New Hampshire Magazine June 2025

NEW HAMPSHIRE MAGAZINE J U N E 2025

TIME FOR SOME SUMMER FUN! Festivals • Music & Arts Craft Fairs • Sports Kids' Events Food & Drink

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The State’s History for Derring-Do Lives on Today

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Excellence in Nursing Extreme NH Sports Pembroke City Limits

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While millions of us gather with family and friends to

share a meal together, many others sacrifice time with their loved ones to heal and help the most vulnerable. And others in our community find few reasons to celebrate as they struggle to feed themselves. For the fifth year, Meals of Thanks will provide thousands of dinners prepared by New England’s Tap House Grille to essential workers and food-insecure residents. Sponsorship from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Amoskeag Beverages, and our generous sponsors and advertisers, allows our whole community to enjoy a full meal. Meals of Thanks will support nursing staff at area hospitals in honor of National Nurses Week during May. Thank you to our sponsors and advertisers for supporting New Hampshire Magazine and this mission. Together we are Granite State strong!

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June 2025 | Volume 39, Number 4 | ISSN 1532-0219

IN THIS ISSUE

20 FIRST THINGS

8 Editor’s Note 8 Contributors FEATURES

46 Summer of Fun

Your favorite events are back! We’ve compiled a three-month calendar of the best things to do around the state this summer. By Elisa Gonzales Verdi

58 Extreme NH

The state’s history for derring-do sports and activities lives on today. By Brion O’Connor

68 Excellence in Nursing

In partnership with the New Hampshire Nurses Association, we are proud to announce the winners of the eighth annual Excellence in Nursing Awards. Photography by Jared Charney 4 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

NAVIGATE

INFORM

CONNECT

12 The Big Picture

38 Community

88 Crafty

St. Matthew’s Chapel in Sugar Hill comes to life with lupines. Photo by Michael Blanchette

14 Our Town

Incorporated in 1749, the Hampstead community aims to retain small-town charm as homes go upscale. Story and photos by Lynne Snierson

20 Savor

Tea rooms offer a respite from the busyness of summer. By Elisa Gonzales Verdi, Emily Reily and Emily Heidt

Pembroke City Limits creates an artistic hub for music, food and community. By Nathan Graziano Photos by Allegra Boverman

42 What Do You Know?

120 MPH Bragging Rights By Marshall Hudson

44 Q&A

In Their Own Words with musician PJ Donahue By Emily Reily

Uncoiling the age-old art form of quilling By Emily Reily

94 Healthwise

Dr. Bert Mathieson brings holistic healing to New Hampshire. By Krysten Godfrey Maddocks

96 Live Free

A Carny Comes Back to Headline the Casino By Jimmy Dunn SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

28 Summer Fun Marketplace 34 Ask the Experts ON THE COVER: Jake Margulies pushed through with enthusiam during the “Big Day Brewing 24 Hours of Great Glen.” Read the extreme sports story on page 58. Photo by Joe Viger

KEN BURNS DOCUMENTARIES

Learn More

Trusted. Valued. Essential. nhmagazine.com | June 2025 5

A MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSOR

We Could All Learn From a Nurse Health care workers do not have an easy job. The hours are long. The time spent on their feet is endless. They are with patients through hardships, both physically and emotionally. Yet they show up to every shift ready to put the needs of others ahead of their own. We at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care are especially thankful to those health care workers in New Hampshire doing their part to guide and empower our communities to live healthier lives, which is why it is an honor to help to recognize the 2025 Excellence in Nursing Awards recipients. Your tireless efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you for demonstrating what true strength, compassion and dedication looks like. Thank you for all that you do.

NHMAGAZINE.COM

Vice President/Publisher Ernesto Burden 603-624-1442 x5117 ernestob@yankeepub.com Editor Mike Cote 603-624-1442 x5141 mikecote@yankeepub.com Managing Editor Emily Heidt 603-624-1442 x5115 eheidt@nhmagazine.com Managing Editor, Sarah Pearson 603-624-1442 x5128 Custom Publications sarahekp@yankeepub.com Assistant Editor Elisa Gonzales Verdi 603-624-1442 x5010 egonzalesverdi@nhmagazine.com Assistant Editor Emily Reily 603-624-1442 x5119 emilyr@yankeepub.com Art Director John R. Goodwin 603-624-1442 x5131 johng@yankeepub.com Creative Services Director Jodie Hall 603-624-1442 x5122 jodieh@yankeepub.com Graphic Designer Christian Seyster 603-624-1442 x5116 christians@yankeepub.com Senior Graphic Nicole Huot 603-624-1442 x5116 Production Artist nicoleh@yankeepub.com Director of Business Jenna Pelech 603-624-1442 x5154 Development jennap@yankeepub.com Sales Executives Josh Auger 603-624-1442 x5144 jauger@nhmagazine.com Jessica Schooley 603-624-1442 x5143 jessicas@yankeepub.com Operations Director Ren Chase 603-624-1442 x5114 renc@yankeepub.com Sales & Events Coordinator Paul Milone 603-624-1442 x5121 paulm@yankeepub.com Business & Sales Coordinator Paula Veale 603-624-1442 x5110 paulav@yankeepub.com Digital Operations Morgen Connor 603-624-1442 x5149 and Marketing Manager morgenc@yankeepub.com Information Manager Gail Bleakley 603-563-8111 x113 gailb@yankeepub.com Assistant Controller Nancy Pfuntner 603-563-8111 x138 nancyp@yankeepub.com VP/Consumer Marketing Brook Holmberg brookh@yankeepub.com VP/Retail Sales Sherin Pierce sherinp@yankeepub.com

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250 Commercial Street, Suite 4014 Manchester, NH 03101 603-624-1442, fax 603-624-1310 Email: editor@nhmagazine.com Advertising: sales@nhmagazine.com Subscription information: Subscribe online at: nhmagazine.com or email customerservice@nhmagazine.com To order by phone call: 877-494-2036 © 2025 Yankee Publishing, Inc. New Hampshire Magazine® is published by Yankee Publishing, Inc., 250 Commercial Street, Suite 4014, 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, Yankee Publishing, Inc.: New Hampshire Magazine disclaims all responsibility for omissions and errors. New Hampshire Magazine is published monthly, with the exception of February and April. USPS permit number 022-604. Periodical postage paid at Manchester 03103-9651. Postmaster send address changes to: New Hampshire Magazine, P.O. Box 37900, Boone, IA 50037-0900 PRINTED IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

6 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Let Them Chase Adventure. Watch Them Become Leaders. The journey of a lifetime starts with Scouts.

Boys & Girls Welcome!

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Exploring

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nhmagazine.com | June 2025 7

EDITOR’S NOTE

Going to Extremes

contributors

MY FAVORITE T-SHIRT doesn’t often leave the drawer. It’s a bright, loud orange, but mostly I don’t want to wear it out. I rappelled down a 24-story building to earn it. Two years ago, I was introduced to readers of New Hampshire Magazine via a photo that showed me suspended by twin lines of rope from the top of the Brady Sullivan Plaza. I was about to make my descent as a participant of Over the Edge, an annual fundraiser for local nonprofits organized by the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce. While Over the Edge is conducted under strict safety protocols by a company that specalizes in these events, rappelling 300 feet down the side of an office tower in downtown Manchester was by far the most extreme activity I had ever undertaken. That morning in June 2022, my mentor was Randy Pierce, president and CEO of Future in Sight, who has made the descent several times — a true act of bravery for someone who lost his eyesight decades ago. After I reached solid ground, I had the honor of watching Susanna Hargreaves make her way down the side of the glass-covered tower. The breast cancer survivor, who is terrified of heights, was raising money for Pink Revolution, a nonprofit that supports cancer patients. “Going over the edge is like a metaphor for me,” Hargreaves told me for a story that appeared in the New Hampshire Union Leader. “I’m facing my fear of going over the edge. I’ve already faced cancer. I just, thought, ‘Wow, I can do this. I can do this.’ ” I’ll be going Over the Edge for a second time June 24. This time, I was inspired by Adam Hamilton, co-founder of Shire’s Naturals, a company in Peterborough that makes plant-based cheese products. When I told Adam about the program a few months back, he said, “I’d do that,” so we both signed up. (Check out the events tab at unitedwaynashua.org to donate, or to join the rappelling team.) Extreme activity is not an inherent part of my DNA. I was in my 50s when I first tried mountain biking on a challenging trail at Bear Brook State Park. But I recognize that joyful, crazed look on the face of the cyclist on the cover of this issue. Longtime contributor Brion O’Connor, who wrote about his Mt. Washington Auto Road bike trek for last month’s Live Free essay, chronicles the Granite State’s long legacy of extreme sports (page 58). In his latest “What Do You Know” (page 42), Marshall Hudson takes a break from perambulating through history to take us on a joy ride at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where he reached speeds of nearly 120 mph. (The only time I’ve ever driven on that Loudon track was to get a COVID shot during a mass vaccination event in 2021.)

Chill factor For readers who prefer chills to thrills, editors Emily Heidt, Emily Reily and Elisa Gonzales Verdi — our “E3” team — toured the Granite State in search of great places to have a cup of tea, and if you’re lucky, a homemade scone made by a proprietor with a British accent (page 20). Gonzales Verdi is your tour guide for our annual “Summer of Fun” feature, which is packed with things to do all season long. We go to extremes to make sure you know about everything the great Granite State has to offer.

Photographer Jared Charney’s work has appeared in numerous national and regional publications. He photographed this month’s “Excellence in Nursing” winners.

Brion O’Connor wrote this month’s feature about “Extreme NH” and the thrill-seeker activities that go on around the state (and places you can go and check out, too).

Frequent contributor Lynne Snierson wrote this month’s “Our Town” about Hampstead.

Nathan Graziano wrote this month’s feature about Pembroke City Limits, a music venue and community hub. The Rhode Island native lives in Manchester, NH, with his wife, Liz, and a pug named Buster. 8 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

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this ‘n that

emails, snail mail, tweets, news bites

Send letters to Editor Mike Cote, New Hampshire Magazine, 250 Commercial St., Suite 4014, Manchester, NH 03101, or email him at editor@nhmagazine.com.

2025

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As this issue goes to press and lands in your hands, we are gearing up for our annual Best of NH Party on June 26 at Flag Hill Winery in Lee. You’re invited to come and sample New Hampshire’s best food and drink while enjoying sounds of Mica’s Groove Train. The event will be an elegant tent and garden party celebrating the best the state has to offer at one of our most beautiful local treasures. We hope to see you there — check out our website for more details (and more sampling restaurants and participating vendors added weekly)! Spot FOUR newts like the one here, hidden on ads in this issue, tell us where you found them and you might win a gift certificate for $50 to use at The Common Man Restaurants. Each month’s gift card will be different, which adds to the overall Newt fun. Let the hunt begin! To enter our drawing for Spot the Newt, visit spotthenewt.com and fill out the online form. Or, send answers plus your name, email address and mailing address to: Spot the Newt c/o New Hampshire Magazine 250 Commercial St., Suite 4014 Manchester, NH 03101 You can also email them to newt@nhmagazine.com. Last month’s “Spot the Newt” winner is Patricia Meyer of Sanbornville. May issue newts were on pages 42, 43, 93 and 95.

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NAVIGATE | big picture

12 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Luminous Lupines

“I’ve been to Sugar Hill to photograph the colorful lupines on many occasions throughout the years. The iconic location that is most frequently photographed is the field below St. Matthew’s Chapel. A stereotypical white-steepled New England church, St. Matthew’s Chapel sits on the crest of a hill adorned with beautiful lupines in early- to mid-June each year. On this occasion, I set up my camera on a tripod at the base of the hill. Nature always varies the timing and intensity of colors each year but never fails to deliver. At the time, the field was covered with purple, white and pink lupines, but I was especially drawn to the bright pink flowers. I positioned myself close to a cluster of pink lupines for emphasis as the early morning sun lit the chapel and tree line.” P H O T O & W O R D S BY M I C H A E L A . B L A N C H E T T E

NAVIGATE | our town

Happenings in Hampstead

Incorporated in 1749, this Rockingham County community aims to retain small-town charm as homes go upscale S T O RY & P H O T O S BY LY N N E S N I E R S O N / I L L U S T R AT I O N BY P E T E R N O O N A N

n a frigid morning in February, the Hampstead Happenings Facebook page featured a shoutout to the highway department employees who were out clearing the roads during a snowstorm. “Stop in to the Honey Dew Donuts for a free coffee and donut. Just mention you’re a town plow driver, and they’ll put it on our tab.” The offer was from Hampstead Hearts, which was founded in 2021 by Leigh Combs and five of her friends as a small charity to practice random acts of kindness, perform good deeds and generate positivity throughout this community near the state’s southern border. In 2018, she created the Facebook group page and serves as its administrator. “What makes Hampstead great is the people who live here. This is a really nice community,” says Combs, a psychotherapist who is a Hampstead native, and is raising her family here. “People are super helpful and always willing to assist neighbors who need 14 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

help. When anyone posts in Happenings to ask for help for someone who is elderly, disabled or needs a hand shoveling out after a storm, or for help of any kind, people always step up and that’s really cool.” Rob Morris, who has lived there for nearly all of his 66 years, concurs. “That’s the spirit and heart of Hampstead,” said Morris, president of the Hampstead Historical Society and chair of the Hampstead Historic District Commission. Hampstead could double as a Hallmark movie set. With the town center’s historic buildings that include the Meetinghouse, Congregational Church and Town Hall — plus the stately homes lining Main Street, which is a section of the Old Stagecoach Byway from Boston to Concord — it’s utterly charming. It also claims a fascinating past. “The first white settlers arrived in the 1720s and were Puritans,” Morris says. “The Hampstead Meetinghouse cornerstone

was laid in 1745. They began to build the meetinghouse before the town was incorporated in 1749. The interior wasn’t finished for several years (1768).” The two-story, wood-framed building with a gabled roof and white clapboard exterior is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is one of southern New Hampshire’s only four well-preserved meetinghouses still in use today. “A big renovation took place in 1792, and they put the tower on. In 1809, we got the bell installed in the tower,” Morris says. “It’s a Paul Revere Jr. bell, and it’s the only bell known of its kind that was cast by him. Paul Revere made lots of bells, but ours is not one of them. It weighs 1,212 pounds and cost the town $600 (about $20,000 today).” Every year since 1809, except for the few when the yoke was under repair,

the Revere bell has been rung at the stroke of midnight on the Fourth of July. Anyone in town can take a turn. “It’s a tradition we carry on. You do get hoisted in the air if you’re holding onto the rope tightly,” says Laurie Anderson Warnock, an EMT who is the board of selectmen chair, the wife of interim fire chief William Warnock, and the mother of Hampstead EMT and firefighter Catherine Warnock. The only other time the bell was wrung was during Hampstead’s 275th anniversary celebration in 2024. The big birthday party brought the entire community together, and many dressed in authentic period costumes for the festivities. The celebration lasted all year. “It really gave people a chance to examine the history of our community and participate in it in a variety of ways,” Warnock says. “The big week was in late August. We had a restoration

Above: Rob Morris holds the rope for ringing the town’s Paul Revere Jr. bell. Left: The Hampstead Meeting House, in the center of town, was established in 1749.

nhmagazine.com | June 2025 15

NAVIGATE | our town

“What makes Hampstead great is the people who live here. This is a really nice community.” — LEIGH COMBS

of what is called The Curtain in the Meetinghouse. It had depictions of advertisers from the era and the 1800s. To see the names in town then that are still the names of families currently in town, or names that prominent streets are now named after,

really brought the sense of where we came from and where we are today.” Currently, 9,100 people call Hampstead home. In 1950, the population was 902. That’s not the only dramatic difference. “I’ve seen Hampstead change a lot over the years,” Morris says. “We have the luxury of having three lakes in town, Big Island Pond, Sunset Lake (also called Wash Pond) and Angle Pond. In the ’50s and ’60s, Hampstead was known as a recreation town, and in the summer the population would double with people here for the whole season.” Few of those seasonal homes remain. Morris has watched as the Hampstead of his childhood, where families lived in the town for generations, transitioned into the bedroom community of commuters who work in Manchester, Portsmouth, Salem and Boston that it is today.

Hampstead used to be a blue-collar town, says Morris, who now considers it upscale. Few if any would disagree. There are million-dollar-plus waterfront homes and luxury condominiums, and real estate values have increased exponentially. So have the taxes. “What are the challenges we face? Property taxes,” Morris says. “We all want to maintain our excellent schools, because that’s what draws people to Hampstead. But they’re expensive. Even though property taxes are a statewide problem, I see that as one of our biggest problems.” Warnock agrees. “As long as we continue to rely on the property tax as our sole source of revenue, the pain of that is going to continue,” she says. “Revenue is what we need to pay for the services that we expect, and we will get

Hampstead board of selectman chair and EMT Laurie Warnock, right, and her daughter, Hampstead firefighter and EMT Catherine Warnock, gather with the family dalmatian, Molly the Fire Dog. 16 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

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NAVIGATE | our town the level of services that we agree to pay for.” Hampstead Hospital is another major issue of concern for residents. The hospital, which provides in-patient, acute psychiatric care, was a privately owned facility until the state purchased it in 2022. The state contracted Well Path Recovery Solutions to administer the facility and treat the over 40 children and adolescents with acute psychiatric and behavioral disorders who are receiving treatment at the hospital through the court system.

