.com

12/14-12/23

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” Everyone’s favorite Christmas special is live on stage at Seacoast Rep this season. This faithful stage adaption follows the beloved Peanuts gang as they discover the true meaning of Christmas, and remind audiences of the goodness and love that the holidays are all about. $15. 10 a.m., Seacoast Repertory Theatre, 125 Bow St., Portsmouth.

(603) 433-4793; seacoastrep.org

12/19

Chanukah at the Palace The evening features Jewish rock band 8th Day and magician Anthony Salazar. $14 for adults and $8 for children.

Children under 3 are free. 6:30 p.m. The Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. (603) 6685588; palacetheatre.org

12/26 & 12/28

Recycled Percussion New Hampshire’s own drumming group is back for multiple shows. On 12/26 see them at the Rochester Opera House at 4 and 7:30 p.m. On 12/28 they perform two more shows at the Colonial Theatre also at 4 and 7:30 p.m. All shows are $34.50. Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester.

(603) 335-1992; rochesteroperahouse.com; The Colonial Theatre, 95 Main St., Keene. (603) 3522033; thecolonial.org

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“A Christmas Carol” For those in more northerly locations, M&D Playhouse is also putting on a version of the Dickens classic. $20. Thus-Sat, 7:30 p.m.

1857 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway.

(603) 733-5275; mdplayhouse.com

12/28

“The Nutcracker” The NH School of Ballet presents their full-length performance of the holiday classic. $18. 7 p.m. The Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester. (603) 668-5588; palacetheatre.org

SNOW & SOLSTICE 12/16

Solstice Lantern Festival Just before the shortest day of the year, this event from Prescott Farm is a reminder that, come winter solstice, we’re back on the upswing toward long hours of summer sun. The festival will celebrate the light’s return with a bonfire, a lantern parade and contests for visitors who bring their own homemade lanterns. Prepare for the event by getting creative and making your own lanterns from old tin cans, or even something colorful from translucent tissue paper and other recycled materials. Don’t forget your camera, there will be plenty of photo opportunities. $3. 4 to 7 p.m., Prescott Farm, 928 White Oaks Rd., Laconia. (603) 366-5695; prescottfarm.org

12/17

Focus Tour: Winter Wonderlands in the Currier Collection You don’t have to go outside to find yourself walking in a winter wonderland. This guided tour will show you all the works in the state’s premier art museum that deal with winter and weather. Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester. (603) 669-6144; currier.org

12/20

The Winter Solstice in Legend & Song As you gear up to celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, check out this show to learn all about the traditions of December’s nondenominational holiday.

Master storyteller Diane Edgecombe and her musicians weave existing legends and stories with traditional songs and original tunes to create a compelling picture of the year’s darkest day. $24-$28. 7 p.m., New Hampshire Theatre Project, 959 Islington St., Portsmouth. (603) 431-6644; nhtheatreproject.org

12/30

USASA Rail Jam Winter sports in New Hampshire will really pick up speed after the New Year, but Loon Mountain is giving you a preview of the competition season. In this youth meet from the USA Snowboard and Freeski Association, some of New England’s most promising talent will compete for top honors. Loon Mountain, 60 Loon Mountain Rd., Lincoln. (603) 845-8111; loonmtn.com

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12/2

12/9-12/10 Symphony NH Holiday Pops Join internationally touring Act of Congress as they perform an Americana take on your holiday favorites with Symphony NH. Act of Congress is a four-member band from Alabama that will bring their distinct Americana and acoustic rock sound to this year’s pops.

They’re pictured above playing with their home state’s symphony. There are two chances to catch this unique performance: December 9, 7:30 p.m. Keefe Center for the Arts, 117 Elm St., Nashua; December 10, 3 p.m. Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St., Concord. symphonynh.org

New Castle Village Christmas Fair Come and check out one-of-a-kind crafts from The Ladies of the Guild. This year’s crafts include cardinal ornaments, framed sea glass artwork and other nautical themed gifts that represent the island town of New Castle. There will also be a collection of mittens and hats, serving trays and wreaths. Don’t forget to try traditional fish chowder and lobster rolls while you check items off of your Christmas shopping list. 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., New Castle Recreational Building, 301 Wentworth Rd., New Castle. (603) 431-4456; portsmouthchamber.org

12/2

Holiday Lantern Market & Bazaar If part of your shopping list includes antiques or artisan-made nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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With a fantastic lineup of artisans and crafters setting up shop in the middle of Brady Sullivan Plaza, this market may be the easiest place in the state to pick up a thoughtful handmade gift while you’re on your lunch break. Thu 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (plus 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec 9 and 16), Brady Sullivan Plaza, 1000 Elm St., Manchester. (603) 64506285; intownmanchester.com

12/9

Holiday Craft Fair and Open House Stock up on gifts for the nature lover in your life with this NH Audubon shopping event. A number of local artisans will be onsite selling their wares, and you can peruse their handmade work and snack on provided refreshments. Audubon members attending the event get an added perk – 20 percent off all purchases in the center’s nature store. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., NH Audubon McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Rd., Concord. (603) 2249909; nhaudubon.org

12/9-12/10

12/2-12/23 Santa’s Holiday Express Santa Claus is coming to town — but he’s traded his sleigh for a more locomotive form of transportation. During the Conway Scenic Railroad’s annual holiday promotion, riders can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while mingling with the big man and his elves. Pro tip: Read or watch “The Polar Express” together before your ride for extra excitement. $9.50-$26.50. Days vary, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Conway Scenic Railroad, 38 Norcross Cir., North Conway.

(603) 356-5251; conwayscenic.com crafts, make sure to stop by this Vintage Label Co. event at Keene State College. There will be more than 50 vendors showcasing their vintage finds, holiday décor and repurposed goods. Enjoy fine foods and music while you are walking around, and don’t worry about parking because it is free. ’Tis the season to be inspired by the warmth of the holidays and to shop locally. $5, 16 and under free. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., The Lantern Building, Keene State College, 24 Madison St., Keene. vintagelabelco.com

12/3

Mill Falls Marketplace Holiday Open House The shops and businesses of this lovely lakefront complex open their doors for a day full of shopping, caroling and holiday fun. Pick up gifts from the Country Carriage and Lake Winnipesaukee gear from Great Northern, then hop on the event’s horse-drawn carriage for a leisurely afternoon ride. Keep an eye out for Santa because we hear that he may be stopping by. 1-4 p.m., Mills Falls Marketplace, 312 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith. (603) 279-7006; millfalls.com

12/7-12/16

Downtown Holiday Market Members of the downtown Manchester workforce will now have no excuse not to finish their Christmas shopping.

