MA RCH/A PR IL 2021 TOP DOCTORS
TOP
Docs
F O U R S E A S O N S AT H U B N O R T H
421 in 58 Specialties Also in this issue:
Sorry, Marie Kondo: Let’s Not Hurry to Tidy Up Healthy Aging
G R A N I T E D I S N E Y FA N S
Lahout’s Turns 100
H E A LT H Y A G I N G
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Live Free.
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4 Seasons at Hub North / The Wonderful Fans of Disney
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R Dr. Cherie Holmes reflects on the changing world of medical care — on page 58
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nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
top from left: photos by joe klementovich and kendal j. bush; inset clockwise from top left: courtesy, photo by john herman, courtesy and photo by morgan karanasios
Contents 40 First Things
603 Navigator
March/April 2021
48
58
603 Informer
603 Living
22 A toast to
4 Editor’s Note 6 Contributors Page 8 Feedback
wentworth cheswill
by John Herman
Features 32 Transcript
Meet Loudon town moderator and farmer Howard Pearl. by David Mendelsohn
40 Hub North
Feeling the itch to seek adventure? Hub North is the ideal home base with its glamping sites, a cozy lodge, communal kitchens and easygoing spirit. Oh, and it happens to be located right in the middle of the state’s best outdoor destinations.
by Katherine Englishman photos by Joe Klementovich
48 The Wonderful World
of Disney Fans
Though they may be roughly 1,300 miles away from the Happiest Place on Earth, some of the world’s most dedicated Disney aficionados live right here in the Granite State. by Bill Burke photos by Kendal J. Bush
58 Top Doctors
The results of the 2021 Castle Connolly Top Doctors poll are in. See who made the list.
10 the legacy of lahout’s by Bill Burke
15 Our Town Hopkinton
by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers
20 Food & Drink
Angela’s pasta & cheese shop
by Michael Hauptly-Pierce
86 Rescued history by Sharon Spaulding
26 Blips
98 Seniority
nh in the news
combating ageism
by Casey McDermott
by Lynne Snierson
28 Politics
101 Local Dish
downsize our house
braised lamb
by James Pindell
recipe by Keith Sarasin
29 Artisan
102 Health
lisa demio
Active Aging
by Susan Laughlin
by Karen A. Jamrog
30 What Do You Know? a place to pick strawberries
by Marshall Hudson
ON THE COVER Pictured is one of this year’s Top Doctors, Cherie A. Holmes, M.D., M.Sc., of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene. See more starting on page 58. Photo by Jared Charney
104 Ayuh
the roadhouse by the beach
by Bill Burke Volume 35, Number 2 ISSN 1532-0219
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
3
Gear
Wait, There’s More In our last issue we listed 48 things that wouldn’t exist (at least not as they are) without the Granite State. Seems we missed a few, but our readers were paying attention. Here are their additions to the list.
K
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nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
eep in mind that we are factoring in the “butterfly effect,” which suggests that a change in one pixel of the time-space continuum can ripple throughout the cosmos and potentially change everything. For instance, if Velcro had never been invented in New Hampshire, who knows how many presidential candidates might have stepped on their own shoelaces while on treadmills at Planet Fitness and fallen into the path of a fast-rolling Segway during a New Hampshire primary and thereby never risen to power and influence. It’s a sobering thought. And speaking of sober, did you know the world would not have the classic comingof-age-while-intoxicated film “Animal House” were it not for Dartmouth College? Dartmouth’s notorious Alpha Delta fraternity house that inspired the film has had some rough times since then, and in 2015 Alpha Delta lost an appeal to stay on campus after it was accused of branding its pledges on the buttocks with hot pokers. While it might be better had that incident never occurred, think of the loss to American popular culture with no Bluto Blutarsky, and with John Belushi never getting the star moment that launched his film career. Feel free to quote your own favorite lines from the film, and then imagine a world that never heard Dean Vernon Wormer declare, “Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.” And here’s another one from a slightly more family-friendly film: Imagine a world without Bambi. According to New Hampshire filmmaker/animator Diane Heller, the original animation artist for Bambi assured her that a photo of a New Hampshire deer was used as the model for Thumper’s best pal. And without Bambi, there would have never been the cult short film “Bambi Meets Godzilla,” which is frequently listed as one of the most significant cartoons of the 20th
century for influencing an entire generation of snarky animators. (Hello, “South Park”!) Ever wonder why you hear so much about the need for presidential campaign finance reform but never hear about any actual reforms? So did our own feather-hatted wise woman of politics, the late Granny D, who, in 1999, began her walk across the entire country at age 89 to raise awareness of the malign influence of big political donations. Granny D (actually Doris Haddock of Dublin) even managed to get Bill Clinton and Newt Gingrich, campaigning in Claremont, to shake hands and agree to work on it. Not sure what happened with that, but at least it lifted the subject into hopeful visibility until the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision seemingly stabilized things at their worst. Finally, one we shouldn’t have missed: Someone reminded me that our country’s shelf of home movies preserving all our favorite events, pastimes and people would be pretty bare without the exhaustive documentary work of Walpole’s Ken Burns. After his most recent “big” documentary on American country music, Burns is tackling another smaller subject — assuming anything done regarding the great Ernest Hemingway could be considered “small.” Burns’ new opus on Hemingway (just three episodes and six hours!) will air on PBS in April. And while you might think that there are no other connections between the Granite State and “Papa” Hemingway, think again. After their divorce, his first wife, Hadley Richardson Hemingway, met and married Paul Scott Mowrer — our state’s first poet laureate. She’s buried in the Chocorua Cemetery in Tamworth, joining a number of famous people who loved the soil of our state so well they literally became part of it.
photo by bruce richards
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Contributors Before calling the Monadnock Region home, photographer and frequent contributor Kendal J. Bush, who took the photos for “The Wonderful Fans of Disney,” traveled the world as an editor and videographer for the National Geographic Channel and NBC. She combines years of experience as a photojournalist with her film school education to yield beautiful, creative portraits as well as corporate, wedding and event photography. See more of her work at kendaljbush.com.
for March/April 2021
Jared Charney’s work has appeared in numerous prestigious publications. He took this month’s cover photo. See more at jaredcharney.com.
Morgan Karanasios, a photographer for New Hampshire Magazine’s sister publication New Hampshire Home, took the photos for “Food & Drink.”
New Hampshire Magazine contributing editor Bill Burke wrote the feature story “The Wonderful Fans of Disney,” “Navigator” and “Ayuh.”
Joe Klementovich, whose work spans from Mt. Washington to the Everglades, took the photos for “Hub North.” See more at klementovichphoto.com.
Yoga instructor and freelancer Katherine Englishman wrote “Hub North.” She loves travel and the outdoors. Learn more at katherineenglishman.com.
Artist, writer, actor and teacher John Herman wrote this month’s “Informer.” Learn more about his many interests and talents at johnherman.org.
About | Behind the Scenes at New Hampshire Magazine Celebrating National Poetry Month Last March, as the pandemic abruptly brought life to a halt, it became clear to New Hampshire Poet Laureate Alexandria Peary and publisher Hobblebush Books that their National Poetry Month events would not happen as usual in April. Instead, readings, celebrations and workshops were all held virtually. To offer people a creative way to process the sudden changes to their lives and the world at large, Peary and Hobblebush also invited local writers to submit poems to the anthology “COVID Spring: Granite State Pandemic Poems.” Fifty-four of the 100 submissions were chosen, and the result is a literary snapshot of life during the early days of the pandemic. Here we are a year later and, unfortunately, the pandemic is still very much with us. Though vaccines provide hope for the near future, Peary and Hobblebush are once again taking Poetry Month celebrations online — plans also include publishing a follow-up anthology to “COVID Spring.” Any New Hampshire resident is invited to submit a poem for consideration, and for those who might need a boost of inspiration, Peary will post a prompt each day in April (New Hampshire Magazine will also share the prompts, so keep an eye on Instagram). At the end of the month, writers can attend virtual workshops to seek advice and feedback before sending in their final drafts. We’ll be posting more information soon at nhmagazine.com, and you can find updates at newhampshirepoetlaureate.blogspot.com and hobblebush.com/national-poetry-month. “COVID Spring: Granite State Pandemic Poems,” $18, is available at hobblebush.com. For every book sold, Hobblebush will donate $2 to the New Hampshire Food Bank.
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Feedback
nhmagazine.com, facebook.com/NHMagazine & @nhmagazine
Adding to the Christmas File
Each Christmas season I think about the special breakfast that I will make. This year, it was with the knowledge that it would just be for my husband and me — no family or friends would be at our morning table. Then, I spied the cranberry orange scones with glaze recipe in the December 2020 edition of New Hampshire Magazine [“Local Dish”]. It made me think of the scones I get from our local bakery, Batter Up in Chocorua. I live too far away from Culture Bread & Sandwich in Milford, so I decided to make the recipe printed on page 92. Christmas morning I grated frozen butter, chopped fresh cranberries (not frozen, as the recipe suggests) and mixed all the ingredients together at the various stages. They were delicious! They are definitely bakery-style. Thank you for tracking down a recipe that I’ll add to my Christmas morning file of favorite recipes! Kathleen Scholand West Ossipee
Sorry, Svelte Biker
I thought that the caption on the “Snow Wheels” story [December 2020] was not what it should have been, although it did give me a chuckle on this beautiful day in Florida. “A fat biker and his dog make tracks on the frozen Goose Pond at Drummer Hill in Keene.” The biker does not look fat at all. By the way, in the summer we live in Rochester, New Hampshire. Mary K. Strathdee Florida Editor’s Note: Thanks for the smile! (For puzzled readers, a “fat bike” is one with snow tires.)
Old Man Insurance
Just wanted to let you know I appreciated your shout-out to NH Profiles magazine in your Editor’s Note in the December issue. My dad was one of the founders of that magazine in the ’50s. I thought you might be interested in a fun fact concerning it. After Profiles was set up and running, my father, Art Moody, went into Slawsby Insurance in Nashua and took out an insurance policy on the Old Man of the Mountain, since this was the logo they used for the magazine. About a year after the Old Man collapsed 8
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
in 2003, we were going through a box of my father’s and we found a press release from the Nashua Telegraph about the policy. We figured we would see if we could cash in on the demise of the Old Man. As you might imagine, we ran into a lot of obstacles. Insurance companies had changed or gone out of business, no one could find the actual policy — only the article and a picture of my dad holding it. Eventually we had to come to the conclusion that there would be no check in the mail! Also, I would like to say thank you for the great article on Franconia, it is a wonderful place to live! Meg Moody MacLeod Franconia Editor’s Note: We’ll get our entire research division busy (Hey, Bill!) looking into this matter. We know how we’d feel if our mascot, the Red Spotted Newt (see Spot the Newt contest, next page), suddenly vanished from the leaf litter. Thanks for the tip!
Rescue Ranger
Having just read your article on “Rescue Ranger” [“Transcript,” January/February 2021], I wasn’t shocked to find out that the young lady was a Bailey. Having lived in Merrimack for 30 years (since retired to Florida), and known Jim Bailey and his wife for many years I can see where the
apple didn’t fall far from the tree with Kait from Bailey’s Towing. She had wonderful professional parents to emulate. The Bailey family has always been communityconscious, and I’m sure with Kait your area will be in good, honest hands if a breakdown occurs. Steve Morgan Stuart, Florida
Kudos to Kendal
Jim Hill here. I’m one of the subjects of Bill Burke’s upcoming piece [“The Wonderful Fans of Disney,” page 48] for New Hampshire Magazine about Disney dweebs who live here in the Granite State. Anyway, the reason that I’m writing to you today is to talk about Kendal Bush, the photographer that you folks assigned to get the pictures that accompany Bill’s article. Kendal came out to our house today. And I just have to say that Ms. Bush was a complete pleasure to work with. She was a total pro while she was here in our home. Ms. Bush even wore her mask the whole time. Which — given all of the heavy camera and lighting equipment that she had to haul upstairs and down — can’t have been fun. I just wanted to let you know what a great job Ms. Bush did today representing New Hampshire Magazine while she was here at the house. Thanks for your time. Jim Hill New Boston Editor’s note: No arguments here. Kendal and all our photographers have taken great care throughout the pandemic to keep everyone in focus, well-lit and as safe as possible.
Thanks Again
This photo of the very first concert by Aerosmith was loaned to us by the Ed Malhoit Agency. The photo credit was pretty hard to see in the January/February issue feature “You’re Welcome,” so we republish it here with our special thanks to Ed Malhoit, long-time friend of the band. The photo also appears in the Aerosmith autobiography “Walk This Way.”
photo courtesy ed malhoit agency
Send letters to Editor Rick Broussard, New Hampshire Magazine, 150 Dow St. Manchester, NH 03101 or email him at editor@nhmagazine.com.
emails, snail mail, facebook, tweets
In Memoriam
Spot the Newt c/o New Hampshire Magazine 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101 Email them to newt@nhmagazine.com or fax them to (603) 624-1310. The January/February “Spot the Newt” winner is Carol Austin of Westmoreland. January/February issue newts were on pages 19, 23, 37 and 94.
NEED A GOOD REASON FOR SPOTTING THE NEWT?
This month’s lucky newt spotter will win $50 in 100% pure maple syrup with no additives or preservatives from Fuller’s Sugarhouse in Lancaster (fullerssugarhouse.com). Fuller’s is a proud member of NH Made, the state’s official boosters of locally made products.
NOTE: As this issue was going to press, we were saddened to hear of the passing of Coleman Feingold. Coleman was a frequent visitor to our offices during those carefree pre-COVID days where he served faithfully as McLean Communications’ CMO (Chief Morale Officer) and VGD (Very Good Dog).
This is a gecko, not a newt. Keep looking.
Spot four newts like the one above (but much smaller) hidden on ads in this issue, tell us where you found them and you might win a great gift from a local artisan or company. To enter our drawing for Spot the Newt, send answers plus your name and mailing address to:
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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603 Navigator “If you don’t recount your family history, it will be lost. Honor your own stories and tell them too. The tales may not seem very important, but they are what binds families and makes each of us who we are.” — Madeleine L’Engle Lahout’s has expanded since the first shop opened in Littleton in 1920. One of eight locations, the shop on Main Street in Lincoln (pictured here) is a fixture of this ski town.
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Our Town 15 Food & Drink 18
Some Legacies Never Die Lahout’s looks at 100 years in the “North Country” by Bill Burke / Photos courtesy the lahout family
I
t’s not fancy by any stretch of the imagination, but Lahout’s Country Clothing and Ski Shop, a two-story red structure with white trim that sits where Littleton’s Union and Pine Streets meet, is as much a part of the fabric of the North Country as any notch or mountain. Truth be told, as America’s oldest ski shop — it first opened in 1920 — it feels more like a grandparent’s house, according to Anthony Lahout, co-owner and fourth generation family member to operate the shop. It’s an apt description, because, for the 32-year-old Lahout, it was his grandfather Joe’s home and workplace. With nooks and coves, random jogs and shelves, and walls loaded with memorabilia, it feels, well, lived-in. And as producer of the short film “North Country,” which tells the story of his family’s business, Anthony has invited everyone in for a look around. “This is the original location that is literally the same store, in the same location with the same front door and the same floors it’s had for 100 years,” Anthony says. “The trip of it all is, in the back of the store, that’s where my grandfather, the patriarch, was born. His family lived above the store and that’s where he raised his four kids — my three uncles and aunt. It’s puzzling, because my grandfather could’ve bought nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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603 informer / lahout’s
Clockwise from top left: Joe Lahout Sr. with customers in the 1960s; the original store in Littleton as it looked in 1974; Joe Lahout doing inventory in the 1970s; Loretta Lahout (Joe Sr.’s wife) working the floor in the ’70s; and family patriarch Joe Lahout with his kids at the opening day of Waterville Valley in 1969
a home, but it was such a part of him and his family. Their house is the store, and the store is their house. It’s this interchangeable thing.” The Lahout origin story, and the family’s connection to New Hampshire ski country, began in the late 1800s, when Herbert Lahout came to America from Lebanon. He and his wife began selling goods from a wagon and in the Littleton Grange Hall in 1920. Fifteen years later, in the midst of the Great Depression, Herbert died of appendicitis, leaving the business to his widow Anne and 12-year-old Joe. Looking and feeling like an outsider, Joe grew up just as skiing took off in America. Flying down Remich Park at top speed showed others that he was just as good, if not better, than anyone else. Hannes Schneider arrived, the first aerial tramway was built at Cannon, the Ski-mobile lift at Cranmore began operation, and the Nansen Ski Jump began launching people into the sky over Berlin — all of which helped 12
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a pastime grow into a full-blown subculture. Then Joe, who had a deferment as the son of a widow, volunteered for service in World War II. When he came home, he got right back to where he left off with his mother and older sister Gladys. The film opens with Joe sitting in a comfortable chair, his large, gnarled hands gripping the armrest as he explains what he did upon his return to New Hampshire: “I put the god-damned skis on and did it.” “My grandfather expanded when he got back from the war and converted the grocery store into a ski and outdoor shop,” Anthony says. “At the same time, people were making major adjustments to the retail environment, catering to the ski elitist demographic. My grandfather couldn’t afford that, so he said, ‘I’m going to make this as country as I can. As local as I can.’ It’s a philosophy we still strive to attain in 2021.” Step inside and discover that the flooring is original — every creak and groan.