“As long as we continue to rely on the property tax as our sole source of revenue, the pain of that is going to continue. Revenue is what we need to pay for the services that we expect.” — L A U R I E A N D E R S O N WA R N O C K After two years of well-documented problems, including escapes and violent incidents, the contract with Well Path was not renewed due to heightened community concerns, and Dartmouth Health took over the facility in December 2024. “Unfortunately, the kids who will be incarcerated in the Hampstead facility are likely those who cannot be safely placed in the community,” says Warnock, who worked with state Sen. Regina Birdsell on the matter. “We are expecting that they will be predominantly gang members, who will stay there until the age of maturity. It’s a different population than what was initially described to us.” Warnock also worked to secure payments from the state to partially make up for the loss of property tax revenue previously paid by the private hospital. While she has less concern about security since the new facility will be state-of-the-art, Warnock would prefer it get a new moniker. “I’d like us to rename the campus to something like the New Hampshire Juvenile Services Campus, because I don’t think Hampstead will benefit from the connotation,” she says. “Hampstead Hospital has been 18 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Hampstead Congregational Church, originally established in 1752, burned down and was replaced in 1861. In 1955, the bell was replaced in the steeple to replace the original, which cracked when it was rung to celebrate the end of World War I.

a treatment facility to help kids get better. I don’t think we suffer from that affiliation, but I do worry about the association with a juvenile detention facility no matter what it’s called,” she says. “Hopefully, the state is receptive to that. Dartmouth Health has a pretty good track record, so we have good confidence in the level of care that the kids will be receiving.” Nonetheless, Hampstead retains its reputation as a beautiful place to live with an expanse of conservation land, open green space and unusually high rate of volunteerism. The St. Anne’s Food Pantry, now with its Heaven’s Kitchen Mobile Meal Deliveries, serves those facing food insecurity, and the Hampstead Garden Club maintains gorgeous gardens in the public spaces. The beautiful Storybook Garden behind the town library is beloved, especially by autistic and neurodi-

vergent children and by couples using it as the setting for engagement photos. “We value our rural culture. We value our history. We value education,” Warnock says. “We have an excellent school system, and it’s partly as good as it is because we have a high degree of town volunteerism. We do a good job of taking care of our town.” Hampstead has been able to maintain its sense of community even as the town has become home to a large number of commuters, she says. “It’s a little bit harder for young families, because the housing market is so extraordinarily high right now, but there is bang for your buck with good town services and good schools,” she says. “If that’s the kind of environment that you’re looking to raise your kids in or you’re looking to retire to, it’s really a lovely place to live.” NH

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nhmagazine.com | June 2025 19

PHOTOS COURTESY SILVER SCONE TEAS

NAVIGATE | savor

20 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Steeped in Charm

Tea rooms offer a respite from our busy lives BY E M I LY R E I LY , E M I LY H E I D T A N D E L I S A G O N Z A L E S V E R D I

ho says teatime is just for cold days spent inside around the fire? From Alice in Wonderland-esque towering tiers of treats to modern spots with a fresh twist on tradition, we found vibrant corners and Instagram-worthy cups all around the state, perfect for a summer garden party–inspired day out. Whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or you’re only here for the pastries, these spots are guaranteed to be your cup of tea.

Silver Scone Teas • New Ipswich • silversconeteas.com Go down the rabbit hole and see what treasures await you during tea time at Silver Scone Teas in New Ipswich. Owner Jane Elwell has traveled the world, and at each new place, she was asked to host tea parties at her home. Elwell, a born and bred Londoner, was more than happy to oblige. “I suppose we have tea in our veins instead of blood. I grew up going to tea. It’s kind of universal over there. Everyone, even working-class people in England — three o’clock and everyone stops for tea.”

Silver Scone Teas, which opened in 2021 in the New Ipswich Village District, is in a charming 1830s home with an intriguing past. Here, the Rev. Ralph Waldo Emerson officiated the wedding of Charles Barrett III and Abigail Hartt, whose father helped build the USS Constitution. Each tea parlor room is beautifully appointed and decorated personally by Elwell, who studied fashion design at St. Martin’s School of Art in London. Some feature sparkling, cut-glass chandeliers, fireplaces, bookcases stocked with Harry Potter novels,

Opposite: For an authentic taste of England, visit Silver Scone Teas in New Ipswich. Owner Jane Elwell keeps her tea parties stocked with jams straight from England and simple but delicious scones made her way. Above: Teagoers at Silver Scone Teas are encouraged to dress up for the occasion. Elwell holds themed teas based around Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, Wicked and more at her 1830s-era home. nhmagazine.com | June 2025 21

NAVIGATE | savor

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea at Home BY 2 7 T E A S , M A N C H E S T E R M I L LYA R D

t 27Teas, we love helping people upgrade their tea game — from dusty tea bags to the fresh, flavorful world of loose leaf. We know it can seem a little intimidating at first, but trust us: It’s easier (and way more fun) than it looks. Our packaging has clear instructions; every order comes with a handy “getting started” card, and our Instagram is full of tips — even for brewing without any fancy tools. Unlike coffee, which often requires a countertop full of gadgets, a great cup of tea just needs hot water and a basic $5 tea ball.

The two golden rules? Time + Temperature. Start by measuring your tea — no eyeballing! Use the suggested water temperature from your tea’s packaging and steep for the recommended amount of time. Too long = bitter tea. Too hot = scorched leaves. Use a timer, and when it dings, take out your infuser. Easy. Pro tip: Water quality matters. If your tap water tastes weird, so will your tea. Filtered water makes a difference.

Bonus magic: Re-steep! Many loose leaf teas can be steeped more than once, so don’t toss those leaves. Our basket infusers even come with a tray for a tidy second cup later in the day.

No tools? No problem. Let the tea steep loose in your mug, then strain it into another cup using a kitchen colander or cheesecloth. A French press works beautifully, too! Pro tip: Making matcha and missing a whisk? Pop the matcha and water into a jar, screw the lid on, and shake it like a cocktail shaker. Let tea be easy and fun! It is the perfect opportunity to take a moment out of your busy day to relax and unwind.

Iced tea lovers, we see you. Did you know 80% of tea in the U.S. is enjoyed iced? Try cold brewing: Place loose-leaf tea in an infuser, drop it in a glass of cold water and stash it in the fridge overnight. Wake up to a perfectly smooth, refreshing glass of iced tea. No boiling required.

Summertime Iced Tea Recipes: A Refreshing Take on Classic Cocktails

Strawberry Hibiscus Margarita Mocktail Serves 1 6 ounces brewed and chilled strawberry hibiscus tea

1. Brew and chill strawberry hibiscus tea.

2 ounces fresh orange juice 1 ounce fresh lime juice

2. Mix tea, orange juice, lime juice and agave in a shaker with ice.

½–1 ounce agave syrup (adjust to taste)

3. Shake and strain into a glass over fresh ice.

2–3 ounces ice (about 3⁄4 cup)

4. Top with sparkling water if desired.

Optional: splash of sparkling water for a little fizz

5. Garnish: lime wheel or orange wedge.

Mint Mojito Iced Tea Mocktail Serves 1 1 cup peppermint tea (brewed and chilled) ½ cup coconut water 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice 1 tbsp. simple syrup or honey Fresh mint leaves Crushed ice 22 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

1. Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a glass. 2. Add crushed ice, then pour in peppermint tea and coconut water. 3. Stir well and garnish with fresh mint.

and naturally, books on the history of tea. There’s even a red British telephone booth filled with decorative items and teacups — a feast for the senses. After all, the aesthetics are an important part of tea time, Elwell says. “That’s the part I like the best, I suppose, is how it looks — the aesthetic of everything.” Their most popular tea party is “Alice in Wonderland,” but other themed teas include “Wicked,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe”(including a wardrobe you can walk through), a fairy tale tea; a forest walk tea, and of course, a Harry Potter tea. “You would never recognize this place in October when we did Hogwarts,” she adds. Silver Scone is open four days each month, and the menu changes constantly, but Elwell always sources her teas and jams exclusively from England. Teapots warming in cozies are provided for each guest, along with a timer for the perfect cuppa. Each tea features specially homemade treats, fancy silverware and fresh scones — plenty of scones. “Scones are literally coming out of the oven as people are arriving,” Elwell says. Visitors may be surprised by their simplicity, and that’s the whole point, she says. “American scones all have so much stuff in them. There’s always chocolate chips or blueberries or something or other. English scones are not like that at all — they’re different in texture. These are very authentic British scones,” Elwell says. With help from a small team, Elwell generously fills her three-tiered caddies with delectable delicacies. Savory treats on the bottom can include cucumber-filled sandwiches and croissants stuffed with homemade chicken salad. The second row may contain Elwell’s homemade scones, tiny jars of jam and her version of traditional clotted cream, a mock concoction of mascarpone cream and heavy cream. Tempting cupcakes and other treats adorn the top. But there’s no need to follow the British way of tackling these delights. “We always start on the bottom and work our way up, but we don’t judge,” Elwell says. Just as tea can be served in endless ways, Elwell says there’s more than one way to eat a scone. “If you want to carve it in half and make

PHOTOS BY SANICO DENAUT/SUNNY D PHOTOGRAPHY

Whether you’re stopping by for a bite at the café or meeting friends for high tea, Honey Cup Café & Tearoom in Manchester has all of your Pride and Prejudice-esque tea dreams covered.

it into a sandwich, you can. But if you go to London, they’ll expect you to just take the whole scone and break a little piece off, and put a little spoonful of jam and cream on the top. You can tell where people are from in England too, depending on what they put on first.” With the huge popularity of her themed teas, Elwell has found that Americans are in sore need of a little “me” time. She hopes customers walk away with a little piece of British camaraderie and spirit. “I just think the world is such a busy place. To be able to stop and just relax and have a cup of tea in the day ... I think it’s a nice tradition to have, and I just think the house is suited for it,” she adds.

Honey Cup Café & Tearoom • Manchester • honeycupnh.com Tucked along a busy corner of Bridge Street in Manchester, Honey Cup is part café and part tearoom — a whimsical escape from the mundane day-to-day, and a step into a modern “Downton Abbey” scene that becomes a place of delectable relaxation and merriment. After sitting vacant for two years, the historic building caught owner Mara Witt’s attention as a place to bring a charming idea of hers to life. Witt sought to honor its rich history and preserve the stories within it by creating a place that “brings a little elegance to your day and helps you romanticize your life,” she notes. “My hope is for this to be a

staple for guests to visit and bring family and friends to connect and pour into each other over a cup of tea.” Witt moved into the space in February 2024 and spent the next nine months infusing her magic into every detail in time to open to the public last November. “I live for the details,” Witt says with a laugh. “From vintage décor to shaping napkins into roses to stamping the toilet paper and even adding little history notes of afternoon tea to each plate, I want to make sure each experience, whether it’s in the café or tearoom, is intentionally infused with joy and fun.” Afternoon high tea was made fashionable in the early 19th century as a way to fill time nhmagazine.com | June 2025 23

Top: Afternoon tea service includes a bottomless pot of your choice of tea, accompanied by a delightful assortment of treats. Above: Owner Mara Witt is excited to bring fresh life (and tea!) to the historic Bridge Street building. 24 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

between lunch and dinner, and Witt put her own spin on the tradition. “Our space is split with one side for the café (walk-ins welcome!) and the other for tearoom reservations,” she says. “We serve tables that are spread through the tearoom at 2 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I wanted it to be quaint and intimate so people could immerse themselves in their own conversation without being interrupted.” Chef Amanda Spooner creates everything on the menu from scratch. Each service includes a bottomless pot of your choice of tea sourced from The Cozy Tea Cart in Brookline (think deliciously unique black to herbal teas), accompanied by an assortment of treats ranging from chicken salad on a croissant to house-made scones and seasonal sweets. Did we mention that Witt and her team also accommodate dietary restrictions? Certain items can be made gluten free and are available upon request. “Our focus is not about rushing guests through. It’s about giving them as much time as they want with the people they’re with, and the food really mirrors that welcoming atmosphere.” Witt says. “Creating a space to rest is the heart behind what we do, and we hope that people find it as their home away from home just as much as it is for us.” NH

PHOTOS BY SANICO DENAUT/SUNNY D PHOTOGRAPHY

NAVIGATE | savor

Bonus Brews & Bites Silver Fountain Inn & Tea Parlor 103 Silver St., Dover silverfountaininn.com Relax and enjoy a wonderful stay at this three-story Victorian bed-and-breakfast and have a tea party in their parlor. Etiquette lessons also available.

The Cozy Tea Cart 104A Route 13, Brookline thecozyteacart.com You can’t talk about tea in New Hampshire without talking about this café complete with tea, events and more.

Arcana Apothecary Tea Room 354 W. Main St., Tilton arcanaapothecarytearoom.com Experience the delightful art of Victorian tea with a variety of savories, tea sandwiches and more, including shared teapots.

The Barn at Harrisville Inn 797 Chesham Road, Harrisville harrisvilleinn.com This historic spot is now open for afternoon tea each Thursday and Sunday by reservation.

Fezziwig’s Food & Fountain 112 State St., Portsmouth pickwicksmercantile.com Tea service includes your selection of flavorful teas served with delicious accompaniments. (Not to mention the atmosphere is set for royalty!) nhmagazine.com | June 2025 25

Summer Sipperၳ

Basil Hayden® Pomegranate & Bourbon Ingredients: 1½ parts Basil Hayden® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ¾ part fresh orange juice ¾ part pomegranate juice 1 tablespoon simple syrup Garnish: Orange slice or peel, pomegranate seeds Combine ingredients in a shaker over ice. Shake and strain into a tumbler over ice. Garnish with orange slice and pomegranate seeds.

Maker’s Mark® Paper Plane Ingredients: ¾ parts Maker›s Mark® Bourbon ¾ parts aperol ¾ parts amaro ¾ parts fresh squeezed lemon juice Garnish: Lemon peel Shake all ingredients and double strain into coupe glass. Garnish with lemon peel.

Cruzan® Rum Mai Tai Ingredients: 2 parts Cruzan® Aged Dark Rum ½ part DeKuyper® Triple Sec 1 part freshly squeezed lime juice ¾ part orgeat syrup ½ part Cruzan® Black Strap Rum (optional) Garnish: Mint sprig, lime wedge Combine all ingredients except Black Strap Rum in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain over crushed ice into a double Old Fashioned glass. Option to float the Black Strap Rum on top. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime.

COCKTAIL RECIPES

Jim Beam® Pineapple & Lemon Lime Soda Ingredients: 1 part Jim Beam® Pineapple 3 parts lemon lime soda Garnish: Lemon wheel or wedge Build over ice in a tall highball glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Basil Hayden 75 ®

Ingredients: 1½ parts Basil Hayden® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ¾ part fresh lemon juice ¾ part simple syrup Prosecco Add Basil Hayden® Bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup to shaker with ice. Shake. Strain into a chilled elevated coupe glass over a large ice cube. Top with Prosecco and serve.

Hornitos® Blushing Margarita Ingredients: 1½ parts Hornitos® Plata Tequila 1 part DeKuyper® Triple Sec 3 parts lime juice Splash of cranberry juice Garnish: Cranberries Add ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with cranberries.