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Made in New England Expo If you still have friends and family on your list, this is a great opportunity to find unique, local gifts from specialty foods and décor to glassware and pet products. $3-$9. Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Radisson Hotel, 700 Elm St., Manchester. (603) 626-6354; millyardcommunications.com

12/16-12/17

Santa’s Stocking Stuffer Craft Fair Procrastinators, this one’s for you! The last event of the year from Joyce’s Craft Shows, this fair carries both stocking-friendly small gifts and larger items including quilts, gourmet food and holiday floral arrangements. Sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., North Conway Community Center, 2628 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway.

(603) 528-4014; joycescraftshows.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE 12/31

Family New Year’s Eve Celebration Kids get their own chance to watch the clock strike “midnight” at this family-friendly gathering. The museum sets up a glitter ball and counts down to its drop three times throughout the day, so you and your little ones can ring in 2018 without staying up late. Free with museum admission. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, 6 Washington St., Dover. (603) 742-2002; childrens-museum.org

12/31

Noon Year’s Eve This family-friendly celebration ends with bubble-wrap fireworks and a huge balloon drop. The day includes art-making activities, face painting, live entertainment and more fun things for kids. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester.

(603) 669-6144; currier.org

12/31

An Unforgettable Night Ring in the New Year lakeside at the Margate Resort on Lake Winnipesaukee. Enjoy entertainment provided by a 5-piece classic rock and roll cover band, a premium buffet dinner, party favors, decorations and a balloon drop at midnight. Prices vary. 9 p.m., The Margate Resort, 76 Lake St., Laconia. (603) 524-5210; themargate.com

12/31

Fireworks Summer isn’t the only season when Hampton Beach is set alight with fireworks. Bundle up and hit the boardwalk for the town’s last

oceanside lightshow of 2017. 8 p.m., Hampton Beach. 115 Ocean Blvd., Hampton. hamptonbeach.org

12/31

A Night in Havana – Black Tie Affair For the grandest New Year’s party in the state, you need a grand hotel. Attendees of this swanky celebration will be handed champagne before they even walk in the door, will feast on a fourcourse gourmet dinner and take advantage of an open bar, 8-piece show band as well as a toreador to keep you going all night long.

Goodbye, 2017! 7 p.m., Wentworth by the Sea, 588 Wentworth Rd., New Castle. (603) 4227322; wentworth.com

VISUAL ARTS & MUSEUMS 12/14

Free Lautrec Late Night This is the final night of these special evenings. A different way to see the exhibit “The Paris of Toulouse-Lautrec: Prints and Posters from the Museum of Modern Art,” the night also offers tours, plays, poetry and more. For the December 14 event, at 6:30 p.m. the museum will present some of the most popular cinematic portrayals of Toulouse-Lautrec and his beloved Moulin Rouge. A cash bar and food will be available in the Winter Garden Café.

General admission is free, but a special $5 fee applies to nonmembers. 5-9 p.m. The Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester.

(603) 669-6144; currier.org

12/14-1/14

Small Kingdoms The works of 3D artists Jamie Johnston, Boyan Moskov and Don Williams will be on display until mid-January 2018. Williams’ wall pieces and sculptures often utilize found objects, echoes of Johnston’s former life as a furniture-maker can be seen in his wall piece, and Moskov, originally from Bulgaria and now New Hampshire resident, creates ceramic objects. Opening reception December 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Kelley Stelling Contemporary, 221 Hanover St., Manchester. (603) 254-6211; kelleystellingcontemporary.com

MISCELLANEOUS 12/3

The North Shore Medium presents: Spirit of Christmas Come and watch the North Shore Medium as she brings you a special of “Messages from Heaven” during this holiday “Spirit of Christmas Show.” This is a powerful opportunity to witness a medium connect with departed loved ones and bring validation to audience members. She delivers her messages with humor, intensity and compassion. $35-$45. 7 p.m., The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth.

(603) 436-2400; themusichall.org

Find additional events at nhmagazine.com/ calendar and even more holiday things to do at nhmagazine.com/Holiday-Guide-to-NewHampshire. Submit events eight weeks in advance to Emily Heidt at eheidt@nhmagazine.com or enter your own at nhmagazine. com/calendar. Not all events are guaranteed to be published either online or in the print calendar. Event submissions will be reviewed and, if deemed appropriate, approved by a New Hampshire Magazine editor.

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DINE OUT 7/29/05 10:01 AM

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Good Eats OUR GUIDE TO FINE DINING

Take Pride in N.H. Visit www.nhmade.com for a list of the state’s finest specialty foods

It’s Your Day to Shine.

The Wentworth Inn, 1 Carter Notch Rd., Jackson Village, thewentworth.com

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Dining Inn Nothing is sweeter for the holidays than a few days at a historic New Hampshire inn. At The Wentworth Inn in Jackson, enjoy gracious accommodations, many with private outdoor hot tubs, and a farm-to-table dinner in the hotel’s dining room. Try a Montreal-spiced beef carpaccio or handcrafted pork gyoza for appetizers, a creative salad or the chef ’s

soup du jour. Then move on to pan-roasted salmon raised in Maine with sweet potatoes and maple bourbon cream or Hatfield Farm pork tenderloin schnitzel or a vegetarian cauliflower au gratin. A prix-fixe, three-course dinner is available for a reasonable $40. In the morning, strap on the cross-country skis and tour the prettiest trails in the state. NH

The Fall/Winter issue of New Hampshire Magazine’s BRIDE is on the newsstands. Inside you’ll find gorgeous photography, inspiration, New Hampshire venues, the latest gown styles and much more.