Every collection, every memory and every piece of equipment stays. There are eight locations throughout ski country now, but the Littleton shop was first, and each maintains a unique and specific personality. Like many young people, Anthony thought his future lay outside northern New Hampshire. He began work as a financial analyst, but found it less than fulfilling. He began skiing all over the West, but each trip back home began to reveal something unexpected. “I did have that motivation to go out West and explore Colorado and California and all these great places with bigger mountains and more snow,” he says. “But coming home on different vacations and holidays, I was getting this nostalgic feeling every time. When you spend enough time out West, you realize you can always go back to the Rockies and you can always go back to the Sierras, but this place makes me feel very grounded. This area of New England, it’s not the only one but it’s the
one very connected to me, it’s still one of those hidden gems that’s not overcrowded or overpriced. What drew me back was that feeling and the deep connection I had with my family. It was very natural.” There are marketers who would pay handsomely for the authenticity that lives in every grain of wood, photograph, signed whiskey bottle and piece of ski equipment at Lahout’s. But it’s not something you can buy. “When Nick Martini and Stept Studios shot the original short piece about my grandfather, I’d send still photos to photographers working for Outside Magazine or TGR [Teton Gravity Research] or The Boston Globe, and they’d ask what space I rented to shoot this or where I got the clothes. The reality is, that’s my grandfather in his bedroom. That’s my grandfather on his porch. None of it is staged.” The shop’s Instagram page shows a picture of the outside of the shop taken in October of 1970. A look at the store now would reveal that very little, if anything, has changed. “Not a lot of places like that exist,” Anthony says. “I saw my grandfather was getting older, and you can’t tell a story like that through just a photograph. I wanted to show my kids and grandkids who my grandfather was, who their family was, how they came to this country. It started
out as a family heirloom, but it blew up out of nowhere.” The 21-minute film tells the story of Joe Sr., the Lahout family and the shop, but it also touches on weightier themes: immigration, female empowerment and service to your country. And it packs a surprisingly emotional punch. “It sheds a very truthful light on a sport, on an area and on a family,” Anthony says. “Warts and all. The North Country is the way it is because of the people, the
weather, as brutal as it can be, and the strong-willed, hard-working, hardcore athletes and ski areas and snowboarders and rock climbers and hikers. It weeds a lot of people out.” “North Country” has resonated with skiers and boarders, locals and critics alike, Anthony believes, because of its authenticity. “One of the goals of the film was to not paint a picture of us as a supersqueaky-clean, elitist ski family,” Anthony says. “We’re the opposite of that. We’re a
Top: The snowboard shop in Lincoln. Above: The family, from left: Joe Lahout Jr., Nina Lahoud, Herb Lahout, Joe Lahout III, Olivia Lahout, Anthony Lahout and Ron Lahout nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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603 informer / lahout’s
Anthony Lahout and his uncle Herb outside the original store in Littleton
very quirky, very loose and intense family.” In the first few minutes of “North Country,” a curmudgeonly Joe Lahout is getting ready for the day, and Anthony arrives to help him exercise and stretch. It illustrates perfectly the relationship between grandfather and grandson, and what was becoming a passing of the torch in the family. “We have an innate connection that involves skiing and involves how we’re
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wired in some ways,” Anthony says. “There are just moments that you have that are deeper than any moment that I’ve had probably with any other male figure.” Joe Lahout died on his 94th birthday, June 17, 2016. Yet nearly five years later, he remains a tangible presence in the old shop. Anthony senses him behind the bench or at the register — where, when he wasn’t on the mountain, he spent most of his life.
“My grandfather was an outcast from an immigrant family, yet he was still able to make a deep connection with the community that will always be remembered,” Anthony says near the end of the film. “His mentors were strong women from another generation built on hard work, love and education. He cared about his family, the outdoors and the people in this community. When I came home, it was those same people who took me back in to the family and it really made me remember why this part of the country is so special.” What happens next for the fourth generation Lahout? Working with his father, Joe Jr., his uncles, Ron and Herb, and other family members in the shops. But more immediately, and perhaps more importantly, to carry on Joe Lahout Sr.’s legacy and to live a lesson his grandfather taught him: “Put the god-damned skis on and go like hell.” NH The Stept Studios film, “North Country,” directed by Nick Martini and produced by Anthony Lahout, is available on the Teton Gravity Research YouTube page and on Vimeo.
603 NAVIGATOR / our town
The Rowell Covered Bridge in Hopkinton
The Hopkinton Three It takes multiple villages to make a town
By Barbara Radcliffe Rogers / Photos by stillman rogers
F
or those not used to the “you can’t get there from here” ways of New England, one town that’s actually made up of three distinct villages probably seems confusing — and it kind of is. Even as a native, for a long time I was confused about Contoocook, with its shops and restaurants, and the village of Hopkinton, with the town hall and churches. But it’s not that unusual in New Hampshire. All these split towns began in the same way — with individual village centers where clusters of early settlers built their homes and farmed their land. As the populations grew, common needs made these tiny villages impractical, and they eventually incorporated into a single town. That’s why there are three Hopkintons, one named Contoocook. Between 1798 and 1807, before the town lost its bid to become the official capital, the New Hampshire Legislature met in Hopkin-
ton and legislators stayed in three local taverns. One remains, the former Stanley Tavern, the hip-roofed Georgian building next to the Hopkinton Village Store (still known locally as the Cracker Barrel Store, its name before changing ownership last year). Stanley Tavern, which served as a tavern until 1864, is now a private home and on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the other buildings that form two stately rows on either side of Main Street (Route 202) are also private residences, punctuated on the north side by the impressive William H. Long Memorial, the town hall and the stone St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, with Gothic windows and a twotiered white bell tower. Together with the 1789 First Congregational Church, where a Paul Revere bell hangs in the tower, these form one of New Hampshire’s most attractive traditional village centers. The 1890 William H. Long Memorial,
built of brick, granite and sandstone, is home to the Hopkinton Historical Society, and is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Open by appointment, the society maintains genealogical records, archives and artifacts relating to local history, and sponsors three exhibits each year and events such as the Annual Art Show & Sale. The society brings its mission to preserve history into the present, with its Pandemic Stories project, which asks local residents to record their pandemic experiences for future generations. Another project is “ALL…ABOARD!” It’s a driving tour of railroad points of interest in Hopkinton. The tour can be viewed or downloaded from the society’s website or drivers can follow on Clio as they visit the sites. Railroads are an important part of the town’s history and are largely responsible for the development of Contoocook as Hopkinton’s commercial center. One of the landmarks on the tour is the 1849 Contoocook Railroad Depot, one of the best preserved of the few remaining nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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603 NAVIGATOR / our town gable-roofed railroad stations from the state’s first years of railroads. When the depot was built, the Contoocook Valley Railroad line (later part of the Boston & Maine) connected the village to Concord, where it met main rail lines. Restored to its 1910 appearance, the depot is now a museum, relating how it became the village’s communications center, housing at various times the post and telegraph offices and a telephone exchange, as well as the railroad offices and waiting room. Displays include original artifacts donated by locals, including the sign, luggage cart and a wooden Pullman Passenger Coach that sits behind the depot. Looming large behind the depot, the 1889 Hopkinton Railroad Covered Bridge is the nation’s oldest remaining covered railroad bridge, which was in regular use until 1960. It survived a flood in 1936, the hurricane in 1938, and was twice pushed off its foundation by floods. The extension of the railroad to Hopkinton in 1849 and later to points west not only increased the ability to get farm and manufactured goods to markets beyond the local community, but solidified Contoocook as the town’s commercial center. By the 1880s, there were several shops (including a hat shop and hardware store), a department store and mills for lumber, grain and machine manufacturing. Contoocook remains the commercial center today, its active downtown still adjacent to the rail bridge. Two restaurants — Contoocook Covered Bridge Restaurant and The Everyday Café and Pub — face the bridge and Dimitri’s Pizza is just up the street. In an early mercantile block next to the bridge is Indigo Blues & Co., a jeans and women’s clothing boutique. Union House Oddities, housed in the former Swedenborgian Church on Maple Street, sells antiques, furniture, art and jewelry; Magic Secret Garden combines teas and botanicals with cast stone garden ornaments. Der Markt at Marklin carries gifts, leather goods, Simon Pearce glassware, fine soaps and fair-trade products. These are only a few of the places that attract browsers and shoppers to the village center. In the brick Bates Building, Two Villages Art Society is a recent addition to the community cultural scene, with exhibits featuring local artists of all ages, including schoolchildren. What of the third village? West Hopkinton was the agricultural center, a village of scattered farms along the river. Its depot, 16
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
From top: The St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and the William Long Memorial
Contoocook Cider Company, with ciders made from apples grown and fermented on the property. At Beech Hill Farm, kids love the horsedrawn wagon rides to the pumpkin fields and visiting the baby animals before choosing their toppings at the make-your-ownsundae bar. There’s a museum of old farm tools and a garden center filled with plants. We are further reminded that agriculture is still alive and well here by the opening of the Hopkinton State Fair each Labor Day weekend, with its displays of farm products and rural living skills — including the hotly contested giant pumpkin weigh-off. NH
Learn more
Hopkinton Town Hall
which was the terminus of the original rail line and almost identical to the one in Contoocook, is long gone. It stood near the Rowell Covered Bridge, which crosses the river just below the dam. Nearby, Elm Brook Recreation Area overlooks the Hopkinton-Everett Reservoir, which submerged acres of the former farmland; its beach provides access to fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
Not all the farms were in West Hopkinton; the entire town was settled by farmers, and some of those original farms still thrive. Joseph Gould, a town incorporator, settled here in 1735 and founded Gould Hill Farm, which has been farmed continuously ever since. Today it is popular for pick-your-own apples and for the pies, cider doughnuts and apple cider sold in its 1810 post-andbeam barn. The most recent addition is
Hopkinton Historical Society
(603) 746-3825 / hopkintonhistory.org
Contoocook Railroad Depot
(603) 746-4100 / contoocookdepot.org
Gould Hill Farm
(603) 746-3811 / gouldhillfarm.com
Beech Hill Farm
(603) 223-0828 / beechhillfarm.com
Hopkinton State Fair (603) 746-4191 / hsfair.org
Windows to the Wild
NEW SEASON Online, anytime.
nhpbs.org/windows nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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603 NAVIGATOR / FOOD & DRINK
Angela’s Pasta & Cheese Shop in Manchester
Always
Angela’s 18
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
A new owner takes over at a local favorite By Michael Hauptly-Pierce / photos by morgan karanasios
A
s I walk down Chestnut Street in Manchester, a bright orange awning beckons me toward an otherwise nondescript building holding down the corner of Chestnut and Appleton. If you’re not already in the know, it would be easy to walk right by this neighborhood treasure. That would be a mistake. Although this spot led many lives during the last century, for the last 40 years it’s been Simply Angela’s (formal name Angela’s Pasta & Cheese Shop), a specialty grocery store that’s really much more. It’s a store that “makes fresh food all day, every day,” new owner Steven Freeman tells me. As you might guess from the name, much of that fresh
food is pasta — ravioli, noodles, pasta sheets, and dishes like their famous lasagna. They also pack in an impressive amount of grocery and kitchen items in a relatively small space, including a nice selection of wine, gift baskets (which they can ship to all 50 states), plus a deli counter with a cheese case, imported meats, fresh local bread, pastries and more. I first met Steve when he was a practicing architect and I was supplying stone surfacing to the building trades. An offhand conversation about old marble with Ed, the owner of Manchester’s Republic restaurant, resulted in an introduction and eventually a beautiful stone restoration/installation at what soon became Republic’s sister restaurant, Campo Enoteca
New Angela’s Pasta & Cheese Shop owner Steven Freeman nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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603 NAVIGATOR / FOOD & DRINK on Elm Street (Republic and Campo recently merged, becoming the Republic of Campo). Steve and I enjoyed working on the project together, and maintained contact after he transitioned to the role of owner’s rep for Catholic Medical Center, meaning he managed all design and construction projects for the company. He actually once applied to work at Angela’s in 1994, but was passed over. In the back of his head, he jokingly said, “If you’re not gonna hire me, I will just buy the business!” When beloved co-owner Butch Lavigne passed away a few years ago, Steve met with Jerry Lipet, the remaining owner, to discuss the possibility of passing the torch. Thus began the exciting entrepreneurial process of pro formas, business plans, nondisclosure agreements, and everybody’s favorite exercise — going to the bank for a loan. After a short stint at BAE to build some capital, Steve made the move in July 2020 and purchased Angela’s. “I’ve always wanted to own a business,” says Steve. “I’ve always wanted to be selfemployed, I’ve always wanted to employ people and give back to the community. I always wanted to have control instead of waiting for corporate approval to give this
Angela’s may not take up much square footage, but it’s packed with specialty grocery items, from cheese and wine to imported meats and local bread.
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You can also pick up fresh food at Angela’s, including pasta, desserts, chacuterie items and more.
or that donation out. I would like to employ more people, and give people a better opportunity to earn a living wage. It’s not right for me to drive a Ferrari if my dishwasher has to take a bus to work.” The hospitality industry was appealing to him, he says, but ultimately he realized that wasn’t right move. “I would have to be the chef, and deal with the turmoil of that industry,” he says. With the added complexity and uncertainty of COVID-19, a business that could eventually operate on its own was more appealing, which brings us to Angela’s. If you’ve never visited Angela’s, I won’t chide you, but you’ve now been duly notified that it is in your best interest to do so. Their wine selection is fairly extensive for such a small footprint, and it’s well curated. They offer fresh bread on rotation from local bakers every day, and even a few dessert options from Modern Pastry in Boston. Their cheese selection is better than most of the foodie mega-stores (you know who I mean), and their selection of imported meats makes me think I am in the Salumeria Italiana on Hanover Street in The North End. Meandering over toward the freezer section, there is fresh pasta, cut to order, fresh hot and sweet Italian sausage, several types of housemade sauce, and always smiling folks to answer any questions (trust me, they’re still smiling behind the masks). There are a variety of frozen housemade items such as seafood lasagna and stuffed shells, and a selection
of antipasti items to round out the meal. When I ask about what he intends for Angela’s, Freeman says simply, “To keep the mission the same, and build upon it.” And what about the mission? “We’re the type of store where if a customer asks, ‘Do you have green peppercorns in brine?’ We can say, ‘Yes, we do!’” A frequent reply is often something like, “Oh, I’ve looked all over, I should have just come here first.” Indeed. Beyond the food and the experience is the legacy, both short-term and longterm. “We want to get a hold of more of the community, because I don’t think many people around us know about us,” says Steve. “Our customers know and love us, but I think our customers represent a very small percentage of the population of this community.” Though Angela’s history stretches back over 40 years, Steve does not plan to rest on longevity alone. Angela’s is, without a doubt, a Manchester institution, but Steve says he has a civic responsibility to make his community better and stronger. Key to that, he says, is supporting local nonprofits. “You have impact and influence as the owner on strengthening your community by choosing your charities,” says Steve. Another big initiative is reducing the stream of materials headed to the landfill. This time last year, they were filling a three-yard dumpster (the size of a VW Bug) three times a week. After a complete reevaluation of packaging and disposal expectations, they brought on one, then two, three, four, and eventually five recycling containers. A dedicated cardboard recycling dumpster was added to the mix, and now they empty that three-yard dumpster less than once a week. Plastic packaging on to-go orders was also reduced, which has the added bonus of both looking better and better preserving the food. In the end, they strive to be “a place that has ‘that thing’ that you can’t find at the big grocery store — that special ingredient,” says Steve. “And if we don’t have it, we will try to get it for you.” In this, and many other things, they have succeeded beautifully. NH
BREWERY & TAPROOM 126B HALL ST., CONCORD, NH
WED-FRI 4-8 P.M. SAT 12-8 P.M. SUN 12-6 P.M. Check out the expanded taproom! lithermans.beer (603) 219-0784
Find It
Angela’s Pasta & Cheese Shop 815 Chestnut St. / (603) 625-9544
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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603 Informer “History is merely a list of surprises. It can only prepare us to be surprised yet again.” — Kurt Vonnegut
Linoprint by John Herman
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Artwork and photos by John Herman
Blips 26 Politics 28 Artisan 29 What Do You Know? 30
A Toast to Wentworth Cheswill
Honoring an unsung patriot By John Herman
R
aised in an era known for the trade of sugar and slaves, Wentworth Cheswill became the first African American elected to public office. Like Paul Revere, he rode as a messenger for the patriotic cause. He was also an early archaeologist who donated books and funds to establish his community’s first library. I believe his story could inspire generations, if only people knew about it. When it occurred to me that Cheswill’s 275th birthday was on the horizon (this April), I dreamed of a community toast. Church bells would chime as families stepped from their homes to honor him in the street. Unfortunately, that was only a dream, because no one knew who he was. When I looked him up, he was marginalized as the Black Paul Revere — if mentioned at all. Cheswill’s birthday would go unnoticed unless I did something about it. So, I started with my children. When his elementary school local history project did not include Cheswill as a topic option, I worked to educate my son using an early draft of a poem I wrote as a response to Longfellow’s account of Paul Revere’s midnight ride. We also visited UNH’s special collections to study his handwritten journal. Incidentally, I debuted my poem publicly in October of 2019 at an event called the New Bohemians of Newmarket at the invitation of the Newmarket Millspace Arts and nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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603 informer / wentworth cheswill
From left: The historical marker in Newmarket that piqued John Herman’s curiosity and an example of Wentworth Cheswill’s signature
Culture Laureate, a program I had created three years earlier. After the poem’s debut, I was almost immediately invited to become a trustee of the New Market Historical Society, some of whose members were in the audience. Suddenly feeling like my dream of a townwide toast might actually be within grasp, I spent the winter planning a yearlong series of art projects and public events that would educate people on the life and deeds of Cheswill in time for his big birthday. I wanted a community film festival, a human chess game reenacting the Battle of Saratoga, a children’s book, a historical edu-comic and elementary school resource packet, a public reading of a biopic motion picture screenplay and much more. I even carved a lino block print and hand pressed it to honor the man. I was not prepared for what happened next. Suddenly, we were in the grips of a global pandemic, and the historical society canceled all events for the near future. My grandfather died of COVID-19 as people around me debated whether masks infringed upon personal liberty. It was all overwhelming. I proceeded to stay home, grow a beard, and study a true American patriot. As the Black Lives Matter movement
John Herman and his son Emrys are reading from Wentworth Cheswill’s journal of town affairs.