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MARKETPLACE | SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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n 2016, TerryAnn Bowen, the female co-owner of Manchester Firing Line in TerryAnn’s passion for safety and firearm Manchester, earned the moniker the “Iron Rose” from her team of professionals education infuses every aspect of the club, due to her unique blend of kindness and assertiveness as a “Lady Boss.” She ensuring that women feel comfortable as redefined the gun range by bringing the perspective of a brand-new female shooter they learn and evolve within the sport. and has spent years assisting countless women embarking on their journey as new gun owners. TerryAnn realized there was an absence of a women’s gun club that truly resonated with her vision to bring like-minded women together for a blend of shooting, socializing, and learning. Her background, originally devoid of prior firearm experience, fueled her determination to create a space where women could find guidance and camaraderie in a supportive environment. And so, the Iron Rose Women’s Shooting Club was born—a community designed exclusively for women. Its mission? To foster social connections, empower growth, “TerryAnn is and enhance shooting skills in a supportive and non-intimidating such a blessing environment. TerryAnn’s passion for safety and firearm education infuses to be sharing her every aspect of the club, ensuring that women feel comfortable as they knowledge with learn and evolve within the sport. women and I am Another important element of TerryAnn’s vision for Iron Rose is to proud to be part unite female leaders from across the nation to amplify this shared voice of the Iron Rose among women. Through guest speaking opportunities, collaborative movement!” events, and leadership initiatives, she aims to create a powerful network of women supporting women. “We are stronger together” is the motto –Karianne Goodwin, that drives this unique and unifying mission. member of Iron Rose Here’s what the Iron Rose Women’s Shooting Club offers: • Training Excellence: A balanced blend of training sessions and friendly competition pushes members to excel on the shooting range. • Meaningful Camaraderie: Engaging activities, both on and off the range, create bonds among fellow female shooters. handpick a skill, explain its intricacies and underlying philosophies. Next, we • Exclusive Insights: TerryAnn hosts a FREE Women’s Only Seminar each provide hands-on practice, both within the classroom and on the range, to month, sharing valuable knowledge not found elsewhere. reinforce proficiency. Finally, we engage in friendly competition, allowing Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a newcomer, the Iron Rose Women’s participants to showcase their newfound expertise. Throughout this dynamic Shooting Club invites you to attend our empowering community. process, time is allocated for in-depth discussions where diverse approaches to the chosen skill are explored. There will be ample time to practice and test. We WOMEN’S SEMINAR ensure a comprehensive learning experience. A Women’s Firearm Seminar like no other! This complimentary 3-hour session is meticulously crafted to introduce and demystify firearms. This seminar explores topics CLUB NIGHTS that are specific to the woman experience in relation to firearms and more. After years A shooting sisterhood. Definitely not your Dad’s shooting club! Designed to bring of observing women’s decisions regarding firearms, TerryAnn has amassed a wealth female shooters together of every level to socialize, shoot, and educate. This fun night is of valuable insights to share. You’ll learn the basics of firearm safety, range etiquette specifically tailored to foster growth and camaraderie and will be dynamic with various and so much more. She’ll guide you through the critical factors to consider when insightful exercises. Like-minded women will come together to have fun meeting, choosing to own a firearm as well as provide insights into common pitfalls to avoid. learning new skills, and participating in classroom discussions for women by women. Your learning experience will be both informative and practical. There will be occasional friendly competitions, shooting crafts, games, and special guests. Bring your friends, this is the club you’ll all be talking about! COURSE NIGHTS Learn, Practice, Compete. Our women’s firearm training classes adhere to TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER, VISIT GUNSNH.COM. an effective process that is both streamlined and impactful. We meticulously

ASK THE EXPERTS :

GUIDE TO HIGHER EDUCATION

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ASK THE EXPERTS :

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INFORM | spotlight

Sound & Soul

Pembroke City Limits creates an artistic hub for music, food and community BY N AT H A N G R A Z I A N O P H O T O G R A P H Y BY A L L E G R A B O V E R M A N

38 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Gary Smith, left, leads an afternoon of jazz with saxophonist Jason Reichelson, drummer Joe Virga and guitarist Bob Dwyer.

months ago and has certainly landed on its feet. “My payoff is the look on the audiences’ faces after a great song,” said Azevedo, a native of Melrose, Mass., and a graduate of Plymouth State University. “It’s the satisfaction on the faces of the musicians when they look out and see that people are really listening, really caring about the music.” Long before there was a Pembroke City Limits, there was Azevedo’s radio program “Granite State of Mind,” which he launched in 2012 with friend and former co-host Dave Cummings. The radio show still airs on Friday nights on 95.3 WMNH and features local musicians, showcasing Azevedo’s personal love of the music and musicians in the Granite State. “Music has always been part of my life,” Azevedo said. “I cannot remember not

PHOTO COURTYESY NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL

t’s a cold Saturday afternoon, the first day of February at Pembroke City Limits, a bar, restaurant and artistic hub nestled in the heart of historic Suncook Village. Dry January has ended for many of the patrons, making it a fine time for The Rolling Stones. The building at Pembroke City Limits was, throughout its history, an ice cream shop, then a pharmacy and, most recently, a used furniture store before it was gutted and renovated as a bar in 2024. Today, there is standing room only as the band takes the stage at 2 p.m. The band, of course, is not the original Rolling Stones; rather, local musicians performing a tribute show with song selections from arguably the greatest run of four consecutive albums in rock ’n’ roll history, starting with The Stones’ 1968 album “Beggars Banquet” and moving through “Let It Bleed” (1969), “Sticky Fingers” (1971) and the 1972 double-LP “Exile on Main Street.” John Zevos, who plays with the local group Lichen, fronts a house band while other New Hampshire musicians — including a horn section — join them on stage, giving the show the feel of Martin Scorsese’s 1978 documentary on The Band, “The Last Waltz.” It is an older crowd drinking beer and wine and indulging in the restaurant’s vegan cuisine while taking in the tunes. A few folks even get their groove on and break out dancing to “Midnight Rambler” in front of the stage. Meanwhile, the owner and creative force behind Pembroke City Limits, Rob Azevedo, roams the room, basking in his creation, this wild and improbable project that opened six

needing music, listening to it and loving it. It has shaped my ambitions, enhanced my dreams and my imagination. I (promote musicians) out of the pure joy and satisfaction that I get when I’m involved in anything music-related.” After decades living in Manchester, Azevedo and his wife, Julie, moved north into an old rustic farmhouse in the sleepy little hamlet of Pembroke in 2022. There was an old barn included with their property, and Azevedo — a consummate promoter — decided to use the barn to host live concerts from local musicians, a venue that he called “Pembroke City Limits.” “It was all about music and community,” Azevedo said. “The barn was a place where people could share music, and I always get a kick out of sharing music.” The shows were a hit, and when Azevedo

Pembroke City Limits, most recently the site of a furniture store, opened in 2024.

“It’s the satisfaction on the faces of the musicians when they look out and see that people are really listening, really caring about the music.” — ROB AZEVEDO

Pembroke City Limits owners Eric Klesper and Rob Azevedo with their staff, from left: Danielle Azevedo, bartender; Melanie Bilodeau, bar manager; Hannah Ketcham, events coordinator; and Kim Foss, bartender.

began to notice upward of 30 cars parked on the grass of his property, a new idea began to germinate: What if he were to take the shows being performed in the barn and move them to a venue in one of those empty buildings in Suncook Village and served food and drinks as well? Azevedo then reached out to friend and co-owner Eric Klesper and proposed opening a bar and restaurant where they would feature local music, while opening the space to a plethora of other creative and artistic endeavors, using the same name: Pembroke City Limits. In 2024, despite neither of the two men having any experience running a restaurant, Azevedo and Klesper got to work, doing their market research and seeking out a space to make their vision of Pembroke City Limits a reality. nhmagazine.com | June 2025 39

INFORM | spotlight

At Pembroke City Limits on a recent Sunday afternoon, Gary Smith chats with Jo Tierney of Boscawen after one of his regular jazz performances.

The Sleazy Vegan provides food at Pembroke City Limits. From left: Anna Lee, kitchen staff; Trafton Hanscom, kitchen manager; Kelley-Sue LeBlanc, owner; and Christian Murchison, kitchen manager. 40 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

“It was really about taking a chance,” said Klesper, who is primarily responsible for the bookkeeping at Pembroke City Limits. “I can be risk-averse and was spending way too much time thinking about when I might retire. When this opportunity presented itself, I ignored my instincts and went all in because, frankly, I was bored. And I also have a soft spot for the business.” However, unlike most entrepreneurs, Azevedo said his sole focus was never the bottom line; rather, he was focused on creating a community space where the arts could flourish — and not only music, but the culinary, literary, visual and theatrical arts as well. “As long as we’re not losing money, then we are gaining so much more as we perfect our craft,” Azevedo said. “If we all do our jobs, and work with the same commitment we have shown to date, in time, the fruits of our labor will arrive in different forms.” The new bar would also have to serve food. Azevedo reached out to Kelley-Sue LeBlanc, who owns and runs The Sleazy Vegan, an award-winning food truck

COURTESY PHOTO

Yoga class attendees stretch out before turning to the bar for their hard-earned mimosas at Pembroke City Limits.

and catering service that serves all vegan cuisine. “I was working with Rob to design a kitchen that wouldn’t need a full hood vent, while still providing a great menu,” said Leblanc, a Nashua native who spent 25 years in the tech industry before launching The Sleazy Vegan in 2022. “And supporting the arts, the community and small businesses is something that can make a real difference in all of our daily lives.” LeBlanc, who was very much aligned with Pembroke City Limit’s manifesto of acceptance and creativity and community, signed on for a brand collaboration. The lineup was inked: Azevedo and Klesper would run the front, booking the shows and pouring the drinks, and LeBlanc would offer a fully vegan menu, knowing it would be somewhat antithetical to the typical bar food fare. “The best part of this experience has been the feedback from the customers,” said LeBlanc, who has seen skeptical customers warm up to the menu once they try the food. “We have two small businesses working to build and protect each other while

working to build and protect the local arts, music, food and farms.” Next, Pembroke City Limits would have to find staff to help run the place. Azevedo said that the entire staff was hired without a single application being filled out. “Our staff are all locals,” Azevedo said. “We based our hires off vibe and off attitude. If you had it, you were in. I knew none of these people a year ago, and now we feel like a real family. We have a motto at Pembroke City Limits: ‘Brick by brick.’ Night after night, we work to build friends and new customers with a new community based on fresh ideas and artistic performances.” In July 2024, after a few setbacks — contracting delays and licensing snags — Pembroke City Limits finally opened its doors to the general public. “The first six months have been great,” Klepser said. “I think we’re on a good path and have established our identity. The music and the musicians have blown me away, and we really lucked out with our staff and our customers.” And the Pembroke City Limits has no compunctions with expanding their own

“limits” and trying new ideas to welcome a broader community. With the help of Hannah Ketcham, a bartender and their marketing guru, they have introduced a host of community events, including yoga sessions on Sunday mornings, rock paintings and dog adoptions. Some mornings, before Pembroke City Limits opens, Azevedo admits he will arrive in the quiet space, alone, while the morning sunlight seeps through the picture windows, skipping off the hardwood floors that he has just finished polishing. Azevedo will then sit at a table, sip his coffee, and bask in this thing that he has built, a labor founded on his love for music and the arts, enmeshed with his own unique brand of intrepid optimism. “It’s hard to explain how much my life has changed since we opened Pembroke City Limits and how blessed I am to have all of these beautiful, earnest people in my life,” he said. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards once wrote that “you can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, well, you just might find” — and Azevedo would agree — “you get what you need.” NH nhmagazine.com | June 2025 41

INFORM | what do you know

The pit crew helps settle and buckle drivers into their cars.

120 MPH Bragging Rights A Father’s Day gift outside the comfort zone S T O RY & P H O T O S BY M A R S H A L L H U D S O N

y children tell me it can be a challenge to find a Father’s Day gift for me. I don’t mean to be difficult, but other than socks and underwear, I have everything I need or want. When my kids were little, they made crayon cards and macaroni artwork, which I treasured. When they got older, gifts included trips to the ice cream stand and family cookouts. When my children became adults with families of their own, gift certificates started becoming the norm on Father’s Day. So, when my daughter handed me a Father’s Day card with a gift certificate in it, I wasn’t too surprised ... until I looked at it closely. She said she was looking for something different. The gift certificate entitled me to drive an actual NASCAR race car around the track at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. 42 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

That certainly qualifies as something different. I grew up in rural New Hampshire driving old pickup trucks on bumpy backroads and never drove much faster than the posted speed limits on the interstate. I had no experience racing cars and never had much desire to be a race car driver. Suddenly this challenge was in front of me, and I needed to do it. There are a couple of different racing schools at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and among them are several opportunities to put yourself inside a race car and zoom around the “magic mile” at high speeds. These options range from being a ride-along passenger in a race car driven by a professional, to an advanced 40-lap class for experienced drivers. My certificate entitled me to five minutes and a few laps around the track alone behind the wheel. There would be no instructor in the

car, just some one-on-one guidance from a spotter in the tower who would communicate with me through an earpiece and microphone in my helmet. We arrived early on the designated day and signed pounds of legal paperwork releasing everyone from every kind of liability imaginable. I was fitted with a fire-retardant onepiece racing suit that had me feeling like Steve McQueen in his “Le Mans” movie. After a training video, driver’s meeting and some detailed instructions, I was taken to pit road and fitted into the No. 24 car painted with Axalta, Valvoline and Hertz logos. Disappointedly, I didn’t draw the yellow M&M’s car which had a bolder, flashier look to it. I’ll admit to being equal parts thrilled, nervous, excited, gung-ho and scared witless as we lined up four abreast on the starting line.

With adrenaline pumping and excitement building, Marshall Hudson and other drivers head to their cars to get ready to race around the track.

I put it in first gear and waited for the radio voice in my ear to holler over the roar of the engines, “Go when ready!” I popped the clutch and took off down pit road shifting rapidly up through the gears. The other three cars were eating my dust, and I was pleased at taking the lead with my rabbit-quick start, until it dawned on me that the radio voice from the tower was not starting all of us, only me. I was in high gear when I exited pit road and entered the racetrack. Coming into the first corner, I backed off the accelerator and eased around the curve wondering and worrying how much the centrifugal force, or a loss of traction, would pull the car out of the lane and send me skidding toward the crash wall. Thankfully, the racetrack has steeply banked curves, and the car held the lane without me wrestling the wheel. Coming out of the corner and entering the wide-open straightaway, I felt a surge of adrenaline and impulsively goosed it. The car shot forward so fast it scared me, and I backed off immediately. I glanced down at the dashboard looking for a speedometer. There wasn’t one. “Keep your rpms below 4,000,” the radio voice in my ear instructed. I looked down at the tachometer, it read 4,300 and climbing. Perhaps I was breaking the rules, as drivers had been instructed to drive conservatively

on their first lap to familiarize themselves with both the car and the track. We were told that, during our final laps, there would be an opportunity to reach the fastest speed we dared attempt. Somewhat shaken by how fast the car had just shot forward, I was thinking I might have just reached mine. On the next straightaway, I thought I was flying along at an impressive racing speed when the voice in my ear warned me that I was about to be passed on my right. I glanced

for a rearview mirror and discovered there wasn’t one. “Maintain consistent speed and stay in your lane,” the voice instructed. A moment later a professional driver with a ride-along passenger went by me like I was standing still; so much for flying along at an impressive racing speed. On my last lap, approaching the final straightaway, the voice in my ear told me I had been doing well and could now push my rpms to 5,000, if I was comfortable with it. Knowing this was my final chance and quite likely the only opportunity I’d ever have, I swallowed hard, white-knuckle-death-gripped the wheel and poked the accelerator. The rpms soared to 5,000 ... and I kept them climbing. I backed off at 5,300 thinking that if I was going to be a race car driver, I had to be willing to push the limits just a little. A radar gun from the tower clocked my high speed at just under 120 mph. I’m told that is pretty good for a first-time driver with only five minutes of track time. Typically, NASCAR drivers average around 180 mph on this track, so I won’t be winning any races, and professional drivers need not be concerned about me stealing their jobs. I discovered 120 mph is as fast as I want to go, and I don’t feel an urge to do it again. It was a thrilling once-in-a-lifetime experience that challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, and I gained some unique bragging rights. That sure beat socks and underwear as a Father’s Day gift. NH

Marshall Hudson in his car after his final 120 mph lap. nhmagazine.com | June 2025 43

INFORM | in their own words on my own. I’m primarily a drummer, and I’ve always been a side man on other people’s projects. I didn’t go into it thinking, ‘I’m going to write this whole story about me taking the other path, because I’m an alcoholic, and I haven’t drank in almost 10 years.’ As it unraveled, I realized that I was writing my own story.

NHM: Who are Daisy and Anna Lee? PJD: On the cover is Daisy, and the younger girl is Anna Lee, but they’re the same person. Daisy is the part that she wants everybody to see. She wants her attention; she wants her fame. And Anna Lee is the little girl that’s inside of her that she doesn’t show people. It’s the fear that’s inside of her; it’s the insecurity, and that’s the part that she doesn’t want to show to the world.

NHM: What happens in the album? PJD: I wrote nine of the 10 tracks. And all

A Sobering Tale

PJ Donahue’s album “Daisy’s Big Parade” celebrates sobriety, perseverance BY E M I LY R E I LY

“D

aisy’s Big Parade,” the bluesy, honest first album by Dover drummer and songwriter PJ Donahue, takes place on July 4, 1978: Independence Day and Donahue’s birthday. A jubilant parade serves as the album’s backdrop as its main characters, Daisy and Anna Lee, represent Donahue’s struggle to choose between an intoxicating nightlife and a sobering reality. Recorded at Thundering Sky Studios in South Berwick, ME, the album release party was held at Rochester Performance and Arts Center in March. The event also celebrated Donahue’s 10 years of sobriety. Donahue says the album reminds him of a dark path he chose not to take. “If I lay a sober head on the pillow tonight, 44 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

I’ve won the day. Everything else is just a bonus,” he says. Donahue spoke with New Hampshire Magazine about his road to sobriety and finally making music for himself.