All for the New Hampshire Bride

Visit us at bridenh.com. nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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Have a Pickity Holiday!

Discover the warmth and magic of Pickity Place this holiday season.

H Best of NH

$ Entrées cost less than $12 2017 Editor’s Picks B Breakfast H Best of NH L Lunch 2017 Reader’s Poll D Dinner $$$$ Entrées cost b Brunch more than $25 $$$ Entrées cost between ( Reservations recom-

December Menu

Dip: Warm Herbed Brie Soup: Arugula Minestrone Salad: Hydroponic Greens with Pears, Walnuts and Pumpkin Seed Drizzle Bread: Bavarian Pretzel Twist with German Mustard Entrée: Braised Beef Over Savory Bread Pudding — or— Entrée: Three Cheese Vegetable Manicotti Side: Decided Daily Dessert: Ginger Snap and Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

Our restaurant listings include Best of NH winners and advertisers along with others compiled by the New Hampshire Magazine editorial department.

Listings are subject to change from month to month based on space availability. Expanded and highlighted listings denote advertisers. For additional and more detailed listings, visit nhmagazine.com.

Open 10-5 pm everyday Luncheon seatings 11:30, 12:45 and 2:00 Reservations Recommended

603-878-1151 Pickityplace.com

The Boston Pops return to Manchester!

$18 and $25

mended

$$ Entrées cost between

New – Open for one year or less

in beautiful, themed dining rooms.

The menu, with a focus on upscale, creative farm-to-table cuisine, changes with the seasons. The idea is to bring a taste of wine country to New Hampshire, so sampling form the wine list is a must. $$$-$$$$ D

Campo Enoteca

ITALIAN 969 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 625-0256; campoenoteca. com; $–$$$ L D

Colosseum Restaurant

ITALIAN 264 North Broadway, Salem; (603) 898-1190; thecolosseumrestaurant.com; $–$$ L D (

Cork N Keg Grill

TAVERN 4 Essex Dr., Raymond; (603) 244-1573; corknkeggrill.com; $-$$ L D

Cotton H

AMERICAN 75 Arms St., Manchester; (603) 622-5488; cottonfood.com; $$–$$$$ L D (

The Crown Tavern

TAVERN 99 Hanover Street, Manchester; (603) 218-3132; thecrownonhanover. com — From the team at Hanover Street Chophouse comes this new addition to downtown Manchester. Expect excellent gastropub fare at affordable 900 Degrees H prices in this comfortable tavern space.

PIZZERIA 24 Calef Hwy., Brickyard Sq., Epping; (603) 734-2809; 50 Dow $–$$$ D St., Manchester; (603) 641-0900; Cucina Toscana 900degrees.com; $–$$$ L D ITALIAN 427 Amherst St., Nashua; (603) 821-7356; cucinatoscananashAngelina’s Ristorante Italiano ua.com; $ L D ( ITALIAN 11 Depot St., Concord; (603) 228-3313; angelinasrestaurant.com; The Foundry H $–$$$ L D AMERICAN/FARM-TO-TABLE 50 Bar One Commercial St., Manchester; (603) GASTROPUB 40 Nashua St., Milford; 836-1925; foundrynh.com; $$-$$$ D b (603) 249-5327; Facebook; $–$$ L D

$12 and $18

MERRIMACK VALLEY

Barley House H

TAVERN/AMERICAN 132 North Main St., Concord; (603) 228-6363; 43 Lafayette Rd., N. Hampton; (603) 379-9161; thebarleyhouse.com; $–$$ L D New location in N. Hampton

Bavaria German Restaurant

Fratello’s Italian Grille H

ITALIAN 155 Dow St., Manchester; (603) 624-2022; 194 Main St., Nashua; (603) 889-2022; 799 Union Ave., Laconia; (603) 528-2022; fratellos.com; $–$$ L D

Gale Motor Co. Eatery H

SMALL PLATES 36 Lowell St., ManGERMAN 1461 Hooksett Rd., Hooksett; chester; (603) 232-7059; galemoto(603) 836-5280; bavaria-nh.com; reatery.com; $–$$$ D ( $–$$ L D

Bedford Village Inn H

AMERICAN 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford; (603) 472-2001; bedfordvillageinn.com; $$–$$$$ B L D

The Birch on Elm H

Join the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and Conductor Keith Lockhart for their beloved Holiday Pops concert. Capturing the magic of the Christmas season and the winter charms of New England, the Boston Pops will perform their signature Sleigh Ride, holiday classics, and new arrangements of seasonal favorites. They are joined by the Metropolitan Chorale, one of Metro Boston’s premier choral ensembles. Santa himself will make a guest appearance during the concert’s finale followed by the traditional Boston Pops Holiday Sing-a-long.

108

NEW AMERICAN/TAPAS 931 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 782-5365; Facebook; $–$$ L D

British Beer Company

December 16th at 7:30pm HALF-PRICED KID’S TICKETS AVAILABLE

PUB 1071 S. Willow St., Manchester; (603) 232-0677; 2 Portwalk Place, Portsmouth; (603) 501-0515; britishbeer.com; $–$$ L D

Buckley’s Bakery & Café

Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-3000 Limited cabaret table seats available!

Group and table sales: (603) 644-5000 ext. 6008

SNHU Arena.com • (603)644-5000 555 Elm St. • Manchester, NH 03101

nhmagazine.com | December 2017

Giorgio’s Ristorante

MEDITERRANEAN 707 Milford Rd., Merrimack; (603) 883-7333; 524 Nashua St., Milford; (603) 673-3939; 270 Granite St., Manchester; (603) 2323323; giorgios.com; $$–$$$ L D (

Granite Restaurant & Bar

NEW AMERICAN 96 Pleasant St., Concord; (603) 227-9000; graniterestaurant.com; $$–$$$$ B L D b (

Grazing Room

AMERICAN 33 The Oaks St., Henniker; (603) 428-3281; colbyhillinn.com; $$–$$$$ D (

Grill 603

CAFÉ 438 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack; (603) 424-0995; buckleysbakerycafe.com; $ B L