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came to the forefront and statues of Confederate leaders were being torn down in many cities, I contributed to an New Hampshire Public Radio story about erecting a statue to honor a different type of hero. In sweltering heat, I stood in the Cheswill cemetery and rambled as best I could about his life. Then the historical society entrusted me with everything they had on him, and even loaned me his personal papers to help me continue the work. My dream of a grand public celebration may not be realistic in a world still facing such unique challenges. As of this writing, some are vaccinated, many are still waiting. So there will be no historical reenactments. No big gatherings or community toasts to honor Wentworth Cheswill. Maybe next year. I want people to know that I am no historian, but I believe in the power of storytelling, and I know that much of our history is about telling ourselves the stories we want to hear. As we spend the coming months and years reconsidering our past and our future, I ask that you consider a story we may need to hear. I came to know about Cheswill after I passed a historical marker on the side of South Main Street in Newmarket. The marker overlooks a small family cemetery. A stone wall traces a square around several thin, pale gravestones. Downtown Newmarket does not give off the historical New Hampshire Colonial vibe like nearby Exeter or Portsmouth. It’s a mill town, and down the street from the cemetery are the brick-and-stone 19th-century buildings that hug both sides of the Lamprey River. These mills, no longer industrial centers but now filled with shops, restaurants and apartments, define the town. It wasn’t always
this way though. In 1908, an article in The Granite Monthly said it was “a matter of surprise and regret that no adequate record has ever been compiled of [Newmarket], which early in the history of our state and nation played no small part.” Little did I know after reading that historical marker, and digging deep enough to truly understand its placement, that I would join a long procession of Cheswill admirers raising awareness about an unsung hero of early America. Four years after his famous midnight ride, Paul Revere was charged with cowardice and insubordination — yet he is remembered fondly due to a highly fictionalized poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Written more than 80 years after Revere’s ride, the poem took a little-known Massachusetts silversmith and mythologized him in order to make a point about the issues that were leading our nation to civil war. Later, that same poem, with all of its historical inaccuracies, was fed to generations of American children, who read it as straight history. There is a Paul Revere statue. There was a commemorative stamp. You know the story. We all do. So what about Cheswill? Is he worth remembering? We used to think so. In 1820, US senator David Morrill of Epping argued the negative effects of discriminatory racial legislation during congressional debate over the Missouri Compromise. His remarks focused on New Hampshire’s highly regarded Cheswill, an example of one who tragically could not enter, let alone own land in, Missouri due to his race. Seventy-five years later, New Hampshire citizens still venerated him. That 1908 article I mentioned also described his patriotic ride. Paraphrasing from town
John Herman’s comic about Wentworth Cheswill
records and deliciously embellishing, it has Cheswill “booted and spurred for a heavy ride like the immortal Revere.” He “springs to the saddle, the bridle he turns, but lingers and gazes till the vote of the meeting is announced, then bending forward, with word and spur, he urges the faithful beast to highest speed.” The poetic pageantry is undeniable. Cheswill was regarded as a hero. In 1916, the same periodical published a six-page description of his old mansion written by Nellie Palmer George, who grew up there. Her essay concludes with her reflection on Halley’s comet, viewed in 1900 from the Cheswill mansion kitchen door. She writes how “with frightened eyes we watched the comet nightly, and heard our elders talk of war, of the dreadful crime of slavery ...” Just think: Who in New Hampshire garners enough interest that anyone would read a six-page description of their house?
Well, Cheswill once did. It is only in these last 100 years that he was forgotten, even by many in his own community. Not until a man named Richard Alperin, just a decade or so ago, led a group of local history buffs and Cheswill descendants to clean up that family cemetery. Alperin also worked tirelessly to get the historical marker placed, meaning his work was critical in inspiring my own interest. Alperin even called me at Christmastime to talk about Cheswill. Key mentions on that marker originally ignited my curiosity, like how he made “pioneering archaeological investigations.” He was a veteran and the grandson of a “Negro.” Frankly, the historical marker made him sound like a 18th-century mixed-race Indiana Jones. How did I not know about him? Cheswill led an astonishing life of public service. He was a constable, school teacher, inaugural school board member, selectman,
town moderator, assessor, justice of the peace for the county and even coroner. In fact, he served every year of his adult life but one. There are some who note that the lost year of service conspicuously coincides with the ratification of the US Constitution. Cheswill wasn’t a signer, but his very good friend John Langdon was. He fought in the Battle of Saratoga, the American rebellion’s first major victory, and that pioneering archaeological research informed Jeremy Belknap’s first volumes of New Hampshire history. From what I can gather, he was not just New Hampshire’s first archaeologist, but he was arguably one of the earliest in the nation. In his twilight years, he continued his good deeds, giving $13,000 to establish the Newmarket Social Library in 1801. Ultimately, he succumbed to typhoid fever following the infamous Year Without a Summer — another fascinating moment in history. Caused by the eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia, this global event decimated crops from Europe to New England. The dismal weather inspired Mary Shelly to write “Frankenstein.” She actually completed the novel the month that Cheswill died. If there ever was an unsung American patriot who deserves a bit of veneration, it’s Cheswill. Let’s give him an embellished poem, maybe a song and a painting — not for his legacy, but for our own. The scholar and patriot who rode his gray mare through the night in service to and protection of his community has much to teach us. History is what we choose to remember, and I choose to remember Wentworth Cheswill. I hope you will too. Now that it’s his 275th birthday, I only hope that I have done enough to spread the word. Here’s a toast to you. Godspeed, Wentworth Cheswill. NH John Herman is an artist, writer and teacher. He lives in Newmarket.
Illustration of Wentworth Cheswill’s ride by Lisa Cordner nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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603 informer / in the news
Blips
Monitoring appearances of the 603 on the media radar since 2006
Young Activists
Showing that small actions can really add up By casey McDermott Azalea Morgan, age 9, has big plans for her future. She’d like to be a preschool teacher, and maybe to work at a wildlife sanctuary. But she’d also like to be an environmentalist. By many measures, Azalea and her sister, 10-year-old Ember, are already there. In 2019, the pair embarked on a 250-mile trek from their home in Andover to New York City ahead of the Youth Climate Strike, propelled solely by public transportation and their own bicycling pedal power. They were inspired by fellow youth climate activist Greta Thunberg, but also spurred by a sense of
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urgency after watching a grim documentary about the future of polar bears, which left Azalea particularly distraught. “As a parent, I couldn’t hug her and tell her everything was going to be OK,” recalled Molly Morgan, Azalea and Ember’s mom. “When I promised Azalea we had to do something, I really meant it.” But that journey to New York was just the beginning. Soon, the sisters were lobbying their local school board and legislators alike to adopt more environmentally friendly energy solutions here in New Hampshire,
Ember (left) and Azalea Morgan
courtesy photos
Molly Morgan and daughters Azalea and Ember at Grand Central Station
and teaming up with other youth activists in groups like 350.org. They also embarked on less formal efforts to convince their peers that these issues were worth taking seriously. After a classmate bet her $10 that climate change wasn’t real, Azalea asked her mom — a science educator — to visit her school and give a presentation on the subject, to settle the matter once and for all. Well, kind of. “The kid still hasn’t given me my $10,” Azalea says. But she and her sister are still making a difference. Last year, their efforts caught the attention of the team behind the iconic American Girl Doll franchise, who asked them to be part of a new book meant to inspire other budding environmentalists called “Love the Earth.” “It has a lot of good information and ways you can help the environment,” Ember says of the new release. And that opportunity, in turn, helped the sisters land perhaps their biggest moment in the spotlight yet: a spot on “Good Morning America,” where they helped to celebrate the debut of the newest American Girl, a 10-year-old named Kira who also cares deeply about the Earth. Their time on the show was brief, but Ember and Azalea used it to draw a connection between Kira’s work protecting koala bears and their own campaign to raise awareness about the climate’s impact on polar bears, aptly named “Kids Care 4 Polar Bears.” (The girls’ 12-year-old brother Linden, we should note, also provides “tech and research support.”) With the help of their parents, the girls are working on establishing a membership program to support their $100,000 fundraising
goal to help their school run on renewable energy by 2023. Those interested in supporting their efforts can chip in on their GoFundMe page and should keep an eye out for a forthcoming membership program. In the meantime, the girls’ father, Tom Morgan, hopes the work they’ve already done can provide some hope to other families struggling to make sense of the gravity of the crisis facing our planet. “I think for a lot of kids who are growing up today, they’re living with this. I don’t know if we want to call it a malaise or, you know, these deep feelings of sadness that there’s this thing happening that they will experience in their lifetimes that is going to be really destructive,” he says. “I think it’s really important to put action to those feelings.” Whether through a bike ride, a climate strike at school, a batch of letters to public officials or otherwise, he says, “these simple and not so simple actions” can add up. Or, as Ember puts it, “I think that other kids can just think about, be aware of what they’re doing, like the little things they can do — like turning off the lights, and not drinking with plastic straws and stuff — how that can have the really big impact on the Earth.” Check out their efforts at gofundme.com/f/ KidsCare4PolarBears and facebook.com/kidscare4polarbears NH
courtesy photos
Speaking of young Granite Staters making a difference, Boscawen’s own Brayden Harrington continues to make waves after forming a bond with President Joe Biden over their shared experiences overcoming stuttering. He was a featured speaker at Biden’s recent inauguration, but that same day brought another announcement: He’s penning a picture book, “Brayden Speaks Up.” According to The New York Times, it’s expected out on August 10 of this year and will be followed by another novel aimed at kids between ages 8 and 12. What does New Hampshire taste like … in pie? If you’re thinking, “Hmm probably a maple pumpkin pie with a trellis fashioned in the shape of birch trees,” you’re on the same page as Stacey Mei Yan Fong. The “Brooklyn-based baker has invented nearly 50 drastically different pies over the last four years,” according to a recent writeup in Atlas Obscura, where you can catch a glimpse of her culinary tribute to the Granite State.
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603 informer / politics
Downsize Our House
We’d remain the largest volunteer legislature at 51% by James Pindell / illustration by peter noonan
N
ew Hampshire makes national news for all kinds of random reasons, but there are two things for which the Granite State is guaranteed to draw attention: the state’s presidential primary and something embarrassing or stupid that a state representative does or says. In terms of the presidential primary, there is wide agreement that the state should work to keep it and the publicity it creates. In terms of the New Hampshire House, there are different opinions, but the proposals to change it largely miss the point. So here is the point: There is simply no accountability. It may have once been true that locals knew who was running to represent them. That isn’t the case now. Half of the state lives in the Boston commuter zone and, sadly, neighbors just don’t know each other that well. With the disappearance of local newspapers that once highlighted embarrassing state representatives, and with national politics becoming the dominant factor in local races, it’s hard to keep track of who’s who. When most voters go to vote, they are
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simply voting for the party and not the person. And even in primary elections, truly awful people can be elected alongside perfectly nice, well-intentioned people. It happens all the time. So why not simply cut the House down to about half its current size, say 204 seats? The New Hampshire House is, without a doubt, the largest volunteer legislative body in the world. There is something to that. Over my career covering New Hampshire politics, I have celebrated it for the charming nature of it all. There are 400 New Hampshire state representatives, each making $100 a year and representing, roughly, only 3,300 people. For context, Pennsylvania has the second-largest House of Representatives with 203 members. (See how changing ours to 204 would still keep it the largest?) They make $87,180 a year and represent nearly 61,000 people in their districts. Over the years, there has been talk about how to make the body more “professional.” They talk about actual living-wage salaries and staff and offices, which would be a significant upgrade from the lockers of today.
But doing so would fundamentally change the nature of the House, the purest form of the people’s house in the nation. Still, the place does elect some real kooks from both parties. Lately, state representatives were arrested for selling drugs, sexually abusing minors, and saying all kinds of horrible things, from calling for the death of prominent national Republican politicians to sharing racist and anti-Semitic tropes. And, unfortunately, that’s how they end up making national news. Any state can elect nutjobs. The problem with the New Hampshire House, however, is that there are a lot more of them and zero accountability. As of this writing, there is a state representative from Laconia who apologized for sharing anti-Semitic content from a neo-Nazi website, but never exactly said the content was wrong. There are calls for her resignation, but she isn’t answering. Here is the thing: She will probably be reelected anyway. And that pattern will continue until New Hampshire weeds these people out by starting to force more choices. Do it for state pride. NH
603 informer / artisan
Pack Up in Style
Handcrafted bags are sewn to show — and last By Susan Laughlin
T
courtesy photo
he eyes have it for Lisa DeMio’s bags. The fabric artist, from Hampstead, took her love of luscious fabrics and created a coordinated line of bags, from a crossbody/messenger to an urban tote to small cosmetic bags and more. Functional and fun, the bags are a pleasant combination of contemporary Scandinavian prints and supple leather. DeMio’s works with high-end designers for her prints and leather from abroad. Her triple stitching and careful construction, plus lots of interfacing, make them as durable as they are eye-catching — maybe the perfect happy-note solution for a trip to the grocery store. For her backpack and a few of the tote
designs, she uses a water-resistant waxed cotton canvas fabric. The wax, embedded in the manufacturing process, helps give the bag shape and durability. It’s an age-old process once used by the British Navy for sails, now used here to protect iPhones and other precious possessions. DeMio had been sewing, mostly quilting, before she created her first messenger bag about 10 years ago. She was pleased with the effort and decided, “Yes, I can do this.” She’s been full tilt ever since, except for earlier last year when she sewed 400 masks for Hampstead townsfolk. Red Staggerwing is a one-woman shop, with occasional helpers. DeMio decided on that business name after listening, nonstop,
to a Mark Knopfler/Emmy Lou Harris song of the same name. It was only later that she found out it was also the name of a biplane of the 1930s. Like all of us, DeMio is looking forward to embracing her public soon, but her first show may well be the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s fair in Sunapee in August. Meanwhile, her website is well stocked with tasteful yet fun solutions for stowing stuff on the go. As she says, “Carry your color!” NH
Find It Lisa DeMio
Red Staggerwing / Hampstead (603) 770-5338 / redstaggerwing.com Etsy.com/shop/redstaggerwing
Left to right: Messenger/crossbody: waxed cotton, flowered fields fabric, leather straps, 11 inches tall, 10 inches wide, $150 Urban Tote: Woodland print with distressed leather bottom and straps, 11 1/2 inches wide, 12 1/12 inches tall, $155 Cosmetic bags: large, 7 1/2 inches tall, 9 inches wide, $48; small, 5 inches tall, 7 inches wide, vegan leather, $38 nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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603 informer / what do you know?
Who carried this mysterious granite block to the woods of Pembroke and why?
A Place to Pick Strawberries And the site of a bizarre murder story and photos by Marshall Hudson
I
was working alone one snowy morning, following a brook in the northeasterly corner of Pembroke when an object that didn’t fit the surrounding environment suddenly caught my attention. Perhaps it was the grayness of the object contrasted against the stark white background of freshly fallen snow, or maybe the sharp-cornered squareness of the object situated within a stand of round hemlock trees that made it look out of place. Whatever the reason, it called out to me as I was passing by. Curious, I detoured from my route to investigate it. The 2- to 3-foot-tall granite block was not something naturally occurring. It had been quarried, brought in and erected by a human. In these remote woods, someone had labored to put it here and must have had a good reason for doing so, as there would have been too much effort involved to have done it on a whim. Not being near any property lines, I
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ruled out boundary markers and town line corner stones. A grave headstone perhaps? If it were a headstone, I would expect an inscription of names, dates or maybe a brief epitaph. I saw nothing obvious on any of the four sides. Exploring the rough and pitted granite surface with my fingers, I thought perhaps I felt a shallow engraving. Using a soft lumber crayon, I explored the grooves that perhaps I had felt. “1833” emerged. Nothing more. Probably not a headstone, I reasoned. If someone had gone through the effort of carving a year, either birth or death, into this stone, they likely would have also carved the name of the deceased. Hmmm ... perhaps “1833” wasn’t a year? Maybe it was a numerical marker for something, and there was a number 1834 nearby? Didn’t seem likely. So what had I stumbled onto? Turns out that what I had found was a place to pick strawberries and the site of a
bizarre murder that took place in 1833, the year carved on the granite. This unusual story is well told in the book, “I Have Struck Mrs. Cochran With a Stake” by Leslie Lambert Rounds. Rounds describes the true story of Mrs. Sally Cochran, who was murdered at this very spot while picking strawberries. The murderer, Abraham Prescott, was asleep and sleepwalking at the time he committed the murder. At least, that is what his defense attorney claimed at trial. The murder took place on a Sunday afternoon, June 23, 1833, when 28-year-old Sally Cochran decided to go strawberry picking. Her husband, Chauncey Cochran, stayed behind with the couple’s children and his mother who also lived with them. Eighteen-year-old hired farmhand Abraham
Writer Marshall Hudson uses a lumber crayon to trace the year 1833 on the stone.