New Hampshire Magazine: What inspired “Daisy’s Big Parade”? PJ Donahue: I was given a book at Christmas — “Daisy Jones and the Six.” It’s about a fictional band set in the ’70s. And I remember thinking: I had to know what they sounded like. And I was like, ‘I’m gonna try to write what I think they sound like.’ I think that was probably the first inkling that I wanted to write a song.

NHM: How did this all come together? PJD: I just started, just experimenting, writing

the tracks are personal to me. This story was really about me taking the other path, not putting the drink down, and I’m doing it through the eyes of the opposite gender. Daisy puts on a show, and then she goes out after the show and gets her attention ... very reckless and partying. She ends up all alone. ‘A sad love story’s last line’ is the very last thing she says. The story is not meant to have a happy ending. That was the path I was going down, absolutely, and, I woke up that day, and I took the other path.

NHM: Why did you make that decision? PJD: I woke up on March 2, 2015, and I looked at the half-drunk bottle of Smuttynose IPA. That was common, because I was never done drinking. I just drank until my body shut down. I’d often wake up with a bottle that’s half full. Something came over me that was like, ‘I just can’t do this anymore. I can’t continue to live my life for the bottle.’ I have a wife and a daughter, and my daughter is 16 now. We’d all physically be in the house together, but we weren’t a family. I was downstairs drinking; they were upstairs avoiding me. And I just didn’t want to live like that anymore. I went to my first AA meeting that night.

NHM: And you’ve celebrated 10 years of sobriety. PJD: I stayed sober, and it was not easy. I had moments of thinking I wasn’t going to make it through the day, but I had enough support from everyone around me to help me go in

one day at a time. And I’m still doing that. I wake up every day and make the promise to myself that I’m not going to drink, only for today.

my friend Elissa (Margolin) — she does the spoken word on “Mr. Reaper,” and wrote that song, “God On My Own.” (That) just hit the story so perfectly.

NHM: How have you stayed healthy? PJD: Initially, to fill that void, I started to run

NHM: That song feels like listeners can hear some of Anna Lee’s personality coming through. PJD: The first three (songs) are like, she’s

in marathons, and I loved it. I had a goal to run 50 marathons in all 50 states, and I got to 24 and I got really hurt. Badly. I had a serious back injury, and it wasn’t even runningrelated. I was on a gig. I loaded some gear in through a stage, and I bent over forward and tweaked my back. Had done it before, but this time, it crippled me. I couldn’t walk for three months. I had surgery in February of 2022, and once I woke up from surgery, I could walk again, but I realized I could never run again. So that whole goal … just vanished. I needed something else to fill that void. And this album really, really helped with all of that.

NHM: As a drummer, how did you know which musicians to work with? PJD: All of the musicians that I’ve had on the

PHOTOS COURTESY PJ DONAHUE

album, I have a personal connection with most for over 10 years. They’re all just friends and people I’ve worked with. I kind of knew who I really wanted. I was really grateful to

PJ Donahue

coming out of the gate and she’s having her big parade, and that’s more her recklessness. Then, “God On My Own” talks about stumbling home and searching for “God on my own,” like self-reflection. She’s starting to recognize that Anna Lee inside of her. After that track, you really see the vulnerability with Anna.

NHM: Were all of your friends on board when you told them what the album was going to be about? PJD: I was so happy that they were all willing, especially Taylor O’Donnell, the vocalist that plays the main character. She really was just a blessing to have, because she just nailed it. I thought she did a great job. (They were) so supportive. They’re all people who I know personally, and they know my story. It was all either explained up front or revealed as we went along. Everyone’s been so wonderful with it. NH

2025

Calling all Best of NH Winners! Are you interested in sampling at our 2025 Event? Join the Party and be among the BEST!

CONTACT: PAUL MILONE 603-624-1442 X 5121 OR PAULM@YANKEEPUB.COM nhmagazine.com | June 2025 45

TIME FOR SOME

New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Summer is finally here! New Hampshire Magazine is here to help you get the most of the 90+ days of the season. Join us as we hit the road and uncover endless things to do around the Granite State. COMPILED BY ELISA GONZ ALES VERDI

festivities Favorite

JUNE 13 — 14

36th Portsmouth Pocket Garden Tour

The self-guided walking tour features eight private gardens and educational opportunities. Enjoy musicians, plein air artists and cookies along the tour of these beautiful gardens; both casual and formal, designed by professionals and enthusiasts. Friday and Saturday, times vary. South Church, 292 State St., Portsmouth; southchurch-uu.org JUNE 14 48th Annual Market Square Day

Created by nonprofit Pro Portsmouth to celebrate the renovation and beautification of downtown Portsmouth and, in particular, Market Square, the festival has grown in size along with the growth and popularity of Portsmouth. About 60,000 people walk through downtown Portsmouth on that day enjoying entertainment, products and food offered by artists, crafters and merchants — many from the Seacoast area. Two performance stages feature local and regional musi-

cians. The day kicks off with a 10K Road Race. Free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., downtown Portsmouth. 603-4334398; proportsmouth.org JUNE 26 — 28

including a beer tent, 5K road race, skillet toss, tractor pull and more — your day will be jam-packed with fun. For a free spectacle, stick around till dusk on Saturday night. Free. Times vary. Grimes Field, 29 Preston St., Hillsboro. 603-464-0377; hillsborosummerfest.com

50th Annual Concord Market Days Festival

Celebrate summer in the Capitol City with this annual free fest. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy more than 150 vendors and exhibitors, concerts in Eagle and Bicentennial squares and a beer tent smack-dab in the middle of the festival. The weekend also coincides with the Capital City 10K, in case you like your street food served with a side of athleticism. Free. Main Street, Concord. 603-226-2150; marketdaysfestival.com J U LY 1 0 — 1 3

J U LY 1 2 American Independence Festival

If you didn’t get all the patriotism out of your system on the Fourth, then try this later homage to America. Activities at this 35-year-old fest include battle reenactments, lawn games, live music and enough kids’ activities to keep the little ones entertained all day. Free. All day. American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Lane, Exeter. 603-772-2622; independencemuseum.org

Hillsboro Summer Festival

From live music and a parade to a fairway full of carnival rides, this legendary festival is packed with activities. With plenty of activities for everyone —

J U LY 2 3 — 2 7 North Haverhill Fair

Described as “Christmas in July,” the North Haverhill Fair features a boatload of free events. Crowd-pleasers include concerts on Friday and Saturday nights; horse, pony and oxen stone boat pulling; a demolition derby; tractor and pulling events with transfer sleds; dairy cows, sheep, goat and dog shows for 4-H; an open horse show; and art, photography, arts, crafts and flower shows. This year’s theme is “Blue Jeans and Country Dreams.” Prices and times vary, 1299 Dartmouth College Highway, North Haverhill. 603-9893305; nohaverhillfair.com J U LY 2 6

JUNE 12 — 14

Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic

This extravaganza boasts 200 tons of imported sand transformed into elaborate sand sculptures. World-class master sculptors come together to create their own unique sculptures and compete for the grand prize. Their masterpieces will be illuminated at night for an unforgettable walk down the boardwalk. Free. Hampton Beach, Hampton. hamptonbeach.org 48 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

This fair boasts that it’s the place to be for the last Saturday in July. Festivities include more than 100 craftspeople, pony rides, children’s games, white elephants, delicious foods, baked goods, plants and a silent auction. It’s held on the picturesque Hebron Common at the north end of Newfound Lake and will happen rain or shine. Free. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hebron Common, 16 Church Lane, Hebron. 603-409-7143; hebronchurchfair.org

COURTESY PHOTOS

Hebron Fair

JUNE 26

The Best of New Hampshire Party

The Best of NH Party 2025 returns to Flag Hill Distillery and Winery. The event will be an elegant tent and garden party celebrating the best the state has to offer at one of NH’s most beautiful local treasures. Come for the evening or spend the entire night in one of 10 tiny homes on the property. Join us for an evening that’s all to honor the 2025 Best of NH winners and to support our nonprofit beneficiary, the New Hampshire Food Bank. Thursday, 6-8 p.m., Flag Hill Distillery and Winery, 297 North River Road, Lee. nhmagazine.com/best-of-nh J U LY 3 1 — A U G U ST 3

A U G U ST 1 5 — 1 7

Woods, Water and Wildlife Festival

Cornish Fair

This traditional agricultural fair will feature entertainment, crafts, vendors, rides, animals and plenty of live music. This year’s theme is “Farm Fresh Fun.” The whole family will love the recently revamped midway, along with new rides and games. Prices and times vary, 247 Monadnock Highway, Swanzey. 603-3574740; cheshirefair.org

This day-long celebration of the great outdoors is a chance for families to have fun, explore and learn about the natural world together, and features fun and educational outdoor activities. Take a hayride to the river, observe and learn about NH wildlife, take a discovery walk, watch demonstrations of traditional skills, try your hand at fishing, do crafts with your kids, enjoy food trucks and more. Prices vary. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Branch Hill Farm, 307 Applebee Road, Milton Mills. 603-473-2020; mmrgnh.org

Since 1950, the Cornish Fair remains a traditional, family-friendly, educational, agricultural fair offering fruits and vegetable exhibits, horse and oxen-pulling, 4-H, crafts, children’s activities, live entertainment, vendors, amusement rides and more. The Cornish Fair is also home to the largest dairy show in New Hampshire, and remains committed to the education and sustainability of the agriculture industry. Prices and times vary, 294 Town House Road, Cornish. 603-675-5426; cornishfair.org

A U G U ST 1 — 2 ATV Weekend

TOP PHOTO: KAREN BACHELDER / COURTESY PHOTOS

A U G U ST 9

Cheshire Fair

With more than 1,000 miles of interconnected trails, ATV-friendly towns, great locally owned businesses, tasty restaurants and evening entertainment to get you up and moving, you won’t want to miss the most action-packed weekend of the summer season. This year, you’ll find a variety of offerings from past events, with more time to explore the trails, local businesses and our communities with family and friends. Locations and times vary. Berlin. androscogginvalleychamber.com A U G U ST 1 — 3 Suncook Valley Hot Air Balloon Rally

This event, put on by the Suncook Valley Rotary, has something fun for everyone in your family. There will be a carnival, tethered hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides, craft fair, food, drinks and so much more. Free to attend. Times vary, Drake Field, 17 Fayette St., Pittsfield. pittsfieldnh.gov

A U G U ST 2 2 — 2 3 35th North Country Moose Festival

The weekend before Labor Day means it’s time for the North Country Moose Festival. This year’s festivities will include a moose-calling contest, parade, live music, artisan and craft vendors, and family favorites such as a dog show and a maple syrup tasting contest, not to mention the classic car show. You can even soak your feet in the Mohawk River. Don’t forget to head down the road to Dixville Notch State Park, where you might spot a moose of your own. On Saturday, head over the border to Canaan, Vermont, for a down-home country fair. Free, times vary. Colebrook, chamberofthenorthcountry.com

nhmagazine.com | June 2025 49

music & arts A L L S U M M E R LO N G

THURSDAYS, JULY 10 — JULY 31

Festivals

J U LY 8 — 3 1

Prescott Park Arts Festival

Atlantic Grill Music by the Sea

73rd New Hampshire Music Festival

Spend your summer on the lawn at Prescott Park, enjoying movies in the park, concerts, musicals and more. Each summer boasts a lineup that you won’t want to miss. Prescott Park, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth. 603-436-2848; prescottpark.org

This summer concert series brings some of New England’s hottest bands to the Seacoast on Thursday nights. Enjoy great tunes and the seaside setting while supporting the Seacoast Science Center and their ocean education mission. Bring a blanket or chair, pack a picnic or purchase freshly grilled dinner and chilled beverages on-site. Concertgoers can also enjoy the Center and its exhibits. Free with concert admission. $20-320. 5-8:30 p.m., 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye. 603-436-8043; seacoastsciencecenter.org

Calling all lovers of classical music. Venues throughout Plymouth and Wolfeboro come alive to celebrate 73 festival years with the sounds of orchestras, choruses and professional soloists on instruments and voice. The fest will feature performances by an exceptional roster of artists from across the United States in chamber music concerts on Tuesday nights, classic orchestral concerts on Thursday nights and several free Music in the Mountains community concerts throughout our month-long festival. Times and locations vary. Plymouth. 603-238-9007; nhmf.org

FRIDAYS, JULY 11 — AUGUST 15 Cochecho Arts Festival

A L L S U M M E R LO N G Great Waters

With two venues in scenic locations, Great Waters brings world-class shows and music to the heart of the Lakes Region. This summer’s shows include a Broadway cabaret dinner, a dance show, concerts and more. Tickets vary, locations vary. 603-569-7710; greatwaters.org

The festival began in the summer of 1987, after the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce accepted the challenge of matching an anonymous donation to produce a summer concert series. The summer-long festival showcases regionally recognized acts as well as top local Seacoast entertainers. All Cochecho Arts Festival events are free to attend and open to the public. Free. Henry Law Park, 1 Washington St., Dover. 603-742-2218; dovernh.org

A U G U ST 1 5 — 1 7 White Mountain Boogie n’ Blues

With two decades of festival sand and a bevy of national blues preservation awards under its belt, this boogiefest is not to be missed. This year’s lineup includes Gracie Curran & The High Falutin' Band, Nick Moss, Blood Brothers, and many more. To really dive into the festival experience, rent a campsite on the Boogie’s sprawling White Mountains grounds. Prices and times vary, Sugar Shack Campground, 210 NH Route 175, North Thornton. 603-726-3867; whitemountainboogie.com

Northlands Music and Arts Festival

This year, Northlands features Cory Wong, Umphrey’s McGee, Moe and the Terrapin Family Band, plus more than three dozen other artists. The boutique-sized independently owned music and arts festival is as authentic as it gets. Let your spirit soar with a lineup that will let the good vibes roll. Prices and times vary. Cheshire Fairgrounds, 247 Monadnock Highway, Swanzey. northlandslive.com 50 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

COURTESY PHOTOS

JUNE 13 — 15

craft fairs Artisan

J U LY 1 1 — 1 3

On the Green 1 Arts & Crafts Festival

Rain or shine, enjoy more than 100 arts and crafts exhibitors on the lawn at Brewster Academy. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 80 Academy Drive, Route 28, Wolfeboro. joycescraftshows.com

J U LY 1 9 — 2 0 Over the River Craft Fair

It’s Christmas in July in Walpole. Spend your weekend enjoying refreshments while supporting local artisans and small businesses. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 618 Cold River Road (right off Route 123), Walpole. overtherivercraftfair.com A U G U ST 2 — 1 0

92nd Annual Craftsmen’s Fair

The Annual Craftsmen’s Fair began in 1933 and runs for nine days each year, featuring the juried work of hundreds of members with sales booths, interactive demonstrations and curated exhibitions attracting more than 20,000 visitors annually. Presented by the League of NH Craftsmen, this is one craft fair that you won’t want to miss. Mount Sunapee Resort, 1398 New Hampshire Route 103, Newbury. nhcrafts.org JUNE 14 Keene Summer Craftfest

With a carefully curated selection of local vendors, you’ll love the variety of wares that the Keene Summer Craft Fest has to offer. You’ll also enjoy music, refreshments and a car show while perusing unique handmade goods. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Keene Middle School Parking Lot, 167 Maple Ave., Keene. keenecraftshow.com JUNE 21

COURTESY PHOTOS

Wild Mystic Summer Solstice Bazaar

Celebrate the magic of the summer solstice at the Kimball Jenkins Estate. Enjoy magical vendors and readers, food trucks, demos and activities, and outdoor bliss. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kimball Jenkins Estate, 266 N. Main St., Concord. Facebook.