AMERICAN 168 Elm St., Milford; (603) 213-6764; grill603.com; $–$$$ L D b

Buckley’s Great Steaks

Gyro Spot

STEAKHOUSE 438 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack; (603) 424-0995; buckleysgreatsteaks.com; $–$$$$ D (

Cabonnay H

WINE BAR/NEW AMERICAN 55 Bridge St., Manchester; (844) 946-3473; cabonnay.com — Find multiple levels of elegant, sensory dining

GREEK 1037 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 218-3869; 421 Central Ave., Dover; (603) 343-4553; thegyrospot. com; $ L D New Dover location

Hanover St. Chophouse H

STEAKHOUSE 149 Hanover Street, Manchester; (603) 644-2467; hanoverstreetchophouse.com — A local favorite

603 LIVING

DINE OUT Pigtale

for fine dining, this elegant steakhouse also features an impressive wine list and beautiful private event space. $$$–$$$$ L D (

PIZZERIA 449 Amherst St., Nashua; (603) 864-8740; (603) 864-8740; pigtalepizza.com; $-$$ L D

Homestead Restaurant

Republic H

AMERICAN 641 DW Highway, Merrimack; (603) 429-2022; Rte. 104 Bristol; (603) 744-2022; homesteadnh.com; $–$$$ L D Lunch only at Merrimack location

MEDITERRANEAN 1069 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 666-3723; republiccafe.com; $–$$$ L D

Revival Kitchen & Bar

The Little Crêperie

AMERICAN 11 Depot St., Concord; (603) 715-5723; revivalkitchennh. com; $$–$$$ D (

Local Moose Café

Riverside BBQ

CAFÉ 138 North Main St., Concord; (603) 856-7807; $ B L b FARM-TO-TABLE/CAFÉ 124 Queen City Ave., Manchester; (603) 2322669; thelocalmoosecafe.com; $–$$ BLb

BBQ 53 Main St., Nashua; (603) 2045110; riversidebarbeque.com $–$$ L D

Lui Lui H

CAFÉ 9 Riverside St., Hooksett; (603) 485-7761; rootsatrobies.com; $–$$ B L D

ITALIAN 259 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua; (603) 888-2588; 8 Glen Rd., West Lebanon; (603) 298-7070; luilui.com; $-$$ L D

Madear's

Roots at Robie’s Country Store

MEDITERRANEAN 866 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 232-4066; matbahcuisine.com; $-$$ D

Mediterrano Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine H

TURKISH/MEDITERRANEAN 24 Henniker St., Hillsborough; (603) 680-4319; mediterranoo.com $ L D

Milk & Honey Juicery + Café

CAFÉ 889 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 420-9308; milkandhoneymanchester.com; $ B L

Mint Bistro

NEW AMERICAN/JAPANESE 1105 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 625-6468; mintbistronh.com; $$-$$$ L D (

MT’s Local Kitchen & Wine Bar

AMERICAN 212 Main St., Nashua; (603) 595-9334; mtslocal.com; $–$$$ L D

New England's Tap House Grille

AMERICAN/TAVERN 1292 Hooksett Rd., Hooksett; (603) 782-5137; taphousenh.com; $–$$ L D

O Steaks & Seafood H

STEAKHOUSE/SEAFOOD 11 South Main St., Concord; (603) 856-7925; 62 Doris Ray Court, Lakeport; (603) 524-9373; magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com; $$–$$$ L D

The Pasta Loft H

Bridge Street Bistrot

INTERNATIONAL 64 Bridge St., Portsmouth; (603) 430-9301; bridgestreetbistrot.com; $$–$$$ L D b (

British Beer Company

PUB 1071 S. Willow St., Manchester; (603) 232-0677; 2 Portwalk Place, Portsmouth; (603) 501-0515; britishbeer.com; $–$$ L D

Bubby’s NY Style Delicatessen H

Cataqua Public House at Redhook Brewery

Strange Brew Tavern

Matbah Mediterranean Cuisine

NEW AMERICAN 142 Congress St., Portsmouth; (603) 373-6464; $$–$$$ LD(

Stella Blu

ASIAN 13 Broad St., Nashua; (603) 882-8644; kikunh.com; $–$$ L D (

Mangia

ITALIAN 321 Nashua St., Milford; (603) 554-8534; Facebook; $–$$$ D

Braise

NY DELI 241 Hanover St., Portsmouth; (603) 373-8981; bubbysdeli. com; $ B L D

TAPAS 70 East Pearl St., Nashua; (603) 578-5557; stellablu-nh.com; $$–$$$ D

Mangia Sano

NEW AMERICAN 319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth; (603) 294-9060; 3sarts.org; $$–$$$ D Located at 3S Artspace

Shira Kiku

CAJUN TAPAS 175 Hanover St., Manchester; (603) 206-5827; madears603.com; $–$$ L D b ITALIAN 33 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 647-0788; gomangia.com; $–$$ D (

Block 6

TAVERN 88 Market St., Manchester; (603) 666-4292; strangebrewtavern. net; $-$$ L D

Surf Restaurant H

SEAFOOD 207 Main St., Nashua; (603) 595-9293; 99 Bow St., Portsmouth; (603) 334-9855; surfseafood.com; $$–$$$$ D b

Taco Beyondo H

MEXICAN 53 Henniker St., Hillsborough; (603) 464-5986; tacobeyondo.com; $ L D

Taj India H

INDIAN 967 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 606-2677; 47 E. Pearl St., Nashua; (603) 864-8586; tajindia.co; $–$$ L D New location in Nashua

Tuscan Kitchen H

ITALIAN 67 Main St., Salem; (603) 952-4875; 581 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth; (603) 570-3600; tuscan-kitchen.com; $$–$$$ L D

SEACOAST

900 Degrees H

PIZZERIA 24 Calef Hwy., Brickyard Sq., Epping; (603) 734-2809; 50 Dow St., Manchester; (603) 6410900; 900degrees.com; $–$$$ L D

7th Settlement

BREW PUB 47 Washington St., Dover; (603) 373-1001; 7thsettlement. com; $–$$ L D

Agave Mexican Bistro Dos H

MEXICAN 11 State St., Portsmouth; (603) 427-5300; agavemexicanbistrodos.com; $–$$ L D