Prescott offered to accompany Mrs. Cochran. The two would head down into a low meadow owned by Chauncey’s brother and neighbor. The meadow was downhill some 300 feet away from the Cochran farm, and in full view of three or four of the neighboring houses. The two started down the steep hill behind the farmhouse, but then deviated to a different pasture. Prescott suggested that he and Chauncey had been working in a different meadow a few days earlier and the berries over there were larger and easier to find. If Sally was concerned about heading into a remote area with an 18-year-old man, 10 years younger than she was, she gave no indication, and her husband raised no objection. Abraham Prescott had lived with and worked for the Cochrans since he was 15 and they trusted him, believing they knew him. Sally was attractive and perhaps Prescott made a romantic advance that she rebuffed. It was suggested at the trial that he killed her in a rage of anger after being rejected. Another possible motive was that Prescott killed her and also planned to kill Chauncey, thinking he would end up owning the farm. Others might have considered the possibility that Sally and Prescott were having a romantic affair and it had gone sour, or that Sally wanted to end it. From his testimony at the trial, we learn that Chauncey Cochran trusted his wife and did not believe there was an extramarital affair taking place. Abraham Prescott’s version of events was that while picking strawberries he’d suffered the onset of a painful toothache. Unable to pick strawberries because of the pain, he sat down and fell asleep. When he awoke, he
realized that he had killed Sally Cochran — while he slept. Whether asleep or awake, there was no disputing that Prescott had picked up a fence post and struck Mrs. Cochran over the head forcefully enough to kill her. As bizarre and unlikely as Prescott’s version of events might seem, this was not the first incident of Prescott sleepwalking and trying to kill the Cochran family. Six months earlier, Prescott had arisen in the middle of the night and struck both Sally and Chauncy with an ax while they slept. Both Cochrans survived the attack and recovered from their injuries. Prescott said that he was asleep at the time and had no reason for doing it, and no memory of it once awake. Oddly, the Cochrans did not press charges against Prescott or remove him from their household, apparently be-
Sally Cochran’s headstone
lieving his sleepwalking attempted murder was a fluke. The jury in Prescott’s murder trial was less forgiving than the Cochrans had been. While the Cochrans apparently believed the first attack was an extreme example of a loss of conscious control while asleep, the jury didn’t buy it as an excuse for the second attack that resulted in Sally’s death. Prescott was found guilty of murder and sentenced to hang. After appeals, a second trial, and a temporary stay of execution by New Hampshire governor William Badger, Abraham Prescott was hanged on January 6, 1836. Sally Cochran was buried in a small cemetery near her farm home. Perhaps racked by guilt, grief, or haunted by painful memories, Chauncey Cochran sold the Pembroke farm, gathered up his children and moved to Maine. Abraham Prescott was discretely buried in an unmarked grave at an undisclosed location. It remains unknown to me who erected this 1833 granite block monument at the murder site that I stumbled onto. Had this monument not caught my attention, I likely would have trekked through this remote hemlock stand without stopping, and never learned the story of Sally Cochran and what happened at this spot almost 200 years ago. Could it have been Sally Cochran and not the granite block that called out to me gaining my attention as I was passing by that snowy morning? NH A special thank-you to Leslie Lambert Rounds, author of the book, “I Have Struck Mrs. Cochran With a Stake,” for her assistance in researching this story. nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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603 informer / transcript
Tapped In Photo and interview by David Mendelsohn Howard Pearl is staying busy. He owns and works a 300-acre, fourth-generation farm in Loudon. Ten thousand maples are tapped and summer crops abound. Then there are the civic duties: treasurer for the New Hampshire Farm Bureau and state representative for Merrimack 26. This year, Pearl takes charge as Loudon town moderator; his gavel will set the beat for the 2021 town meeting. So here’s to Mr. Pearl, farmer statesman, a living echo of our country’s New England origins. Grateful, we tip a dark brew from a pewter mug alongside the ghosts of another era.
My great grandfather moved up to Loudon Ridge in the late 1800s and purchased the farm from his wife’s sister and her husband. I am the fourth generation to farm here. They originally farmed on the land known as Pearl’s Corner, and it’s still listed as that on the map today. There was a small school named the Pearl School back in the early 1900s. My dad was born in the farmhouse. Politics has elevated climate change to a national focal point. Farmers have had to evolve with the ever-changing climate since cultivated agriculture has existed. The 2020 growing season saw a severe drought, which resulted in many crops performing at only a 60-70% yield. We just deal with it. My grandfather would be blown away to walk into my sugarhouse today. My hourly syrup production easily exceeds what he could produce in a very long day. The regulatory burdens are a significant consumer of every farmer’s time now. Food safety regulations, labor laws, pesticide restrictions, highway safety regulations — all have become increasingly onerous.
I spent many years advocating for agricultural policy at the Statehouse with the Farm Bureau. I recognized that I could have greater efficacy if I was sitting behind the table rather than trying to convince the person who was. I’m now the chair of the environment and agriculture committee. I am indeed the town moderator for Loudon. I was elected in March of 2020. In my first year, I’ve had to learn quickly and oversee the largest and most challenging presidential election in history. Talk about jumping into the deep end of the pool! Town meetings date back to 1633, the very beginnings of our nation. The duties of the moderator have always been to facilitate productive conversation on the business issues that are before the townspeople. I will be presiding over my first business meeting this spring. I’m approaching it with cautious optimism. Through thick and thin, my community has always been there for me. We had a major fire in 2003. The volunteers who helped the day of the fire and through the tough times following were a major inspiration to me.
It’s Hammer Time
Howard Pearl says he’s asked around and couldn’t find out the origin story of the official gavel for Loudon town meeting, “But it’s been around a long time,” he says. “In fact, I’m pretty sure it’s the same one my uncle, Everett Dow, used when he was Loudon town moderator back in the ’70s.” And while this will be Pearl’s first time wielding the gavel at town meeting, he still wasn’t sure how or when that event would take place as this story was being produced. After scrambling to deal with both town warrants and COVID-19 last year, a number of contingency plans have been put in place for annual meetings in New Hampshire this year, including postponement until later in the spring and the passing of HB 1129, which allows for a virtual town meeting with “drive-thru” voting.
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REALTORS of the
GRANITE STATE
T
hough people buy and sell homes every day, that doesn’t mean the process is easy or without potential pitfalls. It’s important to have a trusted guide who’s firmly on your side. The following advertisers are experts in their field — they are all respected by collegues and clients alike, and you can expect each of them will provide you with both peace of mind and the best results.
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PROMOTIONAL SECTION
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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REALTORS of the
GRANITE STATE
Promotion
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ocal community experts the Damon Home Team use top negotiating skills and state-of-the-art technology to bring you the very best in service and value as it pertains to your real estate goals. We provide knowledge and experience to our clients while creating an exciting and positive real estate journey. Our team replaces the fear of the unknown with clear strategies to achieve our clients’ goals.
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REALTORS of the
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Promotion • Photo by Kendal Bush
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THE HOME TEAM, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
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he Home Team combines experience and work ethic to give our clients the best possible experience when buying or selling real estate. There is no substitute for experience in today’s — or any — market conditions. With our combined experience, energy and knowledge of how to make deals happen, we give our clients a leg up in every transaction. Whether it be marketing and selling 40-unit, new-construction subdivisions, investment properties or helping first-time homebuyers, our team of experts is ready to work diligently on your behalf. Our team includes Realtors licensed in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, loan officers, home inspectors and closing services, which makes the process as seamless as possible. Pictured, from left: Adam Cox (603) 759-8794 (general real estate, first-time buyers), Jim Cardello (603) 568-1576 (new construction certified, investments, all-purpose real estate sales), Chris Shanahan (603) 978-4167 (first-time homebuyers, investments, general real estate) and Matt D’Urso (603) 758-8022 (premier mortgage lending). 1 VERANI WAY, LONDONDERRY ■ (603) 568-1576 ■ HOMES4SALEINNH.NET
REALTORS of the GRANITE STATE • 2021
NANCY POMERLEAU, CIPS, CRB, ABR, SRS, GRI, RECS. S, CRB Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Verani Realty
SARAH CARTER Vanessa Stone Real Estate
Nancy is recognized as one New Hampshire’s finest real estate professionals. The foundation of her successful career has been hard work, experience and dedication. Devotion to the industry and her community has earned her the respect of her peers and continued support from clients — clients who trust her to deliver the facts in the ever-changing real estate industry. Nancy is an associate broker with BHHS Verani Amherst serving communities of southern New Hampshire. O: (603) 673-1775 • C: (603) 496-4517 • nancypomerleau.verani.com
A New Hampshire native, Sarah embraces the ideologies of rural living and the conservation of open lands. After a recent relocation, Sarah has settled back into her hometown, where she’s continuing the legacy of her family’s farm located in the foothills of the White Mountains. She’s a charismatic, honest, down-to-earth agent who works hard for her clients.
JOSHUA GAGNE KW Metro
CHERYL LISS, REALTOR®, ABR, SRS, SRES, RENE, CNHS/RCC, GREEN Coldwell Banker Realty
Finding and moving to a new home can be taxing. Having the right team to guide you through the process is essential. I am your local real estate expert that can guide you through buying, selling, lending, repairs, and everything else in between while delivering the outstanding results that you should receive. Contact me today for real estate the way it should be!
Licensed in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, Cheryl is committed to providing clients with the best service in every aspect of buying and selling real estate. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to provide the most comprehensive and personalized service - taking advantage of the latest technologies without losing sight of the fundamentals and client needs. C: (603) 494-0225 • nhhomes.expert O: (603) 471-0777 • coldwellbankerhomes.com/new-england
C: (603) 717-4086 • O: (603) 232-8282 • joshuagagne.kw.com
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(603) 443-0380 • vanessastonere.com
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
PROMOTIONAL SECTION
REALTORS of the GRANITE STATE • 2021
CHRISTINA MARMONTI Keller Williams Gateway Realty
LAURA GAMACHE KW Metro
Licensed in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, Christina Marmonti is known for her unmatched devotion to her clients. Her success is attributed to positive referrals and her involvement in her community. Originally from Massachusetts and now living in the Southern New Hampshire area, her extensive market knowledge and ability to earn respect and trust from her clients allows her to provide truly personalized service. C: (978) 482-6059 • O: (603) 883-8400 • christinamarmonti.com
Laura Gamache has been a full-time real estate agent for 10-plus years in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Her accolades include Manchester YP’s Young Professional of the Year in 2016, the Union Leader’s 40 Under 40 class of 2017, and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Class of 2019. With 300-plus transactions under her belt, Laura knows the ins and the outs of the industry. She prides herself on working hard for all her clients. C: (603) 505-5381 • O: (603) 232-8282 • gamachere.com
REALTORS of the
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2021
New Hampshire Magazine’s “Realtors of the Granite State” presents a unique opportunity to show the faces behind some of the state’s most notable real estate sales professionals. Share your message with our readers in the 2022 special section. Contact New Hampshire Magazine Sales Representative Joshua Auger at jauger@nhmagazine.com or (603) 413-5144 to advertise or for more information.
PROMOTIONAL SECTION
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Nurturing the spirit of adventure On my first visit to Hub North in Gorham, co-owner and avid mountain biker Kara Hunter gave me a tour of the grounds. It was winter, the sun was shining, and the property was covered in a shimmering, hard-packed, squeaky layer of snow. As we walked, she gestured at the glamping yurts that were tucked away in the back left corner while casually recounting the time she and her husband/co-owner, Jason Hunter, lived in a yurt for two years. Moments later, she sent me off for a joyride on one of their fat-tire bikes, and I rode around making figure-eights, laughing with delight even after I toppled off and into the snow due solely to user error. This combination of relaxed hospitality and a fun-loving attitude is the essence of Hub North, and it’s truly hard not to feel that (even when you’ve fallen off your bike) when you’re here. By Katherine Englishman / Photography by Joe Klementovich Hub North in Gorham is located near (and practically on) many of the area’s best trails, which offer multiseason outdoor adventures from hiking to cross-country skiing and fat-biking.
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The vibe here is intended to be uncomplicated yet thoughtful, all the while nurturing a spirit of adventure in their guests.
Top and above: It’s BYOF (bring your own food) at Hub North, and guests are welcome to prepare meals Norman Boucher in the two communal kitchens. The one pictured here is in a converted garage at the outdoor pavilion, which also includes a large dining space and fireplace.
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Since then, I’ve returned to Hub North for this same experience for three out of the four seasons. While the adventures may change from winter to summer, the easiness and excitement of being at Hub North are always the same. This is no accident — it’s all purely by design. The vibe here is intended to be uncomplicated yet thoughtful, all the while nurturing a spirit of adventure in their guests. It’s reflected in the handcrafted touches, like beautiful pottery made by Kara’s mother, or the paintings and stained glass that hang inside the lodge. It also lives up to its name as a “hub,” given that its central location puts you close to many of the area’s biking, hiking, cross-country and backcountry ski trails. Plus, some of the most popular ski resorts are under an hour away. Outdoor adventure seekers will love that the region’s Coös Trails, a well-maintained network of mountain biking trails,
are steps away from the campsite, and the Appalachia Trailhead is only a fiveminute drive away. Yes, easy access to outdoor adventure and a beautiful design make Hub North an appealing place to stay, but the heart and soul of the place lie in Jason and Kara’s local insight and the inspiration from their worldwide travels, from Antarctica to New Zealand. While exploring the latter some years back, they stayed in a unique accommodation that the Kiwis call “backpackers.” Similar to a hostel, each one was different depending on where it was located, but, according to Kara, they were almost always reliable sources for kitchens and campgrounds, which enabled them to travel throughout the country with ease. “We liked the fact that you could be a little more self-sufficient in the backpackers, so we modeled Hub North after them,” says Kara.
Top: From Hub North, bikers have easy access to Coös Trails, a large and well-maintained network that winds through the region. Above: In addition to the lodge, there are also a number of yurts that offer a glamping experience.
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“We used to ride our bikes through the trails and think how cool it would be to own this place.” — Kara Hunter
This idea percolated in the back of their minds, but nothing came to fruition until 2016 when Jason caught wind of the news that an old Girl Scout camp in Gorham was about to hit the market. “We knew the property and the caretaker, and were really dreamy about it because of the growing trail system that was nearby,” says Kara. “We used to ride our bikes through the trails and think how cool it would be to own this place.” Their shared love of biking led them to become co-founders of the Coös Cycling Club, a local group that builds and maintains trails. Since then, it’s grown organically into a larger organization full of dedicated cyclists with a shared passion for riding and maintaining the trails. As the former camp ground is at the epicenter of the network, the locale was a natural fit for what’s now Hub North. Luckily, everything fell into place and once they bought the property, Kara and Jason spent the next two years bring their vision to life. The pair are handy, to say the least, and have what Kara calls “nontraditional carpentry backgrounds” from years of building structures in far-off places without typical materials. “I worked on the construction crew at the Appalachian Mountain Club and learned how to build at the hut, carrying materials up and down the mountain using whatever
Top: Hub North owners Jason and Kara Hunter Above: Campers aren’t exactly roughing it at Hub North. The bell tents and yurts offer some of the comforts of home (or a hotel room) with furnishings and cozy touches.
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While the adventures may change from winter to summer, the easiness and excitement of being at Hub North are always the same. This is no accident — it’s all purely by design.
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With its stone and brick walls, the Copper Pig Brewery, located in the former Lancaster National Bank, has the feel of a modernday speakeasy.
Spring, winter, summer and fall — all of the seasons offer ways to experience the beautiful area surrounding Hub North. See the sidebar on page 47 for information on spring skiing.
was there. I was always sort of problemsolving with out-of-box objects,” says Kara. Working as Science Support Carpenters, Kara and Jason traveled to Antarctica for a number of years, once again using found objects to creatively solve problems. When they landed in Gorham, New Hampshire, their arsenal included a unique set of skills that served them well at Hub North. “That gave me a different perspective on building and how to use space and materials to make 46
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it into something better without ripping it all down,” says Kara. The Hub North aesthetic is, in a sense, equal parts handmade and restored, with plenty of room for something unexpected that somehow fits just right. In a word, it’s adventurous. Accommodations at Hub North are divided into two categories: rooms at the lodge and glamping in a well-furnished yurt or a canvas bell tent. In the lodge, there are four rooms, communal bathrooms, a living area,
and a spacious kitchen, which all have a rustic, mid-century modern design that’s comfortable and functional, with a little something special that you just can’t put your finger on. The glampsites are sprawled on the property’s expansive green space, with renovated bathrooms and showers built by Kara and Jason. The heart of this space is the pavilion, which has a large dining area with a fireplace, and a garage that was converted into a second communal kitchen. Guests bring their own food to cook in the kitchens no matter where they sleep, something that Kara and Jason believe isn’t a drawback, but is in fact a part of Hub North’s charm and a nod to the joy of being self-sufficient. I can certainly attest to the benefits of being on your own timeline and not having to wait on breakfast to be served, especially here, when you can wake up early to enjoy a homecooked meal and coffee with friends as you take in the scenic views of the northern Presidentials from the pavilion before a day of riding the trails. When it comes down to it, those are the moments that Hub North was built for — it’s a place to enjoy the simplest pleasures in life. Or, as Kara and Jason say, it’s a space specifically designed to support your adventurous spirit. NH
Spring skiing at Loon Mountain means longer days, warmer weather and plenty of sunshine.