J U LY 5 - 6 Hampton Falls Liberty Weekend Craft Festival

Over 75 juried artisans from all over New England come to Hampton Falls to display and sell their American-made works. Crafts include pottery, fine art, aprons, ladies’ apparel, cutting boards, soaps, dolls, scarves, fine jewelry, country wood crafts, floral arrangements, vintage chic décor, mixed media, metal sculpture, glass garden art and more. Free. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Town Common, 4 Lincoln Ave., Hampton Falls. castleberryfairs.com

A U G U ST 1 6 — 1 7 Mt. Washington Valley Summer Craft Fair

Come and join the fun with live music, food, face painting, and amazing arts and crafts exhibitors. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1 Norcross Circle, North Conway. joycecraftshows.com A U G U ST 3 0 — 3 1 Labor Day Weekend Craft Fair

With more than 110 exhibitors and unique local products, you won’t want to miss this craft fair at scenic Gunstock. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 719 Cherry Valley Road, Route, 11A, Gilford. joycescraftshows.com nhmagazine.com | June 2025 51

recreation Sports &

JUNE 14

Fun in the Sun Color Run

Open to children, adults, families and teams, the event is hosted by the Nashua Silver Knights and benefits the Lil’ Iguana’s Children's Safety Foundation. Participants run or walk a 1-mile or 5K course around Nashua North High School. Following the race, participants and their families can enjoy a “Finish Line Luau” with live music, entertainment, food and beverage samples and activities provided by area businesses and vendors. Registration fee varies. 9 a.m. to noon. 8 Titan Way, Nashua, 603-881-9805; liliguanausa.org

Build Your Own Adventure: Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail

This great 83-mile ride takes you through the breathtaking scenery of New Hampshire’s famous White Mountains. You’ll enjoy incredible cycling through charming towns, passing along beautiful rivers and streams. But be warned … the XNHAT will throw at you every kind of terrain possible — paved trails and back roads, easy riding crushed stonedust, and even gnarly gravel — delivering, as promised, adventure. Locations and routes vary; xnhat.org JUNE 7 Winnipesaukee Volleyball Classic

Hosted by the Akwa Marina Yacht Club, this competitive sand classic combines the fun of beach volleyball with making a difference in the lives of young children with special needs. All donations go to Logan’s Giving Fund for Autism at CMF kids, which provides families support by directly paying their child’s service provider for services and treatment they would otherwise not be able to afford. The event offers a bouncy castle for kids and all the amenities of the beautiful waterfront at AKWA Marina. Prices vary. 9 a.m. till completion, Akwa Marina Yacht Club, 95 Centenary Ave., Laconia. 603-669-0821; akwamarina.com 52 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

J U LY 1 2

JUNE 18 Gunstock Hill Climb

The Prouty

It wouldn't be Laconia Bike Week without the Hill Climb! Watch amateur riders fight their way up the historic 70-meter Torger Tokle Memorial Ski Jump hill. Some will make it, some will not, but it's one heck of a spectacle! Enjoy a Bike Show presented by Deadbeat Customs and three Stunt Shows put on by the notorious Eastcoastin' Crew. Don't miss this highlight of Bike Week. Shop on-site vendors, enjoy delicious food and beverage options available. Registration required. 8 a.m. Gunstock Mountain Resort, 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford.

If you enjoy outdoor recreation of just about any kind, then you’ll find something to suit your tastes at this annual mega-fundraiser for the Dartmouth Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center. Cyclists can opt for 20- to 100-mile rides on the road or the 200-mile, two-day Prouty Ultimate; walkers can enjoy anything from a 3K stroll through Hanover to an 11K walk in the woods; rowers can hit the Connecticut River for 5 to 15 miles, and cyclers can mountain bike and race on the updated hybrid gravel bike trail. Prices, times and locations vary, Hanover, 603-646-5500; theprouty.org

JUNE 21

J U LY 1 3

White Mountains Triathlon

Not only is this athletic event among the most scenic triathlons in the state, it’s also the only one with a whole festival built around it. Over two days, runner-biker-swimmers can participate in either the sprint, half-Iron Man or Olympic distance races, and they can hang around for a Saturday post-race barbecue followed by a mountaintop sunset social. Registration required. Early packet pickup and registrations begins Friday at 4:30 p.m. and continues Saturday at 5:30 a.m., with the first race kicking off at 7 a.m. Cannon Mountain Ski Area, 260 Tramway Drive, Franconia. 603-488-1186; millenniumrunning.com

Loon Mountain Race: USATF Vertical National Championship

This Granite State race is the race to end all races. It is 6.03 miles, 10.62 kilometers, has an elevation gain of 3,125 feet and an average slope of 14 percent. It has a reputation as one of the country’s toughest mountain races, in large part due to the kilometer ascent of North Peak along Upper Walking Boss. “The Boss,” as it’s colloquially termed, is around a kilometer of grassy slope with angles that exceed a 40 percent grade. Named the "Most Competitive Hillclimb" by Runner’s World Magazine, this race is no joke. If you are feeling daring this summer, be sure to check this one out, but

COURTESY PHOTOS

A L L S U M M E R LO N G

make sure you register in advance — there’s no race day registration. $60. 7:30 a.m., Loon Mountain Resort, 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln. loonmtn.com J U LY 2 7

fresh harvest

The Martin Wallem ALS Foundation Sunrise Ascent on Mt. Washington

Get your hiking shoes and cameras ready for this sunrise hike. Before dawn, teams ascend the Mt. Washington Auto Road to reach the 6,288-foot summit. Each team includes an athlete with a disability and a team of crew, who support the athlete as they climb to the summit. After the teams complete their hike to the summit, roadrunners help transport athletes and their crew back down to the base area. Volunteers help throughout the event, with setup, registration and the celebratory after-party at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Together, the teams are inspired by the beauty of the sunrise, the majesty of the Presidential Range and the determination shared among them. The goal for this event is to raise over $62,800 to help fund the operating budget of Adaptive Sports Partners. Donations accepted. Times vary. Auto Road, Gorham. 603-823-5232; adaptivesportspartners.org A U G U ST 1 6 Boot Scootin‘ Boogie 5K and Brewfest

After the 5K that begins on Sargent Road and ends at the Londonderry Athletic Fields, participants and their friends and families can enjoy a brew with more than 15 participating breweries. At the brewfest, you’ll unwind with a bonfire, and enjoy live music and delicious food until the night ends. Please bring cash, as credit cards may not be accepted with all vendors. Registration required. 6:30 p.m., 98 Sargent Road, Londonderry. millenniumrunning.com

Thanks to Seacoast Eat Local, here is a monthly breakdown of what's in season this summer! Seacoast Eat Local is a Lee-based nonprofit that is committed to creating a thriving food economy between consumers and local food producers. Through partnerships with local farmers to create farmers markets to their Mobile Market, workshops, their Local Food Guide and more, they are paving the way to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to eat locally. seacoasteatlocal.org What's in season for June?

Arugula Asparagus Bok Choy Fresh Herbs Garlic Scapes Kale Lettuce

Mushrooms Microgreens Peas Radishes Rhubarb Salad Greens Scallions

Seedlings Spinach Strawberries Turnips

What's in season for July?

Arugula Beets Blueberries Carrots Collards Cucumbers Fresh Herbs Green Beans

Kale Kohlrabi Lettuce Onions Parsley Peas Peppers Radishes

Raspberries Salad Greens Spinach Strawberries Squash Tomatoes

What's in season for August? A U G U ST 2 3 AutoFair NH 10 Miler

Run 10 miles. Attend after-party. Repeat? This event takes runners on a near-half-marathon run around the perimeter of Massabesic Lake, then rewards them with a free post-race beer. Registration required. 8 a.m., Massabesic Lake, 1 Londonderry Turnpike, Manchester. 603-488-1186; millenniumrunning.com

Arugula Beets Blueberries Cabbage Cantaloupes Carrots Cauliflower Collards Corn

Cucumber Eggplant Fresh Herbs Garlic Green Beans Kohlrabi Lettuce Melons Onions

Parsley Peaches Peppers Potatoes Pumpkins Radicchio Rutabaga Squash Tomatoes

nhmagazine.com | June 2025 53

food & drink JUNE 7

JUNE 7

38th Annual WOKQ Chowder Festival Summer Kick Off

Start your summer in Portsmouth’s scenic Prescott Park, enjoying delicious chowder at this beloved annual event. You’ll sample and judge chowder made specially for the festival made by local restaurants in a delicious chowder competition for the ages. The festival also offers music, merch and other family-friendly activities for friends young and old. And for those who might not love chowder (we won’t judge), you’ll find a host of other delicious treats will be available as well, including handmade ice cream sandwiches, freshpressed lemonade, oysters and more. Prices vary. 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until the chowder runs dry), Prescott Park, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth. 603-4362848. prescottpark.org

Festivals

A U G U ST 2 — 3

NH Bacon & Beer Festival

Great N.E. BBQ & Food Truck Festival

This is the fundraiser’s ninth annual event for High Hopes Foundation of New Hampshire — an organization dedicated to providing life-enhancing experiences and medical equipment to New Hampshire's terminally and chronically ill children. The fundraiser celebrates the savory grease of some good ol’ bacon alongside the endless flavor possibilities that have come to define well-crafted beer. The Bacon & Beer Festival features local restaurants pulling up with their finest pork products, live music and libations from more than 60 breweries. $39.07-$79.90. 1:30-5 p.m., Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack. nhbaconbeer.com

This family-fun event features a corn hole tournament, a kids’ zone (with free bounce houses), a whoopie pie eating contest, face-painting, artisans, music, food trucks, caricature drawings and more. $5. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hampshire Dome, 32 Emerson Road, Milford. gnefoodtruckfest.com

J U LY 2 7

A U G U ST 2 3

26th Annual Chocolate Fest

Enjoy an evening of chocolate temptations in Town Square accompanied by a free outdoor concert as the sun sets. Pack a picnic and enjoy an indulgent evening in the square, on a blanket or with your toes in the sand. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Town Square, 33 Village Road, Waterville Valley. waterville.com

11th Annual Gate City Brewfest

As summer starts winding down, head to Nashua for one last beer-fueled hurrah. An extensive beer list, live music, a corn hole tournament and more are on tap. $15 to $70. 1-5 p.m., Holman Stadium, 67 Amherst St., Nashua. gatecitybrewfestnh.com. New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event. A U G U ST 3 0 — S E P T E M B E R 1 Exeter UFO Festival

Celebrate all things extraterrestrial in beautiful downtown Exeter. Learn about the "Incident at Exeter" and other UFO- and paranormal-related topics with your fellow earthlings! The festival features a variety of speakers, panels and activities. Besides being the focus of the famous "Incident at Exeter," the town offers a quaint downtown full of restaurants and shops, with outlying shopping and dining opportunities near the Lincoln Street Exeter Amtrack train station, and on Front Street. Exeter also is the home of the Independence Museum, Phillips Exeter Academy and a vibrant Historical Society. Swansey Park, Exeter. exeterufofestival.org J U LY 2 6

Last year was so spicy, they’re doing it again. Spicy Shark presents a New England destination and celebration for hot sauce lovers. Featuring hot sauce samples from more than 20 craft companies, music, food trucks, food challenges (including a hot pepper-eating contest and a hot wing contest), craft vendors, Smuttynose Brewing Co. beer, bouncy houses and more, don’t miss out on the spicy-sweaty fun. The festival’s main event will feature hot sauce celebrities from the USA and Canada, who will compete against each other in a wild new event called “Sci-Fi Peppers.” Straight from the spicy garden of Ed Currie, the creator of the Carolina Reaper, there will be never-before-seen (or tasted) hybrids of his famous super-hots, including Scotch Bonnet, Scorpion, Ghost and Carolina Reaper hybrids. Proceeds support the Blue Ocean Society and Seacoast Science Center. Ticket prices vary. Smuttynose Brewing Co., 105 Towle Farm Road, Hampton. newenglandhotsaucefest.com. New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event. 54 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

COURTESY PHOTOS

New England Hot Sauce Fest

pride events Celebrate

JUNE 28

Manchester Pride Parade and Festival Celebrate pride in the Queen City. The festival will feature art, youth-focused activities, queer performers and many local community vendors. Free. noon to 6 p.m., downtown Manchester. manchestertrue.org JUNE 28 White Mountains Pride

Head to North Conway for a full day of activities including food trucks, music and other celebrations. Check out their website for more details. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., White Mountains Community Center Park, 78 Norcross Circle, North Conway. whitemountainspride.com JUNE 21 Nashua Pride Festival

Join members of the local LGBTQIA community to celebrate Nashua Pride. The festival and parade is a free celebration of diversity, acceptance, music and fun focused on promoting equality and inclusion of all people. Free. 3-6 p.m., Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St., Nashua. Facebook. JUNE 21

COURTESY PHOTOS

North Country Pride

This free celebration will kick off with a parade down Littleton’s Main Street. Then spend the rest of the day celebrating with music, food, vendors and friends at the Riverfront Commons. Free, Littleton; northcountrypridenh.org

JUNE 21

Portsmouth Pride Festival & Marketplace

Celebrate Pride with Seacoast Outright on the grounds of Puddle Dock at Strawbery Banke. The festival will feature 100+ vendors, music featuring DJ Sunshine, food trucks, local artisans and more. Free. Noon to 5 p.m., Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth. strawberybanke.org nhmagazine.com | June 2025 55

Best

in bloom

J U LY 2 6 — A U G U ST 3

Sunflower Festival

Coppal House Farm turns into a sea of sunflowers every July during the New Hampshire Sunflower Festival. The farm offers a unique variety of sunflowers that can produce sunflower oil. Unlike ornamental blooms, these sunflowers only bloom for about 10 days, so the window to witness this stunning sight is short. 118 North River Road, Route 155, Lee. nhsunflower.com

E A R LY — M I D J U LY Rhododendron State Park

Explore Rhododendron State Park this summer, where these big beautiful blooms are the center of attention. The 16-acre grove of rhododendrons is the largest grove in northern New England, and if you’ve never seen that many in bloom at one time, you’re in for a treat. There’s also a nearby wildflower trail with flowers that bloom throughout the season. 424 Rockwood Pond Road, Fitzwilliam; nhstateparks.org

L AT E M AY — J U N E

Paying homage to the annual blossoming of this captivating wildflower, the Fields of Lupine Festival is a time-honored regional event. The brilliant spikes of the lupine flower carpet local fields and pastures in a rolling sea of vibrant purples, pinks, blues and whites. The long-lasting blossoms attract equally dazzling butterflies and create a breathtaking floral display against the majestic backdrop of the Franconia, Presidential and Kinsman mountain ranges. Every visitor is guaranteed abundant photo and recreational opportunities in the Northeast’s most spectacular mountain region. Easton, Franconia, Sugar Hill. 56 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

COURTESY PHOTOS

Fields of Lupine Festival

kids’ events JUNE 7

NH Maker Fest

This festival gathers fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and love sharing what they do. From engineers and artists to scientists and chefs, the Maker & Food Fest is a venue for “makers” to show off hobbies, experiments and projects, and for attendees to enjoy fantastic grub. The team at the Children’s Museum call it “The Greatest Show and Tell on Earth” — a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness. Suggested donation is $5 per person. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, 6 Washington St., Dover. childrens-museum.org

T U E S DAY M O R N I N G S J U LY 1 1 — A U G . 1 5

Cochecho Valley Arts Festival Children’s Shows

Each week, the festival’s Children’s Series features engaging performances, such as juggling, dancing, acting and more. Free. Henry Law Park, 1 Washington St., Dover. 603-742-2218; dovernh.org A U G U ST 1 1

SUNFOX FARM PHOTO: JOHN W. HESSION / COURTESY PHOTOS

The 17th Annual Hampton Beach Children’s Festival

A U G U ST 9 - 1 7

Sunfox Farm Sunflower Bloom Festival

There’s no better place to be a kid than at Hampton Beach. The Hampton Beach Children’s Festival will delight the young (and young at heart) with magic shows, storytelling, a costume parade and more. Free, times vary. Hampton Beach State Park, NH 1-A, Hampton. hamptonbeach.org NH

Twenty acres of sunflowers await you at Sunfox Farm’s 6th annual Sunflower Bloom Festival. The event will take place at its new 57-acre farm in the heart of Concord, New Hampshire’s capital city. Walk through the fields and experience the beauty and vibrancy of sunflowers towering over you, stretching nearly as far as the eye can see. In addition to the beautiful blooms, during festival weekends, enjoy local musicians, as well as a variety of vendors showcasing unique offerings and food trucks, too. Concord. sunfoxfarm.org nhmagazine.com | June 2025 57

The granddaddy of hill-climb cycling events, the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb is held the third Saturday in August. PHOTO BY JOE VIGER

New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

EXTREME

NH The State’s History for Derring-Do Lives on Today BY B R I O N O ’ C O N N O R

orgive New Hampshire historians if they scoff at the notion that “extreme sports” is somehow a recent phenomenon. Sure, Madison Avenue marketing types claimed the “extreme” moniker over the past few decades or so. But those who know the Granite State best only need to point to mighty Mount Washington — the Northeast’s tallest peak — for ample proof that tales of derring-do preceded the Mountain Dew generation by a century. As soon as the Mt. Washington Auto Road — the country’s oldest man-made attraction — was completed, enterprising daredevils started devising ways to race up the Rockpile. In 1903, L.J. Phelps set the official “mark” of 1 hour, 45 minutes. The inaugural Climb to the Clouds race was held the next year, seven years before the first running of the Indianapolis 500. Harry Harkness shattered Phelps’ record, powering his Mercedes to the summit in a time of 24 minutes and 37.6 seconds. Race times continue to plummet over the next century, and in 2021, Red Bull racer and celebrity daredevil Travis Pastrana set

During the 1860s, Cog Railway workers

PHOTO: WIKICOMMONS

were known for their Devil's Shingle exploits.