Barley House H

Franklin Oyster House

SEAFOOD 148 Fleet St., Portsmouth; (603) 373-8500; franklinoysterhouse.com; $-$$$ D

The Galley Hatch

AMERICAN 325 Lafayette Rd., Hampton; (603) 926-6152; galleyhatch. com; $-$$ B L D

Green Elephant H

VEGETARIAN 35 Portwalk Place, Portsmouth; (603) 427-8344; greenelephantnh.com; $–$$ L D

Gyro Spot

GREEK 1037 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 218-3869; 421 Central Ave., Dover; (603) 343-4553; thegyrospot. com; $ L D New Dover location

Hemingway's

AMERICAN 69 Water St., Exeter; (603) 583-5034; hemingwaysnh. com; $-$$$ D

CAVA

Jonny Boston’s International H

TAPAS 10 Commercial Alley, Portsmouth; (603) 319-1575; cavatapasandwinebar.com; $–$$$ L D

Chapel+Main

NEW AMERICAN 83 Main St., Dover; (603) 842-5170; chapelandmain. com; $$–$$$ D (

Community Oven

PIZZERIA 845 Lafayette Rd., Hampton; (603) 929-0102; thecommunityoven.com; $–$$$ L D

CR’s the Restaurant

INTERNATIONAL 170 Main St., New Market; (603) 292-6682; ilovejbi.com; $-$$ B L D

Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café

SEAFOOD 150 Congress St., Portsmouth; (603) 766-3474; jumpinjays. com; $$$–$$$$ D (

The Kitchen

AMERICAN/CAFÉ 171 Islington St., Portsmouth; (603) 319-8630; thekitchennh.com; $–$$ L D

Laney & Lu Café H

AMERICAN 287 Exeter Rd., Hampton; (603) 929-7972; crstherestaurant. com; $$-$$$ L D (

VEGETARIAN & VEGAN/CAFÉ 26 Water St., Exeter; (603) 580-4952; laneyandlu.com; $–$$ B L D

Cure

Lobster Q

NEW AMERICAN 189 State St., Portsmouth; (603) 427-8258; curerestaurantportsmouth.com; $$-$$$ L D (

SEAFOOD/BBQ 416 Emerson Ave., Hampstead; (603) 329-4094; lobsterq.com; $–$$$ L D (

Domo

Mombo

ASIAN 96 State St., Portsmouth; (603) 501-0132; domoportsmouth. com; $$ L D

NEW AMERICAN 66 Marcy St., Portsmouth; (603) 433-2340; momborestaurant.com; $$–$$$ D (

Durbar Square Restaurant

Moxy

NEPALESE/HIMALAYAN 10 Market St., Portsmouth; (603) 294-0107; durbarsquarerestaurant.com $-$$ L D (

TAPAS 106 Penhallow St., Portsmouth; (603) 319-8178; moxyrestaurant.com; $$–$$$ D (

Earth's Harvest Kitchen and Juicery

Nibblesworth Wood Fire Grill

CAFÉ 835 Central Ave., Dover; (603) 516-7600; earths-harvest.com; $ B L

Eastern Burger Company H

BURGERS 157 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham; (603) 580-2096; easternburgercompany.com; $–$$ L D

PIZZA/ITALIAN 220 East Main St., Hampstead; (603) 378-0092; 241 Union Sq., Milford; (603) 672-2270; pastaloft.com; $–$$ L D

AMERICAN 1 Orchard St., Dover; (603) 343-1830; emberwfg.com; $$-$$$ D b (

Piccola Italia Ristorante

Black Trumpet Bistro

Epoch

INTERNATIONAL 29 Ceres St., Portsmouth; (603) 431-0887; blacktrumpetbistro.com; $$–$$$$ D (

PIZZERIA 61 High St., Hampton; (603) 926-6111; 138 Congress St., Portsmouth; (603) 436-7888; 2760 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway; (603) 356-4470; flatbreadcompany. com; $–$$ L D

BREW PUB 1 Redhook Way, Portsmouth; (603) 420-8600; redhook. com; $-$$ L D

TAVERN/AMERICAN 132 North Main St., Concord; (603) 228-6363; 43 Lafayette Rd., N. Hampton; (603) 379-9161; thebarleyhouse.com; $–$$ L D New location in N. Hampton

ITALIAN 815 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 606-5100; (603) 606-5100; $–$$ L D (

Flatbread Company H

Ember Wood Fired Grill

NEW AMERICAN 2 Pine St., Exeter; (603) 772-5901; theexeterinn.com; $$$–$$$$ B L D b (

NEW AMERICAN 409 The Hill, Portsmouth; (603)427-8022; nibblesworth.com; $$–$$$ L D

Otis H

AMERICAN 4 Front St., Exeter; (603) 580-1705; otisrestaurant.com; $$–$$$ D

The Pasta Loft H

PIZZA/ITALIAN 220 East Main St., Hampstead; (603) 378-0092; 241 Union Sq., Milford; (603) 672-2270; pastaloft.com; $–$$ L D

The Pointe

NEW AMERICAN/SEAFOOD 31 Badger’s Island West, Kittery, Maine; (207) 703-2987; thepointerestaurant.com; $$$ D

nhmagazine.com | December 2017

109

603 LIVING Portsmouth Brewery H

BREWPUB 56 Market St., Portsmouth; (603) 431-1115; portsmouthbrewery.com $–$$$ L D

The Railpenny Tavern

TAVERN 8 Exeter St., Epping; (603) 734-2609; railpennytavern.com; $-$$$ L D b

Revolution Taproom and Grill

GASTRO PUB 61 North Main St., Rochester; (603) 244-3022; revolutiontaproomandgrill.com; $-$$ L D

DINE OUT

LAKES

boro; (603) 515-1003; innnewhampshire.com/our-bistro; $$–$$$ D

AMERICAN 51 Mill St., Wolfeboro; (603) 894-4361; baysidegrillandtavern.com; $–$$ L D

O Steaks & Seafood H

Bayside Grill and Tavern

Burnt Timber Tavern

BREWPUB/TAVERN 96 Lehner St., Wolfeboro; (603) 630-4186; burnttimbertavern.com; $–$$ L (Saturdays only) D