A day of spring skiing at Cranmore Mountain can mean a chance to ditch the jacket and, especially this year, no crowds.
Spring Fling
courtesy photos
L
onger days and milder temps are elbowing their way onto the calendar, which means only one thing: Mashed potatoes and goggle tans aren’t far behind. Normally we’d be digging out our Hawaiian shirts and dreaming up cardboard sled contraptions for slopeside events. But, of course, this isn’t a typical year. What does that mean? A little bit of bad news, and some not-quite-so-bad-but-still-notawesome news. First, the bad: COVID-19 restrictions throughout ski country mean annual favorites are going to remain in hibernation for one more spring. To wit, gathering spots like The Beach — an annual staple at Mount Sunapee that normally sees spring skiers tailgating between Sunapee Lodge and Spruce Lodge at the end of Flyway — is “on pause,” according to Bonnie MacPherson, communications manager for Vail Resorts. In short, if your favorite spring skiing tradition involves gathering in large groups, you can assume it’s off the schedule. Restrictions this year include requiring (or at the very least,
encouraging) online-only pass purchases, leaving extra space between people on lifts and limiting restaurant capacity — making après ski a bit of a downer. Some ski areas require advance reservations or have capacity limits. Cranmore is giving priority status to its season passholders and offering private lessons only; Gunstock — as with most ski areas — is urging skiers to boot up at the car, and reservations were required this winter for lodge, food court and pub entry. Still, it’s not all bad. You just need to pick your spots. Historically, ski country will pick up an additional 1-2 feet of snow in March — more if we’re lucky and much more at higher elevations. Wildcat thrives this time of year, routinely shooting for the state’s longest ski season. Regulars know Cannon’s Taft Slalom Trail — cut for racing in 1933 — gets plenty of afternoon sun and is an ideal spot for a springtime mid-afternoon hideaway. Look for “The Rock” in a small enclave to your right and park it there for a warming respite and a snack. And while the aerial tramway at Cannon remained stationary this winter,
skinning is a go on designated trails. If you find yourself at Bretton Woods on one of those perfect spring days, head over to Mount Rosebrook and find Snake, which presents an ideal late season bump run for those who catch it at the right time. “It’s narrow, but not ridiculously narrow,” says Mike Roberts of Windham, a member of the Bretton Woods club. “There are a lot of soft bumps in there, and when you get a good spring snow, assuming you had a good base allowing the bumps to build up, it’s perfect.” The penalty for falling isn’t steep — no yard sales here — and the payoff, well, that’s why we ski in the spring. And as those in the know can attest, Tuckerman is at its best in April and even into May. The snowpack has typically stabilized, creating a challenging backcountry experience that has become a rite of passage for skiers looking for a challenge/ adrenaline rush in its steepest runs on The Chute, with rocks on both sides. But be aware (and, if possible, experienced): Testing yourself against Tucks can be beautiful and rewarding,
but it can also be dangerous — think avalanches, falling ice and undermined snow. However, by April the avalanche risk has somewhat lessened, which explains the enduring popularity for the ultimate New Hampshire backcountry challenge this time of year. All that said, there are a few drawbacks to slush season, including dodging scrub poking up through thin cover, dealing with unpredictable conditions and ice. Solution? Experts will tell you: keep your eyes open, and a liberal application of wax. So here’s to a springtime soon filled with beach parties, pond skimming and questionable neon fashion choices. “If it gets too warm, you’re skiing in slush,” Roberts says of the back end of the season. “If it warms up and cools down, it can get icy and you’ll be skiing on granules. But at least once every spring, I get a day that’s just right, and when it’s all done, you reflect on it and you know it was awesome.” — Bill Burke nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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The
wonderful fans of
Meet the Disney experts who call New Hampshire home By Bill Burke / Photos by Kendal J. Bush / Digital painting by John R. Goodwin 48
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
Mouseketeers among us I have a cool party trick. It’s called “ask me how many times I’ve been to Walt Disney World.” It’s usually followed up with an assurance that I’m not really a weirdo, because the answer, as you may be able to surmise, is a lot. Here’s the thing though: I’m not alone. If this was a normal school vacation season, families would be piling the kids into a plane right about now and winging their way three hours south. In fact, this is the time of year when Walt Disney World’s population of New Hampshire residents normally skyrockets. During April vacation, it’d be rare to cross Main Street USA without spotting a UNH hoodie or hearing someone say, “The line at Small World is wicked long.” The love for the sprawling central Florida resort has spawned massive, passionate subcultures that focus on everything from how to most efficiently conquer the Most Magical Place on Earth to chronicling the Epcot pursuit of drinking around the world. And though the answer to my party-trick question is somewhere in the 80s, that number is dwarfed by others who frequent the place much more often. It may be 1,358 miles from the state capitol in Concord to Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, yet some of the most knowledgeable and recognizable Disney aficionados in that massive and committed subculture come from right here in New Hampshire. To wit: the Salem engineer working on government contracts who would rather be on Pirates of the Caribbean, the New Boston journalist breaking Disney industry news online, the radio host spinning tunes while dreaming of Space Mountain, and the Nashua global training manager/podcasting pioneer who helped build a renowned brand.
“When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.” — Walt Disney
This vinyl Mickey Mouse is part of an extensive collection amassed by Disney fanatic/expert Randy Houle of Salem. nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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Jim Hill of New Boston is a podcasting, blogging, journalistic icon in the Disney community with sources second to none.
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hen breaking Disney news is released into the world, it more often than not emanates from New Boston. That's where Jim Hill, a longtime journalist who began his career in the Army writing for the base newspaper at Fort Devens, has been cultivating inside sources for more than 35 years. For Hill, creator of JimHillMedia.com and co-host of “The Disney Dish” podcast, it started by helping a base commander at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms research Donald Duck’s “service” in the Navy. Hill reached out to famed Disney archivist Dave Smith (“he didn’t hang up on me,” Hill laughs)
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who gave him the official story — Donald never left the service in his animated career. The feature, which was picked up by The Associated Press, caught Disney’s attention, and not long after, Hill found himself at Disneyland covering the park’s 30th anniversary. “I was just sitting there at this dedication ceremony in the summer of 1985, and the two gentlemen sitting in front of me were trading Walt stories,” Hill says of a chance encounter with a pair of now-legendary Disney Imagineers. “It was John Hench and Herbie Ryman, who worked with Walt on the actual map of Disneyland. I said, ‘I don't want to intrude, but I so appreciate your work and thank you for everything you’ve
done.’ This was early on, when few people knew their work or their names, and they opened up like flowers. From there, it just kind of snowballed.” Hill’s list of quotable sources and contacts ranges from Disney legends like Marc Davis, Tony Baxter and Mark Eades to industry giants like John Lasseter, J.K. Rowling and actor Josh Gad. “I was at the D23 Expo just before ‘Frozen’ opened,” says Hill. “I was in a standard press line where you get your two minutes with a celebrity before they move on to the next reporter. Josh was with a publicist from Disney who introduced us. His eyes got real big and he said, ‘You’re Jim Hill? I’m obsessed with
Why New Hampshire?
Just part of Jim Hill’s collection of media passes from his long career covering theme parks
you.’ He’s a huge Disney geek and he was mad at me because I never answered one of his questions in my ‘Why For’ column. In fact, he just reached out to me this week because he and his daughter were binge-watching ‘Full House’ and they came across the episode where the family goes to Walt Disney World. He contacted me and said, ‘I have questions.’” Like many baby boomers, Hill was first introduced to Disney through a standing Sunday night appointment in front of the TV to watch “Wonderful World of Color.” His favorite episodes were when Walt Disney himself would pull back the curtain on Disneyland and share details about ongoing projects.
As Disneyana began to explode with the growth of the internet, providing a direct pipeline between Disney freaks and their entertainment destination of choice, Hill wrote for a number of sites before launching JimHillMedia.com. (“Finally, a place that couldn’t fire me.”) Then came the “Disney Dish” podcast, which he co-hosts with well-known Disney expert Len Testa of TouringPlans. com, which became an outlet for the information he culls on the regular from a roster of well-placed sources. “I prefer to get the story right,” he says of his approach. “The downside is that I have hundreds of stories I've been told that start with ‘only tell this one after
It’s worth noting, Jim Hill says, that Disney has always thought of New Hampshire as an important market — particularly for Walt Disney World. “It was really telling that, when Disney launched the Disney Store chain back in ’86 and ’87, one of the very first markets they put a Disney Store, and it was a deliberate choice, was in the Pheasant Lane Mall,” he says. “The thinking was, ‘We’ll get Disney fans in Massachusetts who go over the border for tax-free shopping, but also all of the people in New Hampshire who are facing yet another joyful winter and figure it's time to go to Orlando.’” Randy Houle, who brings an analyst’s sensibilities to his travel passion, posits that it’s a natural progression in travel. Even before Disney became a global conglomerate, Florida was a popular snowbird destination. Now, air travel is simple enough that it takes about as much effort to fly to MCO as it did to drive to the Catskills years ago. Flights to and from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport make it an easy schlep, and yet it's distant enough where you can get away and close enough where if you leave in the morning, you can be mainlining Dole Whips at Aloha Isle by lunch. “I think there are a lot of amazing, creative minds here in New Hampshire, and Walt Disney World lets you be creative,” Bishop says. “It lets you transport yourself to a fantasy land and be open to ideas and experiences. And I think there are a lot of people in New Hampshire who have that side to them.”
I die.’ The good stuff is still to come.” His favorite part of the nontraditional approach to entertainment journalism? “The fact I get to do it in New Hampshire,” he says. “In a lot of ways it keeps me very grounded. A lot of podcasters move down to Orlando or out to Anaheim, thinking that, if they’re close to the source, they can have the first picture of that new cupcake. Those folks are genuinely suffering right now [because of the pandemic closure and related restrictions]. The nice thing about when you live in the woods of New Hampshire, it’s sort of like, ‘Oh, my God, the Magic Kingdom closed today.’ Yeah, but the sun still came up.” nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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WZID on-air personality Heather Bishop admits she’s likely to drop a Disney reference within minutes of starting a conversation.
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A
s an on-air personality at 95.7 WZID, Heather Bishop entertains and informs listeners with music, traffic, news and weather during her midday shift. Catch Bishop offmic, however, and she’ll toss around coded terms like DHS, ADR, BTMRR, IASW, DAK and about a million other impenetrably complex Disney acronyms. Fluent in Disney-speak, Bishop has a black belt in Disney-fu, and even braved the resort just days after it reopened following the unprecedented four month closure due to the pandemic. “I wanted to prove it was safe,” Bishop says. “I wanted to see for myself — to see it firsthand so I could tell other people.” Was it? “This is the thing: If you’ve been a billion times, it’s not the same. The first time back after COVID, it was a lot different. The game is completely changed. There were staggered openings at the parks. I’m a ‘get-up-at-the-crack-of-dawn/get-to-thepark-first’ person. That wasn’t an option. The thought of waiting for Epcot to open at 11 a.m. gave me hives, but it turned out to be great. Focusing on relaxing in the morning was awesome. I stayed in bed until 9 a.m. Unless I’m sick, I never stay in bed until 9 a.m.” The Tilton resident hasn’t kept count of the number of times she’s visited, but admits that the chain of Magic Bands — the wristbands that act as your room key,
credit card and theme park passes, among other things — is probably best measured in parsecs. “I’m worse than a vegan. When you have a conversation with a vegan, they’ll tell you about it in the first five minutes. Well, that’s me. I can turn any conversation into a Disney conversation,” she says. “But you know what? You do you — I’m going to do me. I have a child on the spectrum, so the more we go, the better the trip we have. He knows what to expect.” Bishop’s love of the place started in the ’80s, but it became permanent just a few years ago during a family getaway. Her son, Josh, had been recently diagnosed with Kawasaki disease and nearly died. When they arrived at Disney after treatment at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, cast members stepped up. “We got to Animal Kingdom, here he is in his wheelchair, and we know he couldn’t ride a lot of attractions,” Bishop says. “He liked to collect autographs, so we got in line to see Lilo and Stitch near the front of the park. A cast member sees us and says, ‘Wait over here.’ He closes the line, and brings us straight to Lilo and Stitch, who spent 20 to 30 minutes with us. I will never forget that. Josh still had his hospital bracelet on; Stitch pointed to it and we started to tell his story. We started crying. There were tears and hugs. They created a magic that I will always be appreciative of.”
A small section of Heather Bishop’s chain of Magic Bands — a visitor’s park pass, room key, credit card and more — that stretches longer than the typical line at Animal Kingdom’s Flight of Passage attraction nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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Mike Scopa of Nashua displays just a few of the runDisney medals he’s taken home over the years.
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y day, Mike Scopa works in procedure governance and global training — another professional face in an office. But in his off hours he’s a rock star with Mouse ears (and a pair of running shoes) cementing his spot on the Disney-adjacent Mount Rushmore. Scopa, a Nashua resident, was one of the original voices of the “WDW Today” podcast, along with podcast co-host Len Testa and a few others. The podcast was an early entry into the now-ubiquitous format, and one that measured downloads in the multimillions at its height. There was a time when the guy with the reassuring New England accent telling you when to go, 54
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where to go and what to do when you got there couldn’t walk from his airport gate at MCO to the Magical Express shuttle without being spotted by a fan. “When I start a new job, I’m careful. I don’t say anything,” he says of his sidehustle as a Disney expert. “But when I started at Santander, one of the directors came over to me — he’s a friend of mine now — and he said, ‘I know who you are. I’m a big fan, but I didn’t want to come over and gawk.’ It’s happened in pretty much every company I’ve worked with.” The podcast, which has since been passed on to a new team, ran for nearly 1,300 episodes. “We just wanted to have a lot of fun,”
Scopa says. “We didn’t have any objective of making money or getting fame and fortune. We just wanted to get together and talk and help people. As the months went on, we realized we needed to get some guests — and they started pouring in. We had Lee Cockerell, the former executive vice president of operations at Walt Disney World; we had performers, cast members, an Imagineer here and there, show directors, the people who put together the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. It got to be a lot of fun. We learned what goes on behind the scenes and found out a few secrets we'll have to take to our graves.” It allowed the podcast team to build a community of friends who would travel
An avid runner, Scopa spends almost as much time trotting on the roadways around (and through) Disney’s famed theme parks as he does marching up Main Street USA — as these race medals show.
to Florida and meet up annually, and it even spawned an informal renaming of the resort’s Pop Century Resort, where he would often stay, to the slightly catchier “Scopa Towers.” (Scopa’s number is north of 250 visits.) “There was a chemistry there that worked,” he says. “A lot of people that listened to us became friends. We’d meet up at Mousefest or Reunion, spend time with them, go out to dinner and have a great time. I didn’t want it to become a job though, and all good things come to an end.” It didn’t put an end of his love of all things Disney, and specifically of running. As cohost of the “Mickey Miles & More” podcast, he kept logging miles and sharing his
expertise. On one race weekend, normally held the first weekend in January, he ran the Walt Disney World 5K, 10K and half marathon. He then hopped the Disney Cruise Line to Castaway Cay and hosted Olympian and running guru Jeff Galloway as a guest on the podcast. Then it was back to the airport for a flight to the West Coast, where he ran another half marathon and 10K in an attempt to earn the coveted Kessel Run medal — at the time, a 10K and half marathon on each coast. “When running Disney, we had uniforms for two different running teams,” he says. “A lot of people put their names on the back of their shirts, and even though I didn’t want to call attention to myself, people recognized me.” Handshakes, a breather, a few selfies, and Scopa was back on the road. “It cost me a couple of personal records,” he says, laughing. Scopa started his relationship with Disney as a child, watching the “Mickey Mouse Club” and writing a report in
school about the 1964 World’s Fair. He had a chance to visit the new Walt Disney World in 1975, which at that time consisted of the Magic Kingdom and a couple of hotels. Even then, it managed to ensnare the future fan in him. “It’s the willful suspension of disbelief,” he says. “That did it for me. On one particular trip with my family, I forgot what day it was. That never happens to me. It really suppresses any worry and stress you might have.” An early column Scopa wrote about how the place made him feel ran on mouseplanet.com and caught the eye of a rather recognizable figure. “One of the nicest things that I'm most proud of is how that article was adopted by the SaveDisney website,” he says. “Roy E. Disney [Walt’s nephew, Roy’s son] put it on the homepage. I must’ve really hit on something they really liked. Maybe it captured something that sums it all up.” nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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Randy Houle of Salem is surrounded by just a fraction of his collection of Disney memorabilia.