60 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

a new record for the triennial race of under 5½ minutes. “We had more fun with this run than I’ve ever had in a car,” Pastrana said. Even more hair-raising were the exploits of Cog Railway workers on the mountain’s western slopes, and their infamous Devil’s Shingle races. Work began on the Cog Railroad in 1866, and visionary Sylvester Marsh hired a number of returning Civil War veterans. With long workdays — sometimes nearly 17 hours — many Cog workers were eager to get home as quickly as possible each evening. So, they created slideboards — soon dubbed Devil’s Shingles — to descend the tracks. Little more than a narrow plank of wood that rode on the center rack track, each homemade slideboard was fitted with a seat, footrests and rudimentary hand brakes. The average trip from summit to base station took about 15 minutes. But soon the competitive urge overtook the workers. The record time was a mind-bending 2 minutes, 45 seconds, at an average speed of roughly 60 mph. The competitions became so dangerous that the state outlawed the Devil’s Shingle in the early 1920s. Yet perhaps the single most breathtaking

Big Day Brewing 24 Hours of Great Glen

is an around-the-clock suffer-fest. PHOTO BY JOE VIGER

nhmagazine.com | June 2025 61

Loon Mountain Bike Park in Linc

oln boasts fantastic machine-built downhill flow trails and lift services daily. PHOTO COU RTES Y LOO

62 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

N MOU NTA IN

“extreme” episode on Mount Washington was Toni Matt’s insane schuss over the headwall of Tuckerman Ravine during the American Inferno race in 1939. Inspired by the Dartmouth and Harvard outing clubs, Ski Club Hochgebirge members created the American Inferno — a 4.2-mile race down the northern flank of Mount Washington — in 1933. Six years later, Matt, a fearless 19-year-old Austrian ski instructor, went flying over the headwall at 45 miles per hour, eventually hitting 90 mph. Matt finished just under 6½ minutes, lopping 3 minutes off the race record. “Going over the lip is a terrifying experience, especially for the first time," Matt told Skiing magazine in 1964. “When I got to the top of the headwall, I was moving much faster than I had expected. I knew the lip was fast and treacherous, and if I made a false move, I would take a terrible fall. On the spur of the

moment, I decided to go all out — to schuss the headwall.” Hundreds still make the annual pilgrimage to “Tuck’s” every spring, pitting their backcountry skills against Mother Nature. It remains a rite of passage for skiers and snowboarders, a true badge of courage. “Most extreme skiers find themselves in Matt’s boots eventually, just to a smaller degree,” said Peter Tamposi, a New Hampshire lawyer and longtime Tuckerman addict. “Word is Matt didn’t exactly plan his epic run, but he brilliantly improvised on the fly and let them ride. That’s the hallmark of extreme skiing — try to make it look like you planned it that way, and keep smiling.” The good news for adrenaline junkies of all stripes is that New Hampshire offers a bevy of audacious activities during all four seasons, proving that “extreme” is as fashionable as ever. The following are some of our

You can get your thrills hang gliding and paragliding at Kitty Hawk Kites at Morningside Flight Park. PHOTO BY DANIEL SMITHE

nhmagazine.com | June 2025 63

top choices. (Editor’s note: Our new Run NH magazine features “extreme” running events, including trail races, ultra-marathons and charity events.) Many events require preregistration, so plan accordingly:

Two-wheeled treks

Held in the shadow of Mount Washington, the Big Day Brewing 24 Hours of Great Glen is an around-the-clock suffer-fest with solo and team categories. Each August, the race brings together competitors in the shared experiences of exhaustion, perseverance and “finally a euphoric sense of accomplishment,” said Che Elwell, of the co-ed team, Mary and the Swinging Cranks. “These events create a community of people who enjoy having fun and suffering,” Elwell said. “They’re full of people who like to challenge themselves and know that your team and competitors make you stronger and able to accomplish more.” The granddaddy of hill-climb cycling events, the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb is held the third Saturday of every August and benefits the Tin Mountain Center. For something not quite as steep,

but no less challenging, the Crank the Kanc ride in May, hosted by the Mount Washington Valley Bicycling Club, is a 21.3-mile time trial held on the picturesque Kancamagus Highway. In September, the Seacoast Century, hosted by the Granite State Wheelers, is one of New England’s best 100-mile rides, dipping into both Massachusetts and Maine along its route. The Trans-NH Bike Ride in June is a three-day supported ride from the Canadian border to Portsmouth, benefitting NH firefighters and Muscular Dystrophy Association. If gravel is more your jam, the Granite State offers a number of epic off-pavement events, including the Raid Rockingham in Newmarket, the Kearsarge Klassic in Warner, Pavement Ends in Henniker, Dirty Roads Gravel Grinder in Winchester, Round Monadnock in Keene and the Rose Mountain Rumble in Lyndeborough. The Highland Mountain Bike Park in Tilton, as well as similar-but-smaller parks at Loon Mountain in Lincoln and Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, boast fantastic machine-built downhill flow trails

SIX03 Endurance’s Loon Mountain Race is a tough climb to North Peak. Make it to the top and you get bragging rights for running the Upper Walking Boss trail’s 40 /0 grade. 0

PHOTO BY JOE VIGE

64 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

The M.W. Otto Rhode Ski Race in January is the one time skiers can climb the entire Mt. Washington Auto Road. PHOTO BY JOE VIGER

nhmagazine.com | June 2025 65

and lift service daily. Highland also hosts a one-day fat bike event in February called the Winter Wooly. Enduro race aficionados can push their limits at the MAXXIS ESC Stan’s Enduro Series at the Arrowhead Recreational Area in Claremont and at Monteau, NH. Cross-country racers should check out Race Day XC in June at Pats Peak Ski Area in Henniker, part of a nine-race series.

Gravity games

Nothing will get hearts pumping faster than soaring hundreds and hundreds of feet above terra firma before pulling your rip cord. Based along the state’s southern border, Skydive Pepperill is a parachuting dream. Nearby, Sky Venture New Hampshire in Nashua provides an indoor version. Hang gliding and paragliding more your style? Consider the high-altitude thrills at Kitty Hawk Kites at Morningside Flight Park in Charleston, along the Vermont border. Of course, you don’t need to jump out of an airplane or slip into a hang glider to get your rush. Vertical Ventures Aviation helicopter tours out of Whitefield give passengers a true bird’s eye view of New Hampshire’s stunning North Country — a truly breathtaking treat during foliage season.

66 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Motorized mayhem

The internal-combustion crowd will love the Team O’Neil Rally School in Dalton. The 563-acre location also hosts the North Atlantic Audi Club's Winter Driving School. Both schools, predictably, start with classroom sessions that cover all aspects of white-knuckle driving, said longtime instructor Josh Anthony. “You then get to put the theory into practice on a variety of slippery surfaces — ice, packed snow, loose snow — in a safe and controlled environment, practicing several different drills and exercises,” Anthony said. “At the end of the course, you get to put all the individual exercises together in a final, autocross-style course.” For another way to channel your favorite character from “The Fast and the Furious,” New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon is home to several high-octane auto racing camps, such as Xtreme Xperience and the NASCAR Racing Experience, run on a world-class track with performance rigs that most of us can only dream about piloting. (Check out this issue’s "What Do You Know" on page 42 for more information.) The Gerry Pomerleau Memorial Ride, also known as NH ATV Day, gives four-wheelers exclusive access to rule the

The multidiscipline Ski, Shoe & Fatbike

to the Clouds is billed as “North America's Toughest 10K.” PHOTO BY JOE VIGER

Extreme NH: Where to go Two-wheeled treks Big Day Brewing 24 Hours of Great Glen, Gorham (greatglentrails.com/24-hours) Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb, Gorham (mwarbh.org) Crank the Kanc, Conway (mwvbicyclingclub.org) Seacoast Century, Hampton (gswheelers.org/events-overview) Trans-NH Bike Ride, various locales (transnhbikeride.org) Raid Rockingham, Newmarket (grvl.net/raid-rockingham) Keasarge Klassic, Warner (grvl.net/kearsarge-klassic) Pavement Ends, Henniker (patspeak.com) Dirty Roads Gravel Grinder, Winchester (browndogtours.com/home/dirty-roads) Round Monadnock, Keene (browndogtours.com/home/round-monadnock) Rose Mountain Rumble, Lyndeborough (rosemountainrumble.com) Highland Mountain Bike Park, Tilton (highlandmountain.com) Loon Mountain bike park, Lincoln (loonmtn.com) Cranmore Mountain Resort bike park, North Conway (cranmore.com/bike-park) Winter Wooly, Highland (highlandmountain.com/winterwoolly) MAXXIS ESC Stan’s Enduro Series, Arrowhead Recreational Area in Claremont (easternstatescup.com/stans-enduro-series) Race Day XC, Henniker (racedayct.com)

Gravity games Skydive Pepperill, Pepperill, Mass. (skyjump.com) Sky Venture New Hampshire, Nashua (indoorskydiving.world/tunnels/skyventure-new-hampshire) Kitty Hawk Kites at Morningside Flight Park, Charleston (flymorningside.kittyhawk.com) Vertical Ventures Aviation, Whitefield (flyvva.com)

Motorized mayhem Team O’Neil Rally School, Dalton (teamoneil.com) Xtreme Xperience, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon (thextremexperience.com) NASCAR Racing Experience, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon (nascarracingexperience.com) The Gerry Pomerleau Memorial Ride (mt-washington.com/nh-atv-day) Northern Extremes, Bretton Woods (northernextremes.com)

Frigid fun M.W. Otto Rhode Ski Race (granitebackcountryalliance.org/otto) Ski, Shoe & Fatbike to the Clouds (greatglentrails.com/ski-shoe-fatbike-to-the-clouds)

Mt. Washington Auto Road in late June (the event benefits the NH ATV Club). When the temperatures drop, Northern Extremes snowmobiling tours in Bretton Woods keep thrill-seekers on the move.

Frigid fun

Northern Extremes snowmobiling tours in Bretton Woods delivers high-speed fun. PHOTO BY MEOW CREATIONS

Speaking of winter, the M.W. Otto Rhode Ski Race in January, a joint effort of the Granite Backcountry Alliance and Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, is the one time skiers can climb the entire Mt. Washington Auto Road. Similarly, the multidiscipline Ski, Shoe & Fatbike to the Clouds course encompasses 4 kilometers of the Great Glen Trails system and 6 kilometers on the Auto Road. With

2,200 feet of elevation gain, it is billed as “North America’s Toughest 10K.” The Tuckerman Inferno Pentathlon is an ode to the original Inferno races, an extended ski race from the top of the mountain to the valley floor below, while adding an intriguing multi-sport relay format. The event incorporates ski mountaineering, Nordic skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing and mountain running. And finally, the annual Skijor Galore at Waterville Valley features horses pulling skiers through a course packed with obstacles and jumps. Wild, right? Like most extreme events, the race is guaranteed to spike your heart rate but isn’t recommended for the faint of heart. NH nhmagazine.com | June 2025 67

Excellence in NURSING T

oo often, nurses are the unsung heroes of medicine. In fact, they are key members of any health care team, but their skills and contributions go unrecognized time and again. As the world continues to come back to baseline post-pandemic, the public has become more aware of the challenges nurses face, and the professionalism and compassion they demonstrate as they continue to provide the best possible care in stressful, uncertain times. New Hampshire Magazine, in partnership with the New Hampshire Nurses Association, is proud to celebrate the important contributions by nurses and their many talents with the seventh annual Excellence in Nursing Awards. This past winter, we accepted nominations for New Hampshire nurses in 18 vital specialties, from pediatrics and public health to leadership and education. The winners were selected by an independent committee of nursing leaders from adjoining states. Each nurse profiled in the following pages represents the very best in nursing — those who go above and beyond to comfort, heal and teach. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JARED CHARNEY / PROFILES BY NH MAGAZINE STAFF

68 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Catherine Amarante BSN, RN, GERO-BC

Dartmouth Health Lead, Honoring Care Decisions • Gerontology Nursing • Dartmouth Health

atherine Amarante, a board-certified gerontological nurse at Dartmouth Health in Lebanon, helps provide direct care for older adults, including those with dementia and their care partners. She also teaches, mentors and helps with transitions of care. She began as a community nurse for families and children in Brattleboro, Vermont, more than 25 years ago. But after working per diem in a nursing home, she discovered that helping older adults was her calling. “I work in a variety of ways to improve the care of frail older adults, particularly persons living with dementia, and their care partners by providing direct care, teaching and mentoring, assisting with transitions of care and ensuring goal-concordant care by eliciting what matters most to each individual,” Amarante says. Amarante says students, novice and nursing assistants, and hands-on caregivers motivate her. “I am inspired every time I see that light go off, when a new nurse puts together a complex assessment and understands what they need to do next, when an LNA has success helping a person living with dementia who is struggling, and every time a caregiver experiences true connection and joy with a patient,” Amarante says.

nhmagazine.com | June 2025 69

Jennifer F. Winslow

MBA, MSN, APN, FNP-BC Associate Director for Patient Care Services, Chief Nursing Officer • Senior Nurse Leader (Small) VA Manchester Healthcare System

s chief nursing officer at VA Manchester Healthcare System, Jennifer Winslow provides executive oversight of clinical and administrative teams, including nursing, pharmacy, social work, education and sterile processing. Winslow became a nurse because she wanted to make a meaningful, positive impact on people’s lives. She began her career 30 years ago as direct care nurse on a busy medicalsurgical unit in New York. Since then, she has served as a nurse practitioner and in multiple administrative leadership roles. “Regardless of the position, my purpose has stayed the same: to uplift, support and improve the lives of those around me,” Winslow says. Her transition from the private sector to the Department of Veterans Affairs was inspired by her father, a veteran of the Korean War. “For years, he spoke of the exceptional care he received through the VA and encouraged me to consider becoming part of that mission-driven team,” she says. “He was right. The VA’s commitment to serving those who served is truly unparalleled.” Winslow considers integrity and trust essential to effective leadership. “A CNO must set the tone for an ethical, accountable nursing culture by building authentic, trusting relationships and inspiring, influencing and motivating their teams,” she says.

70 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Amber Bechard

MSN, RN, CNL, TCRN Trauma PI Coordinator • Nurse Innovator • The Elliot

mber Bechard began her nursing career 20 years ago and worked a large part of her career in the intensive care unit. She pivoted to the trauma program five years ago, where she now monitors and evaluates the care of the patients, helps identify areas for improvement and implements changes to improve outcomes and comply with quality standards. Bechard is honored to be a part of developing and implementing new approaches to help her team, one of which involved the improvement in administration of blood products with a goal to standardize the process and reduce waste. “I organized and developed an education plan that included nurses from the emergency department, PACU and ICU,” Bechard says. “As part of the training, we performed a relay-style activity where teams raced to administer large volumes of blood products accurately and efficiently. Nurses worked alongside colleagues from other departments, she says, encouraging collaboration and building a stronger sense of teamwork across the hospital. “As a result of this initiative, our staff reported increased confidence in massive transfusions, and we have observed a reduction in the blood product wastage,” Bechard says. “The feedback was extremely positive, and this approach is now being used as periodic training throughout the hospital.”

nhmagazine.com | June 2025 71

Johanne Fisher BSN, RN, CPN

Pediatric Nurse • Pediatric and School Nursing • Elliot Hospital

s a mother of two and pediatric nurse of 13 years, Johanne Fisher’s kids inspire her to pursue excellence in her field daily. “I frequently find myself thinking how I would want my children to be cared for and how I would want to be cared for as a parent of a hospitalized child,” she says. “This allows me to be truly empathetic and meet the needs of my patients as well as the families I care for.” She is also encouraged by one of her co-workers, a longtime pediatric nurse of over 35 years. “I always tell her that she would be the nurse I want caring for my children if they were ever hospitalized,” Fisher says. “She cares for her patients as if they are family, and this is something that you don’t find all the time.” Empathy, creativity and compassion are the key characteristics that are needed in her field, she says. “You frequently have to flex to meet the developmental needs of your patients, and this is what makes pediatric nursing so unique. We care for such a wide age range and constantly must be creative in creating a safe, fun and therapeutic healing environment for our patients and families.”

Pam Switzer MSN, BS, RN Nurse Manager • Frontline Leader (Large) Cheshire Medical Center

am Switzer is a nurse manager for the preoperative unit and the post-anesthesia care unit at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene. Part of her job includes ensuring safe interventions when patients are under anesthesia or sedation. Switzer also manages the business and financial plans and the daily operations for both departments. But nursing was not Switzer’s initial career. For a time, she worked in medical research, using her B.S. in physiology and neurobiology. Then, after volunteering as an EMT, she began to realize her true calling: helping people. After feeling “helpless” when her grandmother needed medical care, she decided she never wanted to feel that way again. “I enjoy helping others and have a passion for high-quality and safe care,” Switzer says. As she favored bedside and ICU nursing, being a leader wasn’t on her radar until a mentor suggested she consider nursing leadership. “She saw something in me I had not even known to look for,” Switzer says. A nurse since 1995, Switzer then went back to school to obtain her master’s in nursing leadership, “to make sure I was best equipped to support my teams.” Switzer says her family is the reason she works so hard to provide the utmost care for her patients. “We care for people at their most vulnerable times,” she says.