Canoe

AMERICAN 143 Main St., Kingston; (603) 347-5287; rickskingston.com; $–$$ L D

AMERICAN 216 South River Rd., Bedford; (603) 935-8070; 232 Whittier Hwy., Center Harbor; (603) 253-4762; magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com;$–$$$ D (

Ristorante Massimo

Corner House Inn Restaurant

Rick’s Food & Spirits

ITALIAN 59 Penhallow St., Portsmouth; (603) 436-4000; ristorantemassimo.com; $$-$$$ D (

AMERICAN 22 Main St., Center Sandwich; (603) 284-6219; cornerhouseinn.com $$ L D b (

Ron Jillian’s

Crystal Quail

ITALIAN 853 Lafayette Rd. Hampton; (603) 929-9966; ronjillians.com; $-$$ L D

AMERICAN 202 Pitman Rd., Center Barnstead; (603) 269-4151; crystalquail.com; $$$–$$$$ D (

Row 34

Faro Italian Grille

SEAFOOD 5 Portwalk Place, Portsmouth; (603) 319-5011; row34nh. com; $-$$$ L D b (

ITALIAN 7 Endicott St. N., Laconia; (603) 527-8073; faroitaliangrille.com; $$ D (

Rudi’s

NEW AMERICAN/WINE BAR 20 High St., Portsmouth; (603) 4307834; rudisportsmouth.com; $$-$$$$ LDb(

ITALIAN 155 Dow St., Manchester; (603) 624-2022; 194 Main St., Nashua; (603) 889-2022; 799 Union Ave., Laconia; (603) 528-2022; fratellos. com; $–$$ L D

Shio H

Garwood’s

Fratello’s Italian Grille H

JAPANESE 2454 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth; (603) 319-1638; shiorestaurant.com; $-$$ L D

AMERICAN 6 North Main St., Wolfeboro; (603) 569-7788; garwoodsrestaurant.com; $–$$ L D (

Sonny’s Tavern

Hobbs Tavern & Brewing Company

NEW AMERCAN 328 Central Ave., Dover; (603) 343-4332; sonnystaverndover.com; $–$$ D b

Street

INTERNATIONAL 801 Islington St., Portsmouth; (603) 436-0860; Streetfood360.com; $ L D b

STREET'za

PIZZA 801 Islington St., Portsmouth; (603) 431-7500; streetza360.com; $–$$ L D

Surf Seafood H

SEAFOOD 99 Bow St., Portsmouth; (603) 334-9855; surfseafood.com; $$–$$$$ D

Tuscan Kitchen H

ITALIAN 67 Main St., Salem; (603) 952-4875; 581 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth; (603) 570-3600; tuscan-kitchen.com; $$–$$$ L D b

Tinos Greek Kitchen

GREEK 325 Lafayette Rd., Hampton; (603) 926-6152; tinosgreek.com; $–$$ D b

Urban Farmhouse Eatery

SEAFOOD 184 Lafayette Rd., North Hampton; (603) 379-9965; Facebook; $–$$ B L D

Vida Cantina H

MEXICAN 2456 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth; (603) 501-0648; vidacantinanh.com; $–$$ L D

The Wellington Room

NEW AMERICAN 67 Bow St., Portsmouth; (603) 431-2989; thewellingtonroom.com; $$$–$$$$ D (

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nhmagazine.com | December 2017

BREWPUB 2415 White Mountain Hwy., W. Ossipee; (603) 539-2000; hobbstavern.com; $–$$ L D

Homestead Restaurant

AMERICAN 641 DW Highway, Merrimack; (603) 429-2022; Rte. 104 Bristol; (603) 744-2022; homesteadnh.com; $–$$$ L D Lunch only at Merrimack location

Kathleen’s Cottage

IRISH PUB 90 Lake St., Bristol; (603) 744-6336; kathleenscottagenh.com; $–$$ L D

Lavinia’s

AMERICAN 18 Main St., Center Harbor; (603) 253-8617; laviniasdining. com; $–$$$ D (

Lemongrass

ASIAN 64 Whittier Hwy., Moultonborough; (603) 253-8100; lemongrassnh.net; $–$$ L D

Local Eatery H

FARM-TO-TABLE 21 Veterans Sq., Laconia; (603) 527-8007; laconialocaleatery.com; $–$$ D (

Mise en Place

ITALIAN/AMERICAN 96 Lehner St., Wolfeboro; (603) 569-5788; miseenplacenh.com; $$-$$$$ L D (

The New Woodshed

AMERICAN 128 Lee Rd., Moultonborough; (603) 476-2700; newwoodshed.com; $–$$$ D

O Bistro at the Inn on Main

AMERICAN 200 North Main St., Wolfe-

STEAKHOUSE/SEAFOOD 11 South Main St., Concord; (603) 856-7925; 62 Doris Ray Court, Lakeport; (603) 524-9373; magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com; $$–$$$ L D

Tavern 27

TAPAS/PIZZA 2075 Parade Rd., Laconia; (603) 528-3057; tavern27. com; $–$$ L D (

Water Street Café

AMERICAN 141 Water St., Laconia; (603) 524-4144; waterstreetcafenh. com; $$ B L D

Wolfe’s Tavern

NEW ENGLAND TAVERN 90 N. Main St., Wolfeboro; (603) 569-3016; wolfestavern.com; $$–$$$ B L D b (

Piedra Fina

LATIN 288 Main St., Marlborough; (603) 876-5012; piedrafina.com; $–$$ L D (

Restaurant at Burdick’s

FRENCH 47 Main Street, Walpole; (603) 756-9058; burdickchocolate. com; $–$$$ L D b (

The Sky Bridge Café H

INTERNATIONAL 10 Main St., Wilton; (603) 654-2457; skybridgecafe.com; $-$$ L D

The Stage H

AMERICAN 30 Central Sq., Keene; (603) 357-8389; thestagerestaurant. com; $-$$ L D

Waterhouse

AMERICAN 18 Water St., Peterborough; (603) 924-4001; waterhousenh.com; $-$$$ L D b (