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andy Houle is a nononsense, pickupdriving, die-hard Patriots fan with a hard Merrimack Valley accent who can project a gruff demeanor. By day, he’s a program manager on a mobile air traffic control system used by the US Army and the Marines. Mention Mickey Mouse, though, and this Raytheon engineer reveals his true form. As an annual passholder for more than two decades, Houle has walked through the turnstiles at Walt Disney World as many as 60 times in one year, which may not seem all that remarkable until you realize he lives in Salem. “I first went in 1992 with my wife’s family,” Houle says. “I was always a fan of Disney stuff — I’d watch ‘Wonderful World of Disney’ every week as a kid — but when I first went to the parks, it was a whole new thing.” After that initial impression, the Houles — his wife works as a CFO for a New Hampshire bank — spent their honeymoon there. That trip, in turn, led to others. Many others. (His personal count is between 130 and 140.) At first, Houle says, people would scoff, “You’re going to Disney again?” Now: No one says that to him anymore. “The more you go, the sense of wonder and amazement you have the first few times turns into this feeling of going home,” Houle says. “You’re returning to someplace you enjoy and where you can relax. It’s like being away for a long time and then coming home. It feels good.” So good, he turned pro. For a time, Houle was a Disney cast member — what the company calls its employees — at The Disney Store in the Mall at Rockingham Park. He’d spend days overseeing government contracts and evenings organizing Disney pin-trading events. “I’d get to talk to people who had similar interests, I’d get to see cool stuff before it came out, and I got great discounts,” he says. “At the time I worked there, I could get into the parks for free with my cast member ID, and we got 50% off of room costs. It was a great deal, it was fun, and I loved it.” Houle counts a number of Walt Disney World classic attractions among his favorites (“I know they’re not the most exciting,” he says). Among them: The Peoplemover,
One of Houle’s most prized collectibles is this Jiminy Cricket figurine carved out of reclaimed Redwood from the western slopes of the Sierra Nevadas.
Spaceship Earth and The Carousel of Progress. The Carousel is an attraction originally conceived conceived by Walt Disney for the 1964 World’s Fair. One experience, in particular, however, stands out. “Before Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party became such a big thing, they had pin events — starting around the millennium,” Houle says. “They had
all sorts of live entertainment in the park and, if you got the special dinner package, you could have dinner in the Haunted Mansion. We did, and that night I snuck a pocket-size TV in with me and got to watch the Red Sox break the curse by winning the World Series — from inside the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World.” NH
An unlikely Walt Disney World fanatic
Me?
I’m an enthusiast. If I find something I like, I’m probably going to take it to excess. So, though it may not seem like it after 80-something trips to Walt Disney World, I was originally an unlikely Walt Disney World fanatic. I like Motorhead and watching hockey fights on YouTube as much as the next meathead, but my favorite song is “Go the Distance” from Disney’s “Hercules,” and I'll stand in a long line to get my picture taken with Goofy. What's the attraction? It took writing three “Mousejunkies” books to try to explain how Disney brained me with the most magical sucker punch on Earth one hot August day in 1998, but since that Bill Burke is also the afternoon, it’s become a part of every single day of my life. author of Disney guidebook It’s like Scopa says — it’s the willful suspension of disbelief. Your biggest worry while staying onsite is getting to your dinner reservation “Mousejunkies.” on time. It’s like Jim Hill says — you meet creative people who are passionate about what they do. It's like Heather Bishop says — it’s a place that can make you feel something and leave you with lasting memories. And it’s like what Randy Houle says — after yet another excessive and unnecessary trip, it’s still like going home. — Bill Burke
V Check out more “The Wonderful Fans of Disney” photos at nhmagazine.com.
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TOP
Docs ON OUR COVER: DR. CHERIE HOLMES
Top Doctor Cherie Holmes is a highly credentialed orthopedic surgeon and is Chief Medical Officer for Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Keene, but she received a B.A. in English language and literature from Dartmouth College as the first big milepost of her academic career. She went on to earn her M.D. at Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed her residency in orthopedic surgery at the Harvard Combined Orthopedic Program. She practiced for four years with the US Navy, including seven months in the Persian Gulf during the first Gulf War. We asked her for comments to accompany this list of the best doctors in the Granite State, and some excerpts are included here. There are notable joys I’ve had in practicing orthopedics in a rural area like Keene. Like my family medicine colleagues, I’ve taken care of whole families from grandparents to children — what a pleasure — and now I’m caring for the children of the children I treated 20-plus years ago. Social determinants like education, income, food, housing and transportation are amplified in a rural state like ours, through health access, health equity, health knowledge and cost of care. We wrestle with these issues not only in the North Country and the southwest, but similarly in our cities like Manchester, Nashua and Concord. Despite our rural 58
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backdrop, the social determinants know no boundaries. My personal motto is "Ubuntu." In English it means “I am because you are.” It is an African philosophy based on common humanity or, as I understand it, the individual’s relationship with family, community and the world around them. I am a Black, female orthopedic surgeon. I am a chief medical officer. I have come to recognize that I am only who I am because of my family, my patients, my staff, my colleagues and my community. I feel like the positivity, help and strength I share and gain from all of them collectively is the greatest gift in my life. I am not particularly special. I am because they are. At Cheshire, and at DartmouthHitchcock as a system, we have been focusing on provider well-being, in a physical, mental and spiritual sense. [The pandemic] can be a heavy weight on health care professionals. Nonetheless, I see resiliency and acts of giving and kindness every day in our clinics, offices and hospitals. The inauguration poet, Amanda Gorman, said: The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it. Our health care professionals and workers bravely provide the light to our patients, our employees and to each other every day.
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Leading Physicians in 58 Specialties
For the 2021 Top Doctors Poll, we selected national research firm Castle Connolly to conduct the survey process. Included are 421 doctors in 58 specialties, as nominated by their peers, who cover a wide range of medical needs from pediatrics to surgical care. We also asked several of this year’s Top Doctors to share a quotation, goal or anecdote that helps motivate or inspire them to continue practicing medicine at the highest level.
Top Doctors 2021 Adolescent Medicine Keith Loud, M.D., M.S.C. DHMC Lebanon (603) 653-9663
Allergy & Immunology Barbara Lynn Deuell, M.D. Portsmouth Regional Frisbie Memorial Allergy Associates of New Hampshire Portsmouth (603) 436-7897
Amitha Harish, M.D.
SNHMC Southern New Hampshire Asthma & Allergy Nashua (603) 577-3065 Primary Care of Hudson Hudson (603) 886-3979
John N. Kalliel, M.D.
Elliot, CMC Manchester Allergy Inc. Manchester (603) 668-6444
Amit Kumar, M.D.
SNHMC Southern New Hampshire Asthma & Allergy Nashua (603) 577-3065
Kevin Roelofs, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Allergy Associates of New Hampshire Portsmouth (603) 436-7897
Marie-Helene Sajous M.D., M.S.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Specialty Care at Bedford Medical Park (603) 695-2560
Sarah A. Taylor-Black, M.D. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Concord (603) 228-4548
Cardiac Electrophysiology Connor Haugh, M.D. F.A.C.C., F.H.R.S. CMC, St. Joseph New England Heart & Vascular Institute Manchester (603) 669-0413
Jamie H. Kim, M.D., F.A.C.C. CMC, Parkland New England Heart & Vascular Institute Manchester (603) 669-0413
Michael Mazzini, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Wentworth Health PartnersCardiovascular Group Dover (603) 516-4265
Cardiovascular Disease Bruce W. Andrus, M.D., M.S.
Robert Capodilupo M.D., F.A.C.C.
Catholic Medical Center New England Heart & Vascular Institute Manchester (603) 669-0413
Many of the doctors featured in this survey practice in more than one hospital and many have private practices. Below is a list of the hospitals in the state and their abbreviations: Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center (BASC)
St. Joseph Hospital (St. Joseph), Nashua
Catholic Medical Center (CMC) Manchester
Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital (UCVH), Colebrook
Concord Hospital (Concord)
Valley Regional Healthcare (Valley Regional Health) Claremont
Cottage Hospital (Cottage) Woodsville Elliot Hospital (Elliot) Manchester Exeter Hospital (Exeter) Franklin Regional Hospital (Franklin Regional) Frisbie Memorial Hospital (Frisbie Memorial) Rochester Lakes Region General Hospital (Lakes Region General/ LRGH) Laconia
Steven P. Beaudette, M.D. F.A.C.C.
Littleton Regional Healthcare (Littleton Regional)
Craig Berry, M.D., F.A.C.C. CMC, St. Joseph New England Heart & Vascular Institute Nashua (800) 437-9666
SNHMC Foundation Cardiology Nashua (603) 577-2039
Key to Abbreviations
DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5724
CMC, St. Joseph Huggins Hospital New England Heart & Vascular Institute Manchester (603) 669-0413
Wendi Cardeiro M.D., F.A.C.C.
Monadnock Community Hospital, (Monadnock Hospital) Peterborough Nashua Ambulatory Surgical Center (NASC) Parkland Medical Center (Parkland), Derry Portsmouth Regional Hospital (Portsmouth Regional) Southern New Hampshire Medical Center (SNHMC) Nashua Speare Memorial Hospital (Speare Memorial) Plymouth
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital (Wentworth-Douglass) Dover Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health (D-HH) Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), Lebanon Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua Dartmouth-Hitchcock Concord Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene Dartmouth-Hitchcock Bennington, Vt. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health Members:
Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APDMH), Lebanon Cheshire Medical Center Keene Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Canter (Mt. Ascutney) Windsor, Vt. New London Hospital (NLH) New London
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From Our Award Winning Family to Yours Thank you for trusting us with your OB-GYN care since 1983
Honestly I've only visited one time so far but I can't believe how much this entire staff already feels like family. Everyone is so professional and welcoming and made me feel so comfortable right away. I always have had a positive experience at this office. The staff is very professional and makes the patient comfortable at all times. They try to be very prompt with their appointment times even when they are faced with staff shortages due to emergencies. I would highly recommend this office to anyone needing OB/GYN care.
OUR
2021
Dr. Danielle Albushies
Dr. Kristen Bannister
FUN FACT: DR. ALBUSHIES USED TO BE IN A METALLICA ROCK BAND.
FUN FACT: DR. BANNISTER DREAMED OF BEING A DOCTOR AS A LITTLE GIRL.
“The experience of giving birth to a child never gets routine for me. I get to spend a lot of time getting to know a family through the labor process which is awesome. It’s a privilege to be there with families to celebrate ‘birth-days’.”
“I build trust with patients by meeting them where they are at, being open to what they have to say and really getting to know each person as an individual. I know a lot of what we talk about in the gynecology office is uncomfortable and nothing is more important to me than making my patient feel like she can share.”
Dr. Lara Hanlon FUN FACT: DR. HANLON HAS RUN UP MT. WASHINGTON THREE TIMES!
“Women are coming to meet to discuss the most intimate details of their life, including the most exciting and sometimes their most difficult times. I want my patients to feel like they are at home here. By opening my heart to people, I think that patients feel more comfortable opening up to me.”
Dr. Lisbeth Murphy FUN FACT: DR. MURPHY READS MORE THAN 52 BOOKS PER YEAR!
“I think we have something really unique at Bedford Commons OB-GYN – we all work really well together. Even though we are big, we want to keep the small practice feel. This community of physicians and patients are my family away from my family.”
Dr. Jennifer Weidner
Dr. Marc Leclair FUN FACT: DR. LECLAIR CARVED A 9-FT BEAR OUT OF A TREE TRUNK USING A CHAIN SAW.
“Developing a relationship with my patients helps me understand what their priorities are in their healthcare. Every patient has different opinions about what really matters to them and it’s my job to listen to these and provide evidence based advice.”
Dr. Polyxeni Rounds FUN FACT: DR. ROUNDS IS NOW DELIVERING BABIES FOR THE BABIES SHE DELIVERED 30 YEARS AGO.
“I love to know what my patients’ interests are and what they do outside of work and school. I think this makes the relationship comfortable and makes it easier to discuss more personal concerns. Knowing my patients through the years as their lives change is a gift.”
Dr. Fletcher Wilson
FUN FACT: DR. WEIDNER HIKED THE MONT BLANC TRAIL WHICH IS A 105-MILE HIKE THROUGH FRANCE, ITALY, AND SWITZERLAND.
FUN FACT: DR. WILSON, KNOWN AS THE GUY WITH THE BOW TIE, LOVES PLAYING PRACTICAL JOKES.
“It’s important to me to make sure that patients feel comfortable when they come in. I believe that the patient is an active participant in making a decision about her healthcare and I am there to help her guide that decision.”
“I really focus on each patient as an individual, taking into account their personal beliefs and concerns, while addressing their needs in the most effective way possible.”
See why our patients call us family, call or visit us online to schedule today.
Top Doctors 2021 Peter Dourdoufis, D.O. Portsmouth Regional Cardiovascular Care of NH & York Newington (603) 431-6691
Carl M. Fier, M.D. Elliot Hospital Manchester (603) 627-1669
Louis Fink, M.D., F.A.C.C. Catholic Medical Center New England Heart & Vascular Institute Manchester (603) 669-0413
Gregory M. Goodkin, M.D. Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Exeter (603) 773-9992
Jonathan Paul Greenblatt, M.D. Elliot Hospital Manchester (603) 627-1669
Stephen Hanlon M.D., F.A.C.C.
CMC, Parkland New England Heart & Vascular Institute Manchester (603) 669-0413
Alan T. Kono, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-2929
Kevin F. Kwaku, M.D., Ph.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-4590
Robert M. Lavery, M.D. F.A.C.C. Elliot Hospital Elliot Cardiovascular Consultants Manchester (603) 627-1669
Jeffrey T. Lockhart, M.D.
Concord Hospital Concord Hospital Cardiology Concord (603) 224-6070
Michael E. Metzger, M.D. Frisbie Memorial Strafford Cardiology Associates Rochester (603) 332-1400
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Ayesha Nazeer, M.D.
Concord Hospital, LRGH Concord Hospital Cardiology Concord (603) 524-1600
Top Doctors
Sachin Saksena, M.D. Frisbie Memorial Strafford Cardiology Associates Rochester (603) 332-1400
Steven Lee Schwartz, M.D. F.A.C.C. SNHMC, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center Foundation Cardiology Nashua (603) 577-2039
Tong Zhu, M.D., Ph.D. Elliot Hospital Manchester (603) 627-1669
Colon & Rectal Surgery John V. Flannery Jr., M.D. SNHMC Colon & Rectal Surgery of New England Nashua (603) 577-3322
Jeffrey R. Harnsberger, M.D. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Elliot Hospital Manchester (603) 695-2840
Russell A. Strong III, M.D.
Concord Hospital Concord Surgical Associates Concord (603) 224-0584
Dermatology Denise M. Aaron, M.D. DHMC Dartmouth-Hitchcock Heater Road Lebanon (603) 650-3108
Hamad Al Abdulrazzaq, M.D. Emerson Hospital, CMC Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Manchester (603) 626-7546
Anthony J. Aversa, M.D.
Concord Hospital Northeast Dermatology Associates (978) 691-5690
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
Jennifer Weidner M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Obstetrics & Gynecology Elliot Hospital, Catholic Medical Center Bedford Commons OB-GYN, PA Bedford
James G. Dinulos, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Seacoast Dermatology, PLLC Portsmouth (603) 431-5205
Michael D. Lichter, M.D. SNHMC Nashua Dermatology Associates Nashua (603) 579-9648
Mollie A. MacCormack, M.D. SNHMC Foundation Skin Surgery & Dermatology Nashua (603) 883-8311
Julianne A. Mann, M.D. DHMC Dartmouth-Hitchcock Heater Road Lebanon (603) 650-3102
Gary W. Mendese, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Winchester Hospital Dermatology & Skin Health Dover (603) 742-5556
Stephen D. Moyer, D.O.
Wentworth-Douglass Dermatology & Skin Health Dover (603) 742-5556
“As an obstetrician/gynecologist, I have the honor and privilege to take care of women of all ages. This allows me the opportunity to develop long relationships with my patients, and to help them successfully navigate through the many changes women experience in their health throughout their lifetimes. As both a surgeon and a primary care physician of women’s health, my job is fulfilling in so many ways. I enjoy the skill and challenge of surgery, the joy of delivering a new life into this world, and the satisfaction of helping women to understand and develop a plan to treat their medical issues. Honestly, I cannot think of a more rewarding career.” Jose Emilio Peraza, M.D. F.A.A.D.
Valley Regional Health New London Hospital APDMH, Mt. Ascutney Hospital & Health Center Peraza Dermatology Group Claremont (603) 542-6455
Robert B. Posnick, M.D. SNHMC Nashua Dermatology Associates Nashua (603) 579-9648
Andrew E. Werchniak, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Seacoast Dermatology, PLLC Dover (603) 431-5205
DevelopmentalBehavioral Pediatrics Nina Sand-Loud, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 653-6060
Diagnostic Radiology Elizabeth Angelakis, M.D.
CMC, Elliot Breast Care Center Bedford (603) 663-5270 Southern New Hampshire Radiology Consultants Bedford (603) 627-1661
William C. Black, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-4488
Michael Ciaschini, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Frisbie Memorial Seacoast Radiology, PA Dover (603) 516-1307
Adam Elias, M.D.