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Strong. Compassionate. Dedicated. With courage and unwavering commitment, nurses make the world a better place. We celebrate your tireless efforts in providing high-quality care every day. On behalf of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and our parent company, Point32Health, we thank you for going above and beyond for our communities. Learn more at HarvardPilgrim.org

Chastity Hodgson RN, BSN, TCRN

Charge Nurse • Emergency Nursing Cheshire Medical Center ED

fter her sister was born with multiple orthopedic complications, Chastity Hodgson spent her young adult life being an EMT wanting to serve those around her. Her passions led her to a summer working in the ER where she realized how much she loved the skills nurses were able to use and the impact they had on their patients. She applied to work at the Chesire Medical Center’s Emergency Department in 2018, and she’s been there ever since. Her day-to-day includes triaging patients, managing the flow of the department, assisting the team in any way she can and finding solutions to many types of problems as they arise. This fast pace has been hard to get used to over the years, but she uses it to fuel her days, both good and bad. “Being a charge nurse that the entire team can not only rely on in every aspect of the job every day, but also someone that they want to work with, is what I strive to be,” she says. “Being able to make the days of others just a little bit easier pushes me to work harder.”

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Celebrating Nursing Excellence at The Elliot Congratulations to Lauren Kempton, Amber Bechard, and Johanne Fisher—our 2025 Excellence in Nursing Award recipients. Recognized for their achievements in Medical Surgical Nursing, Nurse Innovation, and Pediatric and School Nursing, these outstanding professionals exemplify the compassion, skill, and leadership that define nursing at The Elliot. Their dedication inspires us all and reflects our unwavering commitment to patientcentered care. We are proud to honor their accomplishments and the difference they make every day. > Explore your future in nursing at ElliotHospital.org/Careers.

April Phelps

DNP, RN, CNL Director, Clinical Assistant Professor Public Health Nursing • UNH Nursing

pril Phelps oversees UNH Nursing’s Direct Entry Master’s of Nursing Program, which is designed to ensure talented nurses enter the workforce “equipped with a commitment to compassionate and evidence-based care.” Additionally, as the health officer for the town of Fremont, Phelps identifies and responds to public health threats. In high school, Phelps decided to join the Army so she could become a nurse — a choice her mother was hesitant to endorse. “She exclaimed, ‘No, my baby is going to go off to war!’ I reassured her, ‘Mom, they’ll pay for my bachelor’s in nursing.’ Her reply? ‘Where do we sign up?’” After earning her BSN through Army ROTC in Portland, Oregon, Phelps began her nursing journey in 2000 as an Army nurse at Landstuhl, Germany, working in a maternal child unit. She considers the ability to take initiative and make difficult decisions one of the most important character traits in nursing. Phelps says she finds inspiration daily from the determination and passion of her students. “I have had the honor of caring for military service members over the years who have inspired excellence,” Phelps says. “My husband, son, family and friends provide steadfast support, helping me persevere through challenges to strive for excellence throughout my career.”

Eileen Glover DNP, MSN, RN-BC, NEA-BC

Department Chair, LPN Program Director, Nursing Professor Professional Nurse Educator • River Valley Community College

ileen Glover came to nursing later in life, graduating at 38 with an associate of science degree in nursing at River Valley Community College in Keene, where she now serves as professor of nursing and department chair of Allied Health. Most of her time is devoted to the LPN program. Prior to arriving at RVCC, she spent her nursing career at Brattleboro Retreat in Vermont, working in every nursing role, ultimately rising to chief nursing officer. “In my time there, I helped create then run the first (and only at the time) in-patient unit for LGBTQ+ patients,” says Glover, who obtained her master of nursing education in 2014 and completed her doctor of nursing practice in executive leadership in 2018. Glover has presented at local, national and international conferences about LGBTQ+ health, and in 2016 published an article in a peer-reviewed nursing journal about mental health and addiction issues in the LGBTQ+ community. She finds her greatest inspiration from her students. “They are overcoming so many obstacles to achieve their goals, and we are honored to be a part of their journey,” Glover says. “I want to be remembered as the person who helped them see that they can (and will) achieve great things in their lives.”

76 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Honoring Excellence

at Southern New Hampshire Health Congratulations to Jill MacGregor, recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Nursing Award for Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. As a dedicated nurse at the Center for Recovery Management in Nashua, Jill brings compassion, expertise, and unwavering support to every patient she serves. Her commitment to mental health care is a shining example of the extraordinary work happening across our system. We are proud to celebrate Jill’s well-deserved recognition and the impact she makes in our community. Start your journey with us at SNHHealth.org/Careers.

A Member of

nhmagazine.com | June 2025 77

Christine Gooley RAPRN, BC

Adult Nurse Practitioner, Department of Infectious Disease Advanced Practice Nursing Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

hristine Gooley has always had a heart for caring for HIV/AIDS patients. Her desire led her to many years of teaching related to HIV/AIDS, counseling related to exposures, and using the rapidly expanding number of medications both for HIV treatment and prevention. Now, she is a part of the outpatient IV antibiotic team at Dartmouth Health, where she helps treats all kinds of infections from osteomyelitis to endocarditis, and she helps to make sure patients have a smooth transition from being in the hospital to going home or to a rehab facility with IV antibiotic therapy. She also checks in with patients for telehealth calls and sees them in their clinic to make sure the infection is cleared. Humor is necessary in her day-to-day work to lessen the patient’s burden of illness and disease, but so is attention to detail. “It’s crucial to follow culture results and the microorganism sensitivities to antimicrobials so that the treatment plan works,” she says. “Patients with serious infections who are on long-term antibiotics must be watched closely for side effects or toxicities of the medications, in addition to favorable response to the treatment. There are a lot of moving parts to a comprehensive treatment plan, and having attention to detail has served me well.”

78 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

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FROM ASSOCIATE TO DOCTORAL DEGREES nhmagazine.com | June 2025 79

Justin Montgomery DPN, APRN

Vice President Nursing • Academic Nurse Educator—Researcher Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

hile reflecting on his nursing career, Justin Montgomery believes that the most essential characteristic to nursing is authentic curiosity. “You need this in investigating clinical questions, operational challenges and exploration of new approaches for delivery of nursing care,” says Montgomery, who is now the vice president of nursing at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, adjunct faculty at Colby-Sawyer College and instructor at the Geisel School of Medicine. Since joining the Air Force out of high school, Montgomery has served as a firefighter, working as a flight communicator for DHMC and now has a long professional journey in academic, clinical and leadership domains. Not a single story could capture his gratitude for moments of connections with students and patients over the years, but one particular story comes to mind, he says. “A few years into my career, I had a mentor who took a chance on me by providing an opportunity to teach principles of evidence-based care for geriatric patients,” he says. Montgomery was humbled by the opportunity and asked how he could ever repay her mentorship. “She responded, ‘You can’t. You can only pay it forward.’ I’ve worked tirelessly since that conversation to pay it forward. It’s the least I can do for all I have received.”

Jennifer Thebodeau MSN, RN, CCCTM Pact RN, Primary Care • Ambulatory Care Nursing VA Manchester Healthcare System

fter being honorably discharged as a hospital corpsman in the Navy, Jennifer Thebodeau obtained her nursing degree and became a champion for coordinating complex care for chronic illness and post-hospital discharges. After 15 years of serving the local community and growing in her profession, Thebodeau knew that it was time to make do on a promise to herself to help her fellow veterans and joined the Manchester VA Medical Center. She uses the skills she has built over the years to take care of her patients, including ensuring that their transition home after a hospital stay is as comfortable as possible. “I work with other members on a patient’s care team to assist with needs that arise just before and after a person returns home,” she says. During the first few days after a veteran patient returns home, Thebodeau checks in with them to assess what other care they might need. “I will work with social workers, rehabilitation facilities, discharge planners, caregivers, other nurses and providers — sort of like the hub pulling the patient care team together — for a positive patient recovery from their hospital or rehabilitation stay,” she says. “This process and the patients involved in them inspire me every day. We can always improve if we just use those lessons to grow our talents and skill set in nursing.”

80 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Nicole Wakeman

BSN, RN Clinical Manager of Inpatient Services Frontline Leader (Small) • New London Hospital

fter being a stay-at-home mom of nine kids for 21 years and advocating for her children who had various medical diagnoses, Nicole Wakeman decided to become licensed in the field that was already woven into her life. She spent her 40th birthday attending River Valley Community College’s LNA program. Now she oversees the day-to-day operations and coordination of patient care for the medical/surgical unit and the special care unit at New London Hospital. While her mom, who was also a nurse, and her kids inspire her every day, it’s Wakeman’s fellow staff who encourage her to excellence in her position. “Seeing how tirelessly they work every shift pushes me to ensure I am providing them with every resource, support and tool necessary for them to be a success,” she says. “If they’re expected to show up in a snowstorm, I will be showing up in a snowstorm (even though I could work remote).” If her team’s equipment is breaking down, they work together to investigate newer options and what would be best for them and the patient population. “I measure my success by how successful they are,” she says. “Their dedication to our patients and each other is what inspires me to do my very best in providing for them.”

nhmagazine.com | June 2025 81

Ellie Atherton DRN

Hospice Nurse • Hospice-Palliative Care • Granite VNA

n 2003, while focusing on hospice care during her last semester of the nursing program at Manchester Community College, Ellie Atheron was assigned to a hospice rotation. “On the first day, I knew hospice was going to be my career path. Twenty-two years later, I’m still caring for the dying, supporting their families, and I feel honored to walk alongside them until they reach the end of life.” At Granite VNA, Atherton gives comfort-focused care to those with life-limiting diseases and offers families the emotional support they need. Atherton lists compassion, authenticity and the ability to be present as vital characteristics when caring for patients. “I don’t take my role in caring for the dying lightly, because I am present during some of the most private and emotional times of their lives. Honoring patients’ wishes to do things their way until the last breath of life inspires me to be a great advocate,” Atherton says. Atherton is reminded daily of the concerns of those who will soon leave behind their loved ones. “Patients have taught me that forgiveness and love are the balance that allows for less suffering in life and the opportunity for a peaceful death,” Atherton says.

Tracy Galvin DNP (c) MSN, RN, NEA-BC Chief Nursing Officer • Senior Nurse Leader (large) Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

his May marks two years that Tracy Galvin has been the chief nursing officer for Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, but her career stretches back decades. “I started as a new graduate from Northeastern University in 1987 at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center. I was with this organization for 36 years and had been the CNO for eight years before I left,” Galvin says. Her experiences as a nurse over the years has enriched her life in more ways than she could imagine. “There are so many stories to share, from my direct care work to my leadership roles, that I could write a book. Some are more memorable than others, but all have helped me to become the leader I am today.” Galvin says flexibility and being able to roll with the punches are important tools to have as a nurse. “In the role of the CNO or any nurse leader, you have to be able to adapt to change and work with the resources that are available,” Galvin says. Galvin also credits her mother, who was also a nurse, as her inspiration for the myriad accomplishments in her life. “I always know I wanted to be a nurse because of her,” she says.

82 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Excellence doesn’t always wear a suit. Sometimes, it wears scrubs. We’d like to congratulate all the incredible nurses recognized by New Hampshire Magazine as Excellence in Nursing Award winners – especially the seven working for Dartmouth Health. You show us what excellence looks like through the extraordinary care you give to others every day.

Christine C. Catherine Gooley, MSN, RN, Amarante, BSN, Adult Nurse Practitioner Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics

Clinical Lead, Geriatric Center of Excellence & Honoring Care Decisions Lead Dartmouth Health

Chastity Hodgson, RN, BSN, TCRN

Justin B. Montgomery, MSN, APRN

Tracy A. Galvin,

Nicole S. Wakeman, BSN, RN

Charge Nurse, Emergency Department Cheshire Medical Center

Interim Vice President Nursing Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics

Clinical Manager of Inpatient Services New London Hospital

The best, where it matters most.

Pam Switzer, MSN, BS, RN Nurse Manager of Preoperative and PostAnesthesia Care Units Cheshire Medical Center

dartmouth-health.org

Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital I Cheshire Medical Center I Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics I Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Hampstead Hospital I Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center I New London Hospital I Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Valley Regional Hospital I Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire In partnership with Dartmouth and the Geisel School of Medicine. nhmagazine.com | June 2025 83

Lauren Kempton BSN, RN-BC Fitch Unit • Medical Surgical Nursing • The Elliot

auren Kempton comes from a long line of nurses, and when she completed high school, she knew exactly what she wanted to do. “I have always felt it was my calling to continue in their footsteps and went to nursing school right after finishing high school,” she says. After graduating with her BSN at Fitchburg State University, Kempton got her foot in the door right out of college as a nurse in New Hampshire with a medicalsurgical unit that was willing to train her. “I applied for a nursing position on the Fitch unit at Elliot Hospital after seeing it was a general medical floor that also had a population of oncology/hospice patients,” she says. “My goal was to get a year or two of experience before possibly transitioning into a new specialty. Little did I know my ‘one or two-year plan’ would evolve into me now entering my 11th year as a nurse on Fitch!” Kempton continues to find inspiration through her love of training new grads and taking on a mentorship role for them. “I believe having trust and open communication is so important to support an environment that new grads can grow and develop their critical-thinking skills in and remain calm in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment,” Kempton says.

84 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Jill MacGregor

MSN, APRN, FNP-BC Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Center for Recovery Management at Nashua

s a nurse practitioner at the Center for Recovery Management in Nashua, Jill MacGregor engages with patients to explore evidence-based approaches to support their recovery goals and overall wellness. MacGregor completed undergraduate studies in health promotion and disease prevention at Pennsylvania State University. She pursued graduate studies at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, where she started her career in nursing. In 2009, she became a family nurse practitioner working in primary care. In 2018, she began treating patients with substance use disorders and in 2020 joined the Center for Recovery Management in Nashua. Compassion is essential in all areas of nursing, but especially in behavioral health and addiction medicine. “It begins with actively listening to patients and thoughtfully considering their concerns to build trust and respect,” she says. MacGregor recalls a young man grappling with addiction who revealed to the medical team that he had just become a father and wanted to become sober. “While his initial motivation was solely for his son, he eventually realized he needed to fight for himself as well,” MacGregor says. “He regularly visited the office for follow-up appointments, and one day, he proudly announced that he had been sober for a year and had just celebrated his son’s first birthday!”

Pamela Bullock

RN, BC, BSN Medical Surgical, Nurse Clinical Supervisor Nursing Informatics • Littleton Regional Healthcare

amela Bullock is a jack of all trades who wears many hats, but from a broad view, she supports the nursing staff and providers with EMR concerns and issues, including training all incoming nursing staff that work on her hospital side of their health care system. She also works as a clinical supervisor to keep her clinical skills and knowledge current, and has been known to pick up an occasional shift on the medical surgical unit with direct patient care, when needed. Of all the hiccups that may pop up throughout the day, the challenges of the electronic record will always be the most frustrating, she says. “What gets you through is Laffy Taffy and a good group of friends that understands the complexity of making changes to an EMR,” she says. “I will always remember the good times our condo nursing team had as we built our first EMR.” Bullock enjoys facing new challenges and learning how to navigate them. “I love that I am one of the first people that interacts with our new employees and students training them on the EMR, and I love the fact that I can help individuals who may be struggling with some aspect of documentation,” she says. “As frustrating as they are, it’s the challenges that force me to problem-solve and find a solution to help myself and my team.”

nhmagazine.com | June 2025 85

Left to Right: Scott Michaud, Rosemary Costanzo, Katelyn Camelo, Patty Tempesta, Aimee Sheltry, Amanda Briand, Aiden Redmond, Beth Perry, Carol Delisle, Kim Palmer, Ron Fleming, Ann Corcoran Morse, Eileen Moore, Peter Lariviere.

Nurses of NH Hospital Award of Merit • NH Hospital

he staff at NH Hospital went through the unthinkable on Nov. 17, 2023, when a gunman opened fire in the lobby, killing Bradley Haas, a security officer for the Department of Safety. In the years since, New Hampshire has worked to improve security in state buildings, but the marks on staff members like nurse specialist Abigail Barrette remain. “You never think an event like this would ever happen in your lifetime, let alone at your work where healing should be occurring,” Barrette recalls. “I am eternally grateful for my colleagues that day. We worked like a well-oiled machine, not allowing our emotions to affect the care we were providing to our patients, who were understandably frightened. I feel we all have a deeper appreciation for everything that each discipline does daily, like carrying on despite the uncertainty of what each day might bring.” Healing has come in many forms for Barrette and her colleagues since, like having comfort dogs at the hospital, extra meetings with supervisors, and self-care and therapy when needed. “As my own supervisor has always told me, you can’t pour from an empty cup,” Barrette says. “You can’t give the care and compassion you would like to when you have not shown yourself the same.” Caring for patients inspires Barrette and her team to keep moving forward. “Never forget that whether large or small, you make a difference in your patients’ road to recovery and wellness,” she says. “Each interaction can instill hope when someone may have none or remind them of the reason that the world needs them here.”