MONADNOCK

DARTMOUTH/ LAKE SUNAPEE

ITALIAN 1 Jaffrey Rd., Peterborough; (603) 924-6633; bantam-peterborough.com; $$–$$$ D (

NEPALESE 3 Lebanon St., Hanover; (603) 643-2007; basecampcafenh. com; $-$$ L D

Bantam Grill

Bellows Walpole Inn Pub

INTERNATIONAL/AMERICAN 297 Main St., Walpole; (603) 756-3320; bellowswalpoleinn.com; $$ L D (

Cooper’s Hill Public House

IRISH PUB 6 School St., Peterborough; (603) 371-9036; coopershillpublichouse.com; $$ D

Del Rossi’s Trattoria

ITALIAN Rte. 137, Dublin; (603) 5637195; delrossis.com $$–$$$ D (

Elm City Brewing

BREW PUB 222 West St., Keene; (603) 355-3335; elmcitybrewing. com; $–$$$ L D

Fox Tavern at the Hancock Inn

TAVERN 33 Main St., Hancock; (603) 525-3318; hancockinn.com $-$$$ L D (

The Grove

AMERICAN 247 Woodbound Rd., Rindge; (603) 532-4949; woodbound.com; $$–$$$ B L D b (

Luca’s Mediterranean Café

MEDITERRANEAN 10 Central Sq., Keene; (603) 358-3335; lucascafe. com; $$–$$$ L D (

Nicola’s Trattoria

ITALIAN 51 Railroad St., Keene; (603) 355-5242; Facebook; $$$–$$$$ D

The Old Courthouse

NEW AMERICAN 30 Main St., Newport; (603) 863-8360; eatatthecourthouse.com; $$–$$$ L D b (

Pearl Restaurant & Oyster Bar

ASIAN 1 Jaffrey Rd., Peterbrough; (603) 924-5225; pearl-peterborough.com $$–$$$ D (

Pickity Place

LUNCH 248 Nutting Hill Rd., Mason; (603) 878-1151; pickityplace.com — A historic and lovely place to enjoy a true luncheon. Fresh, local ingredients are used, including herbs from the onsite gardens. The menu changes with the season. There are three seatings at 11:30 a.m., 12:40 p.m. and 2 p.m. $$ L (

Base Camp Café

Bistro Nouveau

AMERICAN The Center at Eastman, 6 Clubhouse Lane, Grantham; (603) 863-8000; bistronouveau.com; $–$$$$ L D (

Candela Tapas Lounge

TAPAS 15 Lebanon St., Hanover; (603) 277-9094; candelatapas.com; $$-$$$ D (

Canoe Club Bistro

AMERICAN 27 South Main St., Hanover; (603) 643-9660; canoeclub. us; $–$$ L D (

Cataleya's Caribbean Bar & Grill

CARIBBEAN 420 Main St., New London; (603) 526-6600; Facebook; $-$$ L D

Flying Goose Brew Pub H

BREW PUB 40 Andover Rd., New London; (603) 526-6899; flyinggoose.com; $–$$ L D

Latham House Tavern

TAVERN 9 Main St., Lyme; (603) 795-9995; lathamhousetavern.com $–$$ L D

Lou’s Restaurant H

AMERICAN 30 South Main St., Hanover; (603) 643-3321; lousrestaurant.net; $-$$ B L D

Lui Lui H

ITALIAN 259 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua; (603) 888-2588; 8 Glen Rd., West Lebanon; (603) 298-7070; luilui.com; $-$$ L D

Market Table

FARM-TO-TABLE 44 Main St., Hanover; (603) 676-7996; markettablenh.com; $–$$ B L D b

Millstone at 74 Main

AMERICAN 74 Newport Rd., New London; (603) 526-4201; 74mainrestaurant.com; $–$$ L D b

Phnom Penh Sandwich Station H

VIETNAMESE 1 High St., Lebanon; (603) 678-8179; phnompenhsandwiches.com; $-$$ L D

603 LIVING

DINE OUT

Revolution Cantina

Chang Thai Café H

Rte. 2, Gorham; (603) 466-5330; libbysbistro.org; $$–$$$ L D (

Chef’s Bistro

AMERICAN/INTERNATIONAL 62 Cottage St., Littleton; (603) 444-0395; thelittlegrille.com; $–$$ L D

LATIN AMERICAN/MEXICAN 38 Opera House Sq., Claremont; (603) 5046310; revolutioncantina.; $-$$ L D b

THAI 77 Main St., Littleton; (603) 4448810; changthaicafe.com; $-$$ L D

Stella’s Italian Kitchen

ITALIAN 5 Main St., Lyme; (603) 7954302; stellaslyme.com; $–$$ L D

NEW AMERICAN 2724 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway; (603) 3564747; chefsbistronh.com; $-$$ L D

Suna

Covered Bridge Farm Table H

AMERICAN 6 Brook Rd., Sunapee; (603) 843-8998; magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com; $$–$$$ D (

FARM-TO-TABLE 57 Blair Rd., Campton; (603) 536-1331; farmtablenh. com; $-$$ L D b

Sunshine Cookshop H

Delaney’s Hole in the Wall

JAMAICAN 145 Pleasant St., Claremont; (603) 543-000; Facebook; $-$$ L D

Taverne on the Square

AMERICAN 2 Pleasant St., Claremont; (603) 287-4416; claremonttaverne. com; $–$$$ L D

Tuk Tuk Thai Cuisine

THAI 5 S. Main St., Hanover; (603) 2779192; tuktukthaicuisine.com; $–$$ L D (

NORTH COUNTRY Bailiwicks

AMERICAN 106 Main St., Littleton; (603) 444-7717; bailiwicksfinerestaurant.com; $-$$$ L D (

Biederman’s Deli & Pub

DELI/PUB 83 Main St., Plymouth; (603) 536-3354; biedermansdeli. com; $-$$ L D

Black Cap Grille

AMERICAN 1498 White Mt. Hwy., N. Conway; (603) 356-2225; blackcapgrille.com; $-$$ L D

The Little Grille H

Margarita Grill

MEXICAN Rte. 302, Glen; (603) 3836556; margaritagrillnh.com; $–$$ L D

May Kelly’s Cottage

AMERICAN/ASIAN 2966 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway; (603) 356-7776; delaneys.com; $–$$ L D