Elliot Hospital Southern New Hampshire Radiology Consultants Bedford (603) 627-1661
David W. Fontaine, M.D.
Catholic Medical Center Southern New Hampshire Radiology Consultants Bedford (603) 627-1661
David Hou, M.D.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester (603) 695-2850
John J. Januario, M.D.
Southern New Hampshire Radiology Consultants Bedford (603) 627-1661
John G. Pierce, M.D.
Catholic Medical Center Southern New Hampshire Radiology Consultants Bedford (603) 627-1661
VOTED
40
TIMES
The distinguished physicians of New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center are consistently recognized to be leading professionals in their fields. Our physicians have been voted Top Doctors by their peers 40 times since 2001—more than any other orthopaedic group in the state.
Bryan A. Bean, MD Eric R. Benson, MD Daniel P. Bouvier, MD Peter M. Eyvazzadeh, MD Andrew T. Garber, MD Douglas M. Goumas, MD
Robert J. Heaps, MD Kathleen A. Hogan, MD Heather C. Killie, MD Christian M. Klare, MD Lance R. Macey, MD Marc J. Michaud, MD
Dinakar S. Murthi, MD Gregory W. Soghikian, MD Steve I. Strapko, MD James C. Vailas, MD Jinsong Wang, MD, PhD Matthew W. Wilkening, MD
Top Doctors 2021
Cecil Wesley Bean, M.D.
Plastic Surgery Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Frisbie Memorial Hospital Wentworth Health Partners Plastic Surgery Specialists Dover
Shawn Rayder, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Frisbie Memorial Seacoast Radiology, PA Dover (603) 516-1307
Tad T. Renvyle, M.D.
Catholic Medical Center Southern New Hampshire Radiology Consultants Bedford (603) 627-1661
Peter Van der Meer, M.D.
Elliot Hospital Southern New Hampshire Radiology Consultants Bedford (603) 627-1661
Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism Barrett Chapin, M.D.
Lakes Region General Franklin Regional Hospital Laconia Clinic Laconia (603) 524-5151
Ellie Chuang, M.D.
SNHMC Southern NH Diabetes & Endocrinology Nashua (603) 577-5760
Richard J. Comi, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-8630
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“My 20-plus years in the United States Army are largely responsible for my dedication to the field of plastic surgery. During the first Gulf War, and later during the Somalia conflict, I saw firsthand the war injuries requiring massive reconstructive efforts. To this day, the restoration of form and function is at the forefront of my practice. I largely focus on reconstruction after cancer, especially breast cancer and head and neck cancer. Plastic surgery continues to be a fulfilling endeavor, and I am greatly appreciative of my patients and the outstanding colleagues. Theodore Roosevelt said it best: ‘Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.’” Matthew F. Kamil, M.D. Frisbie Memorial Diabetes & Endocrine Center Rochester (603) 994-0120
Robert A. Levine, M.D. F.A.C.E. St. Joseph Hospital Nashua (603) 881-7141
Mini Mahata, M.D. Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Stratham (603) 926-1119
Sue A. Taylor, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Endocrinology & Diabetes Consultants Dover (603) 742-1143
Family Medicine Adam Androlia, D.O. DMC Primary Care Bedford and Derry (603) 537-1300
Mark J. Aronson, D.O.
Lakes Region General Lakes Region Family Practice Laconia (603) 527-2969
Anne Barry, D.O.
DMC Primary Care Windham (603) 537-1300
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
Barbara A. Bates, M.D.
Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (603) 354-6763
Lydia Bennett, M.D.
John P. Daley, M.D., F.A.A.P. DMC Primary Care Derry (603) 537-1300
Kevin M. Donovan, D.O.
Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Exeter (603) 775-0000
Douglas R. Dreffer, M.D.
Frisbie Memorial Rochester Hill Family Practice Rochester (603) 335-2401
Frisbie Memorial Rochester Hill Family Practice Rochester (603) 335-2401
DMC Primary Care Derry (603) 537-1300
Cristi M. Egenolf, M.D. DMC Primary Care Derry (603) 537-1300
David V. Ferris, D.O.
Ammonoosuc Community Health Services Littleton (603) 444-2464
John Edward Ford, D.O. Littleton Regional Weeks Medical Center Whitefield (603) 837-9005
Rachel Franchi-Winters, D.O.
Teri L. Brehio, M.D.
Amoskeag Health Manchester Community Health Center Manchester (603) 626-9500
Annika Brown, D.O.
DHMC Dartmouth-Hitchcock Heater Road Lebanon (603) 650-4000
Joann Buonomano, M.D.
DHMC Dartmouth-Hitchcock Heater Road Lebanon (603) 650-4000
Maureen Erin Cashman, M.D.
Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Stratham (603) 778-1620
Mayumi Chatani-Hinze, M.D.
Lakes Region General Belknap Family Health Center Belmont (603) 528-0990
DMC Primary Care Bedford (603) 537-1300
Concord Hospital Concord Hospital Family Health Center Hillsboro (603) 464-3434 DHMC Dartmouth-Hitchcock Heater Road Lebanon (603) 650-4000 Wentworth-Douglass Goodwin Community Health Strafford (603) 749-2346 Frisbie Memorial Rochester Hill Family Practice Rochester (603) 335-2401
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua (603) 577-4440
Michael A. Pangan, M.D.
Scott C. Jaynes, M.D.
J. Gilliam Johnston II, M.D.
Timothy G. Keenan, M.D.
Richard J. O’Brien Jr., M.D.
Steven Thomas Olive, M.D.
Frisbie Memorial Family Care of Farmington (603) 755-9801
David Reall, M.D.
Mark Reeder, M.D. Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Kingston (603) 642-3910
Tamara Shilling, D.O.
Frisbie Memorial Barrington Family Practice Barrington (603) 664-9003
Michael F. Thompson, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Goodwin Community Health Somersworth (603) 749-2346
Andrew G. Tremblay, M.D. Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (603) 354-6758
Katharine Laura Wetherbee D.O. DMC Primary Care Londonderry (603) 537-1300
Gastroenterology Vincent Aguirre, M.D. Elliot Hospital Elliot at River’s Edge Manchester (603) 314-6900
Jack Thomas Bueno, M.D. St. Joseph Hospital Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua (603) 577-4081
Christopher N. Dainiak, M.D. Parkland, BASC Granite State GI Consultants Derry (603) 432-8802
Aristotle J. Damianos, M.D.
Portsmouth Regional Frisbie Memorial Atlantic Digestive Specialists Portsmouth (603) 433-2488
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND Congratulations to all of the Physicians who have earned a place among New Hampshire's 2021 Top Doctors. It is our honor and privilege to recognize your commitments and dedication to New Hampshire's families. Together, we are improving the health, well-being and peace of mind of those we serve. Together, we are driving positive outcomes for those living in our community. Thank you for all you do each and every day to ensure the good health of your patients and our customers.
All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Behavioral Health, Inc., and Cigna Health Management, Inc. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. 928241 03/19 © 2021 Cigna
Top Doctors 2021
Alexandra DeBlasio Bonesho, M.D.
Pediatrics Exeter Hospital Core Physicians, Exeter
Roger M. Epstein, M.D.
Portsmouth Regional Frisbie Memorial Atlantic Digestive Specialists Portsmouth (603) 433-2488
Stuart R. Gordon, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5030
Marylyn Virginia Grondin, M.D.
Portsmouth Regional Frisbie Memorial Atlantic Digestive Specialists Portsmouth (603) 433-2488 Hampton (603) 758-1717
Brian Hyett, M.D.
Portsmouth Regional Frisbie Memorial Atlantic Digestive Specialists Portsmouth (603) 433-2488
Michael R. Kaczanowski M.D., A.G.A.F.
SNHMC Foundation Gastroenterology Nashua (603) 577-5355
Jennifer M. Lewis, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Frisbie Memorial Atlantic Digestive Specialists Somersworth (603) 692-2228
Sean P. Lynch, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Frisbie Memorial Atlantic Digestive Specialists Somersworth (603) 692-2228
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“Teamwork matters. Finding common understanding with families and patients is the best way to meet their needs and goals. I am fortunate to work with the Core Pediatric office team and Exeter Hospital pediatricians and specialists to provide top-level care for most problems in our community. Parenting is hard work that sometimes feels unrewarding. Supporting parents raising kids and watching them grow, change and mature together never loses its wonder.” William E. Maher, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Atlantic Digestive Specialists Somersworth (603) 692-2228
Srikrishna Nagri, M.D. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua (603) 577-4081
Matthew J. Rockacy, M.D. Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (603) 354-6515
Richard I. Rothstein, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5261
Robert A. Ruben, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Frisbie Memorial Atlantic Digestive Specialists Somersworth (603) 692-2228
Thomas M. Sherman, M.D.
Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Exeter (603) 772-5528
Corey A. Siegel, M.D., M.S. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5261
Mark Jan Silversmith, M.D. Catholic Medical Center NH Gastroenterology at Catholic Medical Center Bedford (603) 625-5744
Robert D. Thomson, M.D. Concord Hospital GI Associates - Concord Gastroenterology (603) 228-1763
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
Geriatric Medicine Samuel Joel Goldman, D.O.
Elliot Hospital Senior Health Primary Care Manchester (603) 663-7030
Gynecologic Oncology Evelyn Fleming, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 653-3525 Norris Cotton Cancer Center Manchester (603) 629-8775
Loyd A. West, M.D.
DHMC Lebanon (603) 653-3525 Dartmouth-Hitchcock Concord (603) 653-3525
Hand Surgery Paul C. Bettinger, M.D.
Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (603) 354-5482
Roderick Bruno, M.D. Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Exeter (603) 777-1000
Crawford C. Campbell, M.D. Holy Family Hospital Essex Orthopaedics & Optima Sports Medicine Salem (603) 898-2244
Robert J. Heaps, M.D.
BASC, CMC, Elliot, Parkland St. Joseph, SNHMC, NASC The New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center Nashua (603) 883-0091 Bedford (603) 669-5454
H. Matthew Quitkin M.D., M.B.A.
Portsmouth Regional York Hospital Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Portsmouth (603) 431-1121
Jinsong Wang, M.D., Ph.D. BASC, CMC, Elliot Parkland The New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center Bedford (603) 669-5454 Salem (603) 898-0180
Hematology Elizabeth M. Bengtson, M.D.
DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5529 Norris Cotton Cancer Center North St. Johnsbury, Vt.. (802) 473-4100
Archana Bhargava, M.D. Frisbie Memorial Center for Cancer Care & Hematology Rochester (603) 335-8490
Frederick M. Briccetti, M.D.
Concord Hospital, Elliot New Hampshire OncologyHematology, PA Concord (603) 224-2556
Rebecca Eisenberg, M.D. Frisbie Memorial Center for Cancer Care & Hematology Rochester (603) 335-8490
Marc Gautier, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5529
Kenneth Meehan, M.D.
DHMC Norris Cotton Cancer Center Lebanon (603) 650-4628
Jeanna Walsh, M.D.
Concord Hospital New Hampshire OncologyHematology, PA Manchester (603) 622-6484
Jill M. Winslow, M.D.
Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (603) 354-5466
Hospice & Palliative Medicine Lisa A. Leinau, M.D.
Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (603) 354-6570
Sarah J. Macduffie, D.O.
Wentworth-Douglass Wentworth Health Partners Supportive & Palliative Care Dover (603) 740-3330
Suzana K. Makowski, M.D. Exeter Hospital Palliative Care Of Exeter Exeter (603) 580-6457
Donald Byrne McDonah, M.D.
St. Joseph Hospital Nashua Radiology Nashua (603) 882-3000
Infectious Disease Alexander Granok, M.D. F.A.C.P.
SNHMC Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Merrimack (603) 429-1611
David Jay Itkin, M.D.
Portsmouth Regional Appledore Infectious Disease Portsmouth (603) 433-8733
James T. Noble, M.D.
Concord Hospital Concord Hospital Infectious Disease (603) 230-1939
Internal Medicine Brian Andrew Binczewski, M.D.
CMC, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester (603) 695-2600
Congratulations to all our Core PhysiCians Who Were named “ToP DoCs” this Year
these physicians are representative of the excellent providers throughout Core Physicians’ primary and specialty care network. together, we provide comprehensive, patient-centered care throughout the seacoast. erica Boheen, MD Core Pediatric & adolescent medicine alexandra Bonesho, MD Core Pediatric & adolescent medicine
Gregory Goodkin, MD Core Cardiology Peter ihm, MD Core otolaryngology & audiology
suzana Makowski, MD Core Physicians, Palliative Care Thomas McGovern, MD Core orthopedics
Timothy Keenan, MD Core Physicians, Family medicine
Michael Pangan, MD Core Physicians, Family medicine
roderick Bruno, MD Core orthopedics
Christopher Knox, Do Core otolaryngology & audiology
Mark reeder, MD Core Physicians, Family medicine
a. neil Clerk, MD Core orthopedics
Daniel Kunz, Do Core rheumatology
Thomas sherman, MD Core gastroenterology
Paul Deranian, MD Core Pulmonary & Critical Care medicine
steven Loh, MD Core Pediatric & adolescent medicine
Geoffrey Starr, MD Core neurology
eileen Forrest, MD Core Pediatric & adolescent medicine
Mini Mahata, MD Core endocrinology
John Brennan, MD Core Pulmonary & Critical Care medicine
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603-580-6668 corephysicians.org
Jay swett, MD, FaCs Core general surgery
Top Doctors 2021 Belinda Lynne Castor, M.D. Catholic Medical Center Manchester (603) 625-6198
Paul R. Clark, M.D. Concord Hospital Concord Hospital Internal Medicine (603) 224-4003
Joseph Peter Cunniff, M.D. Elliot Hospital Elliot Internal Medicine Londonderry (603) 434-1919
Eric W. Eisenberg, M.D.
Frisbie Memorial Skyhaven Internal Medicine Rochester (603) 330-3404
John J. Fothergill, M.D.
Andrew R. Rosen, M.D. F.A.A.P. Elliot Hospital Elliot Primary Care at Londonderry (603) 552-1400
Pamela R. Schultze, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Wentworth Health Partners Internal Medicine Dover (603) 609-6800
Mikhail Signalov, D.O. St. Joseph Hospital Nashua (603) 881-7141
Kevin A. Silva, M.D., F.A.C.P. Littleton Regional Hospital Littleton Internal Medicine (603) 444-2002
North Country Medical & Wellness Colebrook (603) 331-0500
Lijun Song, M.D., Ph.D.
Laura Fox, M.D.
Vijaya Upadrasta, M.D.
Southern NH Internal Medicine Associates Derry (603) 216-0400
Virginia Hassett, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Wentworth Health Partners Internal Medicine Dover (603) 609-6800
CMC, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester (603) 695-2600 Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester (603) 695-2600
Tanja VanderLinde, M.D.
Concord Hospital Concord Hospital Internal Medicine (603) 224-4003
Vlasta Zdrnja, M.D.
Johny Kuttab, M.D.
Catholic Medical Center Queen City Medical Associates Manchester (603) 625-6198
Stephen K. Liu, M.D., M.P.H.
Interventional Cardiology
Elliot Hospital Manchester (603) 627-1669 DHMC Lebanon (603) 653-9500
Heather Lynn Marks, M.D.
CMC, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester (603) 695-2600
Kevin Y. Pho, M.D.
St. Joseph Hospital St. Joseph Primary & Specialty Care Nashua (603) 891-4500
Donald E. Reape, M.D. St. Joseph Hospital St. Joseph Primary & Specialty Care Nashua (603) 891-4500
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Jeffrey Field Bleakley, M.D. F.A.C.C Catholic Medical Center New England Heart & Vascular Institute Manchester (603) 669-0413
Jonathan Bridges, M.D. F.A.C.C
York Hospital, Portsmouth Regional Hospital Cardiovascular Care of NH and York Newington (603) 431-6691
Jeffrey Colnes, M.D., F.A.C.C. York Hospital, Portsmouth Regional Hospital Cardiovascular Care of NH and York Newington (603) 431-6691
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
Alexander David Davis, M.D.
Orthopaedic Surgery Portsmouth Regional Hospital Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics Portsmouth
James DeVries, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5724
James M. Flynn, M.D. F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I.
Catholic Medical Center New England Heart & Vascular Institute Manchester (603) 669-0413
John E. Jayne, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5724
Maternal & Fetal Medicine Emily R. Baker, M.D.
“I grew up in a large family, learning construction from my father, which taught me the value of fixing something tangible with my own two hands. Today, as an orthopedic surgeon, it has been a true joy to combine this love of fixing things with my passion for helping people in need. Using nonsurgical interventions, modern technology, and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery my goal is to help each patient achieve their best possible outcome. It is a tremendously rewarding experience helping patients in their journey toward recovery and one that I accept with immense gratitude and humility.” Michael S. Buff, M.D.
Gautami S. Rao, M.D.
Charles H. Catcher, M.D.
Gary N. Schwartz, M.D.
Concord Hospital Elliot Hospital New Hampshire OncologyHematology, PA Hooksett (603) 622-6484 Concord Hospital Elliot Hospital New Hampshire OncologyHematology, PA Hooksett (603) 622-6484 Payson Center for Cancer Care Concord (603) 230-600
Peter H. Crow, M.D.
DHMC Lebanon (603) 653-9306 Dartmouth-Hitchcock Concord (603) 226-6117
Elliot, CMC New Hampshire OncologyHematology, PA Hooksett (603) 622-6484
Medical Oncology
Elliot, CMC New Hampshire OncologyHematology, PA Hooksett (603) 622-6484
Bradley Arrick, M.D. Ph.D., M.H.C.M. DHMC Lebanon (603) 653-6181 Norris Cotton Cancer Center Manchester (603) 629-8752 Norris Cotton Cancer Center Nashua (603) 629-8752
Gina M. DiVenuti, M.D.
Konstantin Dragnev, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-6345
Kathryn C. Hourdequin, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-9474
SNHMC, Massachusetts General Hospital Foundation Hematology/ Oncology Nashua (603) 886-7900 DHMC Lebanon (603) 653-6181
Meredith J. Selleck, M.D.
Concord Hospital New Hampshire OncologyHematology, PA Hooksett (603) 622-6484
Keisuke Shirai, M.D., M.Sc. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5534
Danny M. Sims, M.D.
Concord Hospital New Hampshire OncologyHematology, PA Hooksett (603) 622-6484
Zachary S. Spigelman, M.D.
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Parkland Lahey Center for Oncology/ Hematology at Parkland Derry (603) 537-2060
Douglas J. Weckstein, M.D.
Concord Hospital New Hampshire OncologyHematology, PA Hooksett (603) 622-6484
Top Doctors 2021
Robert J. Heaps, M.D. Hand Surgery BASC, CMC, Elliot Parkland, St. Joseph SNHMC, NASC The New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center Nashua and Bedford
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine James E. Gray, M.D., M.S. CMC, DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-6063
Steven A. Ringer, M.D., Ph.D. CMC, DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-6063
Nephrology Kulli M. Barrett, M.D.
Frisbie Memorial Portsmouth Regional Seacoast Kidney & Hypertension Specialists Portsmouth (603) 436-3433
Peter Cheung, M.D.
Elliot, CMC Nephrology Associates, PA Manchester (603) 641-5800
Michael Casimir Danielski, M.D.
Frisbie Memorial Portsmouth Regional Seacoast Kidney & Hypertension Specialists Portsmouth (603) 436-3433
Sean W. Fitzpatrick, M.D.
SNHMC, St. Joseph Southern NH Nephrology & Hypertension Nashua (603) 577-5377
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“We all begin medical school with the goal of helping people, but as the years go on, we can get caught up in our day-to-day routines and lose perspective. It took the recent retirement of a partner to reflect on the difference one can make over an entire career. We had simply discussed how many people had benefited from his decades of service, when it hit me. My days are suddenly adding up to decades and, when you begin to reflect, it can be staggering. I am grateful to be part of this profession and to have the opportunity help people every day.” Sucharit Joshi, M.D.
Frisbie Memorial Portsmouth Regional Seacoast Kidney & Hypertension Specialists Portsmouth (603) 436-3433
Shiv Kumar, M.D.
Frisbie Memorial Portsmouth Regional Seacoast Kidney & Hypertension Specialists Portsmouth (603) 436-3433
Naresh Matta, M.D.
Frisbie Memorial Portsmouth Regional Seacoast Kidney & Hypertension Specialists Portsmouth (603) 436-3433
Brian D. Remillard, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 653-3830
Ana Stankovic, M.D.
Parkland Medical Center Center for Kidney and Metabolic Disorders Salem (603) 890-2771
Neurological Surgery Perry A. Ball, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5109
Hulda B. Magnadottir, M.D. APDMH, NLH Upper Valley Neurology Lebanon (603) 448-0447
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
Henry Pallatroni III, M.D. Portsmouth Regional , Exeter Hospital Coastal New Hampshire Neurosurgeons Portsmouth (603) 433-4666
Harold J. Pikus, M.D.
APDMH New London Hospital Upper Valley Neurology Lebanon (603) 448-0447
Nathan E. Simmons, M.D.
Richard Finkelman, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Wentworth Health Partners Coastal Neurology Services Dover (603) 749-0913
Barbara C. Jobst, M.D.
Keith J. McAvoy, M.D.
Kristen L. Bannister, M.D. F.A.C.O.G.
DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5104
CMC, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester (603) 695-2940
Lara K. Ronan, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5104
Geoffrey Starr, M.D. Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Exeter (603) 777-1000
Leslie Suranyi, M.D.
Lakes Region General Laconia Clinic-Hillside Park Laconia (603) 524-5151
Vijay M. Thadani M.D., Ph.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5104
Gary D. Usher, M.D.
Paul P. Wang, M.D.
Neuroradiology
Neurology
Wentworth-Douglass Wentworth Health Partners Coastal Neurology Services Dover (603) 749-0913
Rihan Khan, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-4488
Corey N. Sides, M.D.
Concord Hospital Concord Hospital Neurology (603) 224-6691
CMC Southern New Hampshire Radiology Consultants Bedford (603) 627-1661
Jeffrey A. Cohen, M.D.
Nuclear Medicine
Ann C. Cabot, D.O.
DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5104
Khosro Farhad, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Wentworth Health Partners Coastal Neurology Services Dover (603) 749-0913
Danielle Albushies, M.D F.A.C.O.G. Elliot, CMC Bedford Commons OB-GYN, PA Bedford (603) 668-4646
DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5109 APDMH Lebanon (603) 629-8752
CMC, Concord Hospital, Elliot New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute Bedford (603) 472-8888
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jeffrey Mendel, M.D.
Parkland Medical Center Salem Radiology Salem (603) 890-2800
Elliot, CMC Bedford Commons OB-GYN, PA Bedford (603) 668-4646
Valerie A. Bell, M.D. F.A.C.O.G.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua (603) 577-4300
Mark A. Conway, M.D. F.A.C.O.G. St. Joseph Hospital OB/GYN Associates of Southern NH Merrimack (603) 883-3365
Anna M. Deyoung, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Dover Women’s Health Dover (603) 742-2424 Portsmouth (603) 742-2424
Timothy J. Fisher, M.D., M.S. DHMC Lebanon (603) 653-9300
Lara C. Hanlon, M.D. F.A.C.O.G. Elliot, CMC Bedford Commons OB-GYN, PA Bedford (603) 668-4646
Marc F. Leclair, M.D. Elliot, CMC Bedford Commons OB-GYN, PA Bedford (603) 668-4646
David R. Levene, M.D.
Monadnock Hospital Monadnock OB/GYN Assoc. Peterborough (603) 924-9444
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Top Doctors 2021 “I am truly guided in my work as an oncologist by my patients. I strive to get to know them as people, and to learn from them as I care for them. This allows me to tailor my treatment and care to each individual, and
Hematology Concord Hospital New Hampshire OncologyHematology, PA, Concord
Kelly M. MacMillan, M.D.
St. Joseph Nashua (603) 883-3365 St. Joseph Family Medicine & Specialty Services Hudson (603) 883-3365
Karen K. Maynard, M.D. F.A.C.O.G.
SNHMC Women’s Care of Nashua (603) 577-3100
Fletcher R. Wilson M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Jeffrey M. Segil, M.D.
Occupational Medicine
Elliot, CMC Bedford Commons OB-GYN, PA Bedford (603) 668-4646
Working as an oncologist is a never-ending
Wentworth-Douglass Dover Women’s Health Dover (603) 742-2424
process of discovery on both the human
Brenna Corbett Stapp, D.O.
as such to help them achieve their goals. Jeanna Walsh, M.D.
Polyxeni S. Rounds, M.D. F.A.C.O.G.
and scientific levels. It is a privilege to work in this evolving field.” Heidi Meinz, M.D.
Elliot Hospital Manchester Obstetrical Associates, PA Manchester (603) 622-3162
Deborah Ann Mueller, M.D.
Huggins Hospital Wolfeboro Women’s Health Wolfeboro (603) 569-7585
Lisbeth A. Murphy, M.D. F.A.C.O.G. Elliot, CMC Bedford Commons OB-GYN, PA Bedford (603) 668-4646
Sonja Nelson, M.D.
Portsmouth Regional Harbour Women’s Health Portsmouth (603) 431-6011
Elliot Hospital Manchester Obstetrical Associates, PA Manchester (603) 622-3162
Joycelyn Helene Vardo, D.O.
Wentworth-Douglass Dover Women’s Health Dover (603) 742-2424
Jennifer Weidner M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Elliot, CMC Bedford Commons OB-GYN, PA Bedford (603) 668-4646
Elliot, CMC Bedford Commons OB-GYN, PA Bedford (603) 668-4646
Phillip B. Collins, M.D.
APDMH Occupational Health Services Lebanon (603) 448-7459
Ophthalmology Claudia Bartolini, M.D. Portsmouth Regional Wentworth-Douglass Eyesight Ophthalmic Services Portsmouth (603) 436-1773 Exeter (603) 778-1133
Timothy D. Blake, M.D.
SNHMC, St. Joseph Nashua Eye Associates Nashua (603) 882-9800
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Let’s explore your Medicare plan options Together, we can: As a local Anthem Medicare representative, I can help you choose a plan with the benefits you deserve for the coming year. 1-on-1 help in person, online, or over the phone Steven Hamel Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield 1-603-722-5516 TTY: 711 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 5 days a week steven.hamel@anthem.com http:// www.anthemdirectnh.com/shamel NH Lic. #2050828 Authorized Agent
Discuss your specific health needs and your current situation. Review your plan options, so you feel confident in your choice. Walk through the enrollment process, and I will answer any questions you may have along the way.
For costs, exclusions, limitations, terms, and complete details of coverage, please contact your agent or the health plan. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. HMO plans are administered by Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. and underwritten by Matthew Thornton Health Plan, Inc. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. 510637MUSENMUB_6040 Y0114_21_123303_I_C_6040 10/01/2020
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Top Doctors 2021 Anthony J. Correnti, M.D. Elliot Hospital NH Eye Associates Manchester (603) 669-3925
Janine R. Eagle, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5123
Andrew Marc Garfinkle M.D., Ph.D.
Lakes Region General Laconia Eye & Laser Center Laconia (603) 524-2020
Warren Goldblatt, M.D. Frisbie Memorial Portsmouth Regional Wentworth-Douglass Eyesight Ophthalmic Services Portsmouth (603) 436-1773 Somersworth (603) 692-7500
Eyesight Ophthalmic Services Portsmouth (603) 436-1773 Somersworth (603) 692-7500
Paul S. Musco, M.D.
Richard J. Lasonde, M.D.
Newton Timothy Peters M.D., F.A.C.S.
Portsmouth Regional Wentworth-Douglass Excellent Vision Eye and Laser Center Portsmouth (603) 430-5225
David P. Lawlor, M.D.
DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5123 New London Hospital (603) 526-2020
Kimberly Licciardi, M.D. Elliot Hospital NH Eye Associates Manchester (603) 669-3925
Marsha Kavanagh, M.D. Portsmouth Regional Wentworth-Douglass
Patrick James Morhun, M.D. F.A.C.S.
Elliot Hospital The Medical Eye Center, PA Manchester (603) 668-2020
Timothy Sullivan, M.D. Portsmouth Regional Wentworth-Douglass Eyesight Ophthalmic Services Portsmouth (603) 436-1773 Somersworth (603) 692-7500
Portsmouth Regional Wentworth-Douglass Eyesight Ophthalmic Services Portsmouth (603) 436-1773 Somersworth (603) 692-7500
Lucian Szmyd Jr., M.D. Portsmouth Regional Wentworth-Douglass Eyesight Ophthalmic Services Portsmouth (603) 436-1773 Somersworth (603) 692-7500
Patrick Joseph Riddle, M.D. St. Joseph, SNHMC Nashua Eye Associates Nashua (603) 882-9800
Douglas R. Scott, M.D.
Lakes Region General Laconia Eye & Laser Center Laconia (603) 524-2020
David A. Weinberg, M.D. Concord Hospital Concord Eye Care (603) 224-2020
New London Hospital New London (603) 526-2020
Southern New Hampshire Radiology Consultants
Betsy Angelakis, MD
Corey Sides, MD
George J. Shaker, M.D.
Speare Memorial White Mountain Eye Care & Optical Plymouth (603) 536-1284
Peter van der Meer, MD
John Pierce, MD
SELECTED AS TOP DOCTORS 2021
Adam Elias, MD
Experience, Innovation & Commitment 703 Riverway Place, Bedford, NH • 603-627-1663 • www.snhrc.com
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William A. Abdu M.D., M.S. DHMC Spine Center Lebanon (603) 650-2225
Uri Michael Ahn, M.D.
CMC, Elliot New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute Bedford (603) 472-8888
Eric Arvidson, M.D.
Holy Family Hospital Essex Orthopaedics & Optima Sports Medicine Salem (603) 898-2244
John-Erik Bell, M.D.
DHMC, New London Hospital Lebanon (603) 650-5133 New London (603) 526-5314
Your Imaging Specialists
Tad Renvyle, MD
David Fontaine, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery
Thomas Alberico, MD Elizabeth Angelakis, MD Arash Delshad, MD Christopher Eckel, MD Adam Elias, MD David W. Fontaine, MD Wane Joselow, MD Christopher Kelley, MD Bryce Lowrey, MD Asim Maher, DO Natalia Marks, MD Jessica Paey, PA-C John Pierce, MD Jeffrey Potter, MD Tad Renvyle, MD Thomas, Rousseau, PA-C Dan Sheibley, MD Corey Sides, MD Robert Sprague, MD Peter van der Meer, MD David Wang, DO
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LIVE STREAMED AUCTION FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021 7-8PM
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Accepting item donations and sponsorships through March. Call (603) 606-1705 for more info or go to BIT.LY/FUELHERFIRE21
After school programs in our centers Outreach in schools Research based program curriculum Smart Café remote learning centers Full day Summer camp Meals program Community partnerships Young Women's Leadership Preschool (Nashua)
Girls Inc. of New Hampshire Administrative Office 1711 South Willow Street Suite 5, Manchester NH 03013 (603) 606-1705 Manchester Center: 340 Varney Street, Manchester, NH 03102 (603) 623-1117 Nashua Center: 27 Burke Street, Nashua, NH 03060 (603) 882-6256 www.girlsincnewhampshire.org info@girlsincnewhampshire.org
Top Doctors 2021 Eric R. Benson, M.D.
Elliot, CMC, Parkland, BASC New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center Bedford (603) 883-0091
Avnish Neil Clerk, M.D.
Alexander David Davis, M.D.
Portsmouth Regional Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics Portsmouth (603) 431-3575
Stephen J. Fox, M.D.
Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Exeter (603) 777-1000
Concord Hospital Concord Orthopaedics, PA (603) 224-3368
Jeffrey Clingman, M.D.
Mark J. Geppert, M.D.
Lakes Region General Advanced Orthopaedic Specialists Gilford (603) 528-9100
Mark Christopher Cullen, M.D. Wentworth-Douglass Frisbie Memorial Wentworth Health Partners Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Portsmouth and Somersworth (603) 742-2007
Wentworth-Douglass Wentworth Health Partners Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Somersworth (603) 742-2007
Ricardo Andres Gonzales, M.D.
Elliot Hospital Elliot Orthopaedic Surgery Specialists Manchester (603) 625-1655
John M. Grobman, M.D.
Lakes Region General Advanced Orthopaedic Specialists Gilford (603) 528-9100
Cherie Holmes, M.D., M.Sc.
Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (603) 354-5482
Gregory Leather, M.D.
Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (603) 354-5482
Glenn S. Lieberman, M.D. Lakes Region General Advanced Orthopaedic Specialists Gilford (603) 528-9100
Thomas F. McGovern, M.D. Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Exeter (603) 777-1000
Kevin J. McGuire M.D., M.S.
NLH, DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-2225 Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester (603) 629-8020 New London Hospital (603) 526-5314 Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (603) 354-5400
Marc J. Michaud, M.D.
Elliot, CMC, Parkland, BASC New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center Bedford (603) 883-0091
Mayo Noerdlinger, M.D. F.A.A.O.S. Portsmouth Regional York Hospital Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Portsmouth (603) 431-1121
Ira M. Parsons, M.D.
Portsmouth Regional The Knee, Hip and Shoulder Center Portsmouth (603) 431-5858
Adam M. Pearson M.D., M.S. DHMC Spine Center Lebanon (603) 650-2225
Anthony H. Presutti, M.D. Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (603) 354-5482
Akhilesh Sastry, M.D.
Portsmouth Regional Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Portsmouth (603) 431-1121
Mark B. Silbey, M.D.
Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (603) 354-5482
ADVOCATES FOR THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
Ready to help in the Boardroom or the Courtroom
Michael Pignatelli
Steve Lauwers
Ken Bartholomew
Adam Pignatelli
Mike Lewis
Kate Skouteris
Adam Varley
Lindsey Dalton RN Paralegal
Rath, Young and Pignatelli, P.C. www.rathlaw.com Concord (603) 226-2600
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Nashua Montpelier Boston (603) 889-9952 (617) 523-8080 (802) 229-8050
Judith Albright
Catherine Simms Paralegal
Gregory W. Soghikian, M.D.
CMC, Elliot, Parkland SNHMC, BASC, NASC New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center Bedford (603) 883-0091
Benjamin