86 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Above: Abigail Barrette, Nurse Specialist

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CONNECT | crafty

Roll, Loop, Curl

Uncoiling the age-old art form of quilling BY E M I LY R E I LY / P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y M A R I A N N E FA S S E T T A N D S A N D R A W H I T E

hether you use hand-cut strips of colored construction paper and a straw, or buy archival drawing papers and specific tools, quilling is accessible to nearly everyone. Quilling’s history stretches back to 105 A.D. in the Western World, when paper was invented. The art form gets its name from 88 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

how narrow strips of gilt-edged paper would be wrapped around goose quills to get a “coil” shape. In the 14th and 15th centuries, religious orders used quills for paper decorations. The craft, also known as paper filigree, gained prominence once paper mills began churning in England around 1495. Women

in higher society were among the first to take up quilling. Interest in quilling was reignited in the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was taught in boarding schools. By then, it was considered a pastime for “ladies of leisure” who sought to add culture to their lifestyle or make themselves more desirable to men. Marianne Fassett of Enfield, a member of the North American Quilling Guild and the League of NH Craftsmen, explains that quilling is “the art of curling and bending paper to make designs.” Fassett, a juried member of the organization since 2016, says these women of leisure made all types of quilling projects. “They decorated tea caddies, cribbage

“My imagination can run away with me. I do 3-D Christmas ornaments as well as flat ornaments and refrigerator magnets.” — M A R I A N N E FA S S E T T

boards, urns, baskets, trays and furniture. Because of the delicacy of their works, only a few of their items still exist and are preserved in Northeastern American museums,” Fassett says. Fassett enjoys using quilling to decorate the edges of wedding invitations that can be gifted to the bride and groom, but she creates a wide variety of projects. “My imagination can run away with me. I do 3-D Christmas ornaments as well as flat ornaments and refrigerator magnets. I have decorated tops of wooden boxes, and made small boxes by stacking coils,” Fassett says. She also knits clothing for 6-inch baby dolls. “My parents instilled crafting of all kinds in my sister and me,” she says.

Top left: For the piece “Birches At Sunset,” Sandra White chose vibrant colors to make the nature scene. White compressed and layered coils to make the sunset, the water reflection and the white birch trees. Above: Marianne Fassett uses an “iris-folded” technique to create the multicolored vase. For the flowers, she uses a variety of shapes, from tight coils to coils that unravel slightly and are pinched at the end.

Sandra White, a member of the League of NH Craftsmen since 1986, says its gentle learning curve makes quilling an easy craft to pick up, though it involves some trial and error at the start. White remembers the first time she tried

to have her artwork accepted at the League’s annual fair in Sunapee. Initially, for loon feathers, she used quilling coils to make circles. But the piece wasn’t accepted. White says a judge asked her, “Why doesn’t that look like a feather?” nhmagazine.com | June 2025 89

CONNECT | crafty

“It’s pretty endless as to what you could create. And there are multitudes of books out that have quilling patterns that you can follow.” — STEVE CASWELL “And I was like, ‘Oh, little light bulb. You’re right.’ So I went back and played with that some more,” she says. White’s favorite pieces include local nature and wildlife scenes. In one, a multicolored rooster is just getting ready to sound off as he sits playfully on a sunflower. In another, a slender great blue heron with a yellow beak stretches up to the sky as it stands tall and straight among the reeds. 90 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

White, who lives close to the Merrymeeting River in Alton, often likes to watch these graceful blue herons hunt for food there. She also loves creating imaginative landscapes, because it’s a chance to use more varied colors. One scene features a dragonfly enclosed in a circular space filled with bright flowers. For another, the sun sets behind a row of green hills as tall white birches stand in the foreground. For each piece, White says the image she envisions will usually change once it hits the paper. “I think you accumulate things in your mind, and you come out with a piece,” White says. In fact, White prefers that the final piece look different from what she first envisioned. “I think it’s usually better, because you get to tweak it,” she says. White has her own method for shaping coils. For a triangle, White uses a needle-slotted tool to roll a circle, then lets it unroll a bit so the coil loosens a little. Then she’ll “pinch it” to get the shape she wants.

“Everything starts as a circle. So if you can envision a circle, and then envision it uncoiling like a spring, so you’re looking at a round coil ... then you shape it,” White says. To quill flowers, she’ll “crinkle” or “crimp” the paper. “Fold it into a zigzag, and then roll it. If you let go too much, it’ll just unravel. Let it unroll a little bit,” advises White, who is self-taught and doesn’t have any formal art background. Fassett, meanwhile, says her most cherished piece, a vase overflowing with colorful wildflowers and a soaring butterfly, is very personal to her. “My favorite piece is the vase of wildflowers made in memory of my mother. I created it for my accreditation piece with the North American Quilling Guild,” she says. Fassett also enjoys teaching the craft, and has gotten others hooked on quilling in a unique way — she’s a member of the Dancing Quillers of VT/NH, a group of quillers who get together to square dance and quill, not necessarily in that order.

Opposite page: In “The Dragonfly’s Life,” White layers a variety of quilling shapes to represent the dragonfly’s body, and uses triangular and star-shapes to make the multicolored flowers at the bottom. Tighter coils represent some parts of the water. Above: Fassett embellished this wedding invitation at the corners with quilled yellow sunflowers, smaller light-colored and dark red flowers, and bright green leaves.

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CONNECT | crafty Steve Caswell of Waterbury Center, Vermont, who has been quilling since 2010, learned about the art form through one of Fassett’s Dancing Quillers events. Caswell is most proud of an Easter egg he quilled and brought to a national quilling convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He won third prize and says he was the first man to win a quilling competition, adding that there aren’t many men who take part in the craft. Caswell, who has a crafting background in 4-H (his mother knitted a lot), is also a watercolor painter. Besides Christmas ornaments, Caswell makes paper weights, jewelry and trinket boxes. “It’s pretty endless as to what you could create. And there are multitudes of books

out that have quilling patterns that you can follow,” Caswell says. Caswell, who has written articles for the North American Quilling Guild and Quill America, explained quilling as “making coils with strips of paper and shaping them into different shapes to fit your design.” He and his wife, Joanna, are eager to attend national quilling and square-dancing conventions, conduct demos to show off seasonal projects, and explain the craft to anyone else who’s curious about it. He’s also seen younger people developing an interest in quilling. “Younger generations are getting into it,” Caswell says. “The young kids really picked it up very quickly, and they thought it was a lot of fun.” NH

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92 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

Quilling 101 Quilling can be used to create almost any design imaginable and for a wide variety of projects, like embellishing a greeting card, making 3D models of animals, or making festive and vibrant jewelry. Any strip of paper will work in quilling — lined paper, note paper, construction paper — and any cylindrical round item can create coils: toothpicks, pens, pencils, markers and more. Professional quillers, however, might use higher-quality strips of paper and needle-slotted tools to roll the strips. To start, take any size strip of paper and roll it around a pen, pencil, straw, etc. to make a coil, then glue the ends of the strip together so it doesn’t unravel. Then the coil can be manipulated and stretched to create different shapes. Be careful not to use too much glue, artist Sandra White says. Tight coils create round shapes, but if you let it “uncoil” a bit without unraveling it, you can “pinch” one or both ends to get more shapes. For example, stretch out a coil to lengthen it to make a flower petal. Keep the coil tight to create an eye, or stretch out it farther to make gentle ocean waves or curls. Stack and arrange coils together to create the body of a stout bee, a slender tree or the setting sun. Once you have the shape you want, lightly glue the edges of one side of the coil to the work surface to build your design.

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CONNECT | healthwise

Taking a Holistic View Dr. Bert Mathieson brings holistic healing to NH BY K RY S T E N G O D F R E Y M A D D O C K S / P H O T O G R A P H Y BY M I T C H J A N YA

hen patients walk into NH Natural Health Clinic in Bedford, many have already seen five or more specialists. They’ve tried medications, undergone tests and endured years of symptoms, yet they’re still searching for answers. That’s where Dr. Bert Mathieson, a licensed naturopathic doctor, can help by looking at their illnesses or injuries in a different way. Patients treated at his office can expect a multipronged approach to diagnosis and treatment, which could include nutritional counseling, acupuncture and botanical medicine. “We take a holistic view,” he says. “We ask, ‘What can we do here?’ Often that means 94 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

going back to basics — looking at diet, sleep, stress and lifestyle — and building a path toward healing from the ground up.” Mathieson’s own path to naturopathic medicine began after years of working as a dietitian in Los Angeles. When he learned about the field, he headed to Arizona for four years of naturopathic medical school. He now runs his Bedford-based practice with two other naturopathic doctors and his sister, Kristi Mathieson, a registered dietitian. Together, they’ve created a family business rooted in education and natural healing. Many people are unaware of naturopaths and how they fit into the larger health care

picture. In addition to learning anatomy and pharmacology like conventional doctors, naturopathic doctors train extensively in nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, Chinese medicine and hands-on therapies like spinal manipulation. Mathieson says they actually spend more time in the classroom than medical doctors. “We’re the only primary care-trained doctors in the U.S. whose education is integrative from day one,” Mathieson says. At his clinic, Mathieson most often focuses on treating Lyme disease, cancer and diabetes. He often collaborates with oncologists and other specialists to determine the best course of treatment for his patients. Unlike primary care providers who can see up to 16 patients a day, naturopathic doctors often spend up to an hour with patients to find the root cause of their illnesses. While they’re trained and licensed as primary care providers, the health care system hasn’t fully recognized them as such. In New Hampshire, some insurance

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A NATUROPATH Patients often seek out naturopathic doctors when they’re looking for alternatives to pharmaceuticals or hoping to reduce the side effects of medicines. For example, a person with Type 2 diabetes might seek out Mathieson to explore natural ways to lower their A1C. The disease can be reversed in its early stages if patients are willing to change their lifestyle, he says.

“Patients are more interested in seeing multiple providers and working collaboratively.” — D R . B E R T M AT H I E S O N

companies still label naturopaths as specialists, which can create challenges for patients looking for referrals or insurance coverage. Even so, Mathieson sees progress. “Ever since 2020, we’ve seen a shift,” he says. “Patients are more interested in seeing multiple providers and working collaboratively. And that’s where we shine — we love collaborating with oncologists, physical therapists and primary care doctors.” A member of the New Hampshire Association of Naturopathic Doctors, he worked with legislators in the state to get private insurance companies to cover naturopathic doctors. However, naturopathic doctors are not yet covered by Medicare or Medicaid in New Hampshire. Medicare does cover certain services that may overlap with naturopathic care, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care, but only when performed by recognized providers. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer limited coverage for alternative therapies, but coverage for naturopathic services is rare and varies by plan.

Mathieson works with them to help them develop good eating habits, increase activity levels or reduce stress. He asks patients if they are getting enough sleep or have been exposed to any toxins. In a traditional provider’s office, a patient might be seen quickly and initially be offered a prescription. “I always look at three legs of the stool — diet, activity, and supplements or medications,” Mathieson says. “It’s not about judgment. It’s about empowering people to take control of their health.” Cancer patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy can benefit from naturopathic therapies such as vitamin IVs that can complement their existing protocols.

“There’s a lot of studies on some of these therapeutics and what decrease fuel for cancer cells or the proliferation of angiogenesis,” he says. Angiogenesis refers to the way the body makes new blood vessels. It’s something your body does naturally, like when you’re growing, healing from a cut or building up tissue. However, when someone has cancer, a tumor can “trick” the body into growing extra blood vessels just to feed it. Those new vessels bring the tumor more oxygen and nutrients, helping it grow bigger and faster. Healing requires more than medicine. Reducing stress is key to recovery and often overlooked by providers and patients, Mathieson says. “Most people that walk through the door, that’s a huge obstacle to their healing. Different things might help them, for example cranial sacral therapy or acupuncture, or meditation or prayer,” he says. “Anything that the person resonates with to help them at that level. Because a lot of us heal from the top down.” So, how do you find the right naturopathic doctor for your needs? “Look for someone whose specialty aligns with your concerns,” Mathieson says. “Some of us focus more on acupuncture, others on botanical medicine. But we all share the same core philosophy: Support the body’s ability to heal itself.” For patients overwhelmed by chronic illness or frustrated by the health care system, naturopathic doctors can offer a healing alternative. NH

What Is a Naturopathic Doctor? Not all providers with the term “naturopath” in their credentials can practice in the same way. For example, naturopaths and naturopathic doctors (ND) have different levels of education, training and licensure. Licensed naturopathic doctors can diagnose and treat patients, distinguishing them from traditional naturopaths. A “naturopathic physician” refers to a Doctor of Naturopathy (N.D.) or Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.M.D.). Naturopathic physicians must attend a four-year graduate program at one of the North American naturopathic medical schools accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, according to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. In the 26 states with licensing requirements, naturopathic physicians must graduate from naturopathic medical college and pass national board exams to receive a license. Licensed naturopaths must also complete any state-mandated continuing education requirements. The New Hampshire Naturopathic Board of Examiners, under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, oversees the licensing and practice of naturopathic medicine in the state. For more information, or to verify a naturopathic doctor’s license in New Hampshire, you can visit the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. nhmagazine.com | June 2025 95

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Waiting for summer: Comedian Jimmy Dunn learned how to work a crowd during his stint on the midway at Hampton Beach.

A Carny Comes Back to Headline the Casino BY J I M M Y D U N N

was 13 years old when I got my first job on Hampton Beach scrubbing dishes at the famous Sea Ketch Restaurant. I hated that job. Every day at that sink I vowed would be my last, until the end of the shift when the waitresses, all college girls from UNH, would tip me out and say, “You’re so cute.” Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow. Then I rode my bicycle home the 3 miles, my scent often attracting a flock of curious seagulls. The following summer — vowing to find a less-pungent job — I applied to work at Casino Games, the carnival-like midway of entertainment in the middle of the strip. There, I worked a few different “games of skill,” where tourists would toss baseballs 96 New Hampshire Magazine | June 2025

or basketballs attempting to win prizes. I enjoyed it. I embraced being a carny. One of my carnival jobs was running the classic horse race, where contestants would roll a ball toward three holes, each hole advancing the horses at different distances. As the game operator, my duties included collecting the money, monitoring the races and awarding the prizes. But the best part was the microphone and the scratchy sound system that went with it. My voice ruled the entire first floor of the Casino Games Promenade — from the shooting gallery to the hot dog stand, from the lemonade guy to the old-timey picture booth. Pre-race, I barked the tourists in. I’d work groups against each other to encourage com-

petition. I’d turn families against each other, annoying parents who wanted no part of a family race that was going to cost them $1.25 to win a 30-cent stuffy that the kids would fight over until they “won” two more. Once the race started, I’d really get into it. I’d call it like I was on the rail at the Kentucky Derby. And I loved making trouble. “You’re losing to an 8-year-old girl, buddy,” I’d heckle. I really enjoyed when they would heckle back. I quickly learned that, no matter how loud and obnoxious the heckler was, I had the ace — I had the sound system. I was going to win. And everybody loved the wise-assed, pimple-face kid with the jokes. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was learning about the job that would eventually become my full-time occupation: stand-up comedy. I was learning about drawing in a crowd. I was learning how to handle hecklers. I was learning comedic timing. I was crafting an act. After my shift at “the track,” on many nights, I’d go outside and sit on the back steps of the Casino Ballroom to listen to the shows. In those pre-air-conditioned days, the venue windows and doors were left open all night, so you couldn’t see the show, but you could hear it perfectly. I vividly remember listening to the laughs from the George Carlin show, wishing I could be in there to see it. I never in my wildest imagination thought someday I’d be performing on that legendary stage, standing where my favorite comedians of all time, like Buddy Hackett and Lewis Black and Jerry Seinfeld, have performed. But on Aug. 1, 2025, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Since sitting on those stairs decades ago, I’ve made stand-up comedy my full-time job. I’ve traveled the world telling jokes. I’ve performed at some of comedy’s most prestigious events, including the “Late Show with David Letterman,” “Conan,” and The Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. And this summer, I’m playing a hometown gig at the Ballroom! Unfortunately, the horse race game downstairs is long gone. I would have loved to call a few races to warm up for the show. NH Jimmy Dunn is a stand-up comedian from Hampton Beach who plays Moose on the Paramount+ reboot of the iconic sitcom “Frasier.” On Aug. 1, he’ll be performing at the Casino Ballroom with fellow comedian Jimmy Cash. (jimmydunn.com)

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