Flatbread Company H

PIZZERIA 61 High St., Hampton; (603) 926-6111; 138 Congress St., Portsmouth; (603) 436-7888; 2760 White Mt. Hwy., N. Conway; (603) 356-4470; flatbreadcompany.com; $–$$ L D

Gypsy Café

SEAFOOD/AMERICAN 280 East Side Rd., North Conway; (603) 447-3838; jonathonsseafood.com; $–$$$ L D (

Moat Mountain Smokehouse

BREW PUB 3378 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway; (603) 356-6381; moatmountain.com; $–$$ L D (

One Love Brewery

BREW PUB 25 South Mountain Dr., Lincoln; (603) 745-7290; onelovebrewery.coml $–$$ L D

INTERNATIONAL 111 Main St., Lincoln; (603) 745-4395; gypsycaferestaurant.com; $–$$ L D

Jonathon’s Seafood

IRISH PUB 3002 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway; (603) 3567005; Julykellys.com; $–$$ L D (

Rainbow Grille & Tavern H

AMERICAN/TAVERN 609 Beach Rd., Pittsburg; (603) 538-9556; rainbowgrille.com — Serving a variety of comfort food from seafood to ribs. The tavern serves appetizers, hearth-baked pizzas and sandwiches. $–$$ D (

Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub

The Last Chair

AMERICAN/BREW PUB 5 Rte. 25,Plymouth; (603) 238-9077; thelastchairnh.com; $-$$ L D

Libby’s Bistro & SAaLT Pub

NEW AMERICAN 115 Main Street on

STEAKHOUSE 3 Station St., Glen; (603) 383-4344; redparkapub.com; $–$$ L D

Rustic River

AMERICAN 5 Main St., North Woodstock; (603) 745-2110; rusticriverrestaurant.com; $-$$ L D

Schilling Beer Co.

BREW PUB 18 Mill St., Littleton; (603) 444-4800; (603) 444-4800; schillingbeer.com; $-$$ L D

Shannon Door Pub

PUB Rte. 16 & 16A, Jackson; (603) 383-4211; shannondoor.com; $-$$ L D

Shovel Handle Pub

PUB 357 Black Mountain Rd., Jackson; (603) 383-8916; shovelhandlepub.com; $-$$ L D

Six Burner Bistro

AMERICAN 13 South Main St., Plymouth; (603) 536-9099; sixburnerbistro.com; $-$$ L D

Thompson House Eatery

NEW AMERICAN 193 Main St., Jackson; (603) 383-9341; thethompsonhouseeatery.com; $$-$$$ D

Tony’s Italian Grille & Pub

ITALIAN 3674 Rte. 3, Thornton; (603) 745-3133; $$ L D (

Vito Marcello’s Italian Bistro H

ITALIAN 45 Seavey St., North Conway; (603) 356-7000; vitomarcellositalianbistro.com; $$-$$$ D

Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery H

BREWPUB Rte. 3, N. Woodstock; (603) 745-3951; woodstockinnnh.com; $–$$ L

Visit nhmagazine.com/food for more listings around the state. You can also sign up for Cuisine E-Buzz to receive the latest food news and happenings.

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nhmagazine.com | December 2017

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illustration by brad fitzpatrick

603 LIVING

Season of Giving And giving, and giving, and giving ...

BY JACK KENNEY

W

ell, it’s here again, along with dead plants, barren trees, damp, cold days and colder nights, freezing rain and an early season snowfall or two. It’s another dreadful “season to be jolly,” also known as the “season of giving.” But the “season of giving” is like the “political season” in New Hampshire. There is no “season” because it goes on through all seasons, year after year. Heck, you know that. We all receive year-round appeals to give to one charitable organization after another, and most of them are quite “legit.”

And just about every one on the voter lists receives solicitations from various political candidates or “friends of ” same, with “friends” having roughly the same meaning as “fellow extortionists.”

It was long ago, but I once received such a solicitation from Judd Gregg — as though Judd needed any money from me. You could look it up: In one race after another — one for Governor’s Council, four for US representative, two for governor and three

112

nhmagazine.com | December 2017

for the US Senate, Judd never lost a primary or general election, due no doubt to the incalculable appeal of his hidden charisma.

Besides which, he had then, and as far as I know still has, more money than King Midas. And there I was, barely eking out a living, with the wolf at the door and Gregg in my mailbox.

Then there was the year that Gov. (now Senator) Jeanne Shaheen sent solicitations to state employees for donations to her next campaign, a legal no-no. You know, Merry Christmas to all, and to all job security.

When that was discovered, the governor’s legal counsel explained that the donor list had somehow gotten mixed up with the governor’s Christmas card list. I never got a Christmas card from either of them.

But one year I did get a Christmas card — and a very nice one too — from my good friends the Doles, Bob and Elizabeth.

Seems “Liddy” was planning to run for president in the next New Hampshire primary. She dropped out months before the

voting, however, and I never got another card from the Doles. Guess they lost the “spirit of the season.”

Maybe I’ll get one this year from my good friend in Ohio, Gov. John Kasich.

I certainly get a lot of emails, some from John and some from “Team Kasich.” In case you hadn’t noticed, John ran for president last time and he no doubt hopes to run again in 2020 or 2024. His biggest boast has been that when he was a member of Congress, he led the successful effort to balance the federal budget — which means, I guess, that he knows a lot of accounting tricks. Beware of him.

But if I should get a Christmas card from Kasich, I’ll probably accept it, as long as it doesn’t arrive with postage due. Even in the season of giving, there are limits to my generosity. NH Jack Kenney is a longtime pundit and writer for publications ranging from the Union Leader to the NH Business Review. He cherishes his reputation as one of the state’s most unreconstructed and official curmudgeons.

“Thank you for saving my life, and for taking care of me during the stressful times.”

- Lynne

There are moments in life that change everything. For Lynne, it was finding a team of health experts that cared about her well-being as much as they cared about getting her well. As a national leader in patient-centered care, with locations throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, we’re proud to be there for your life moments.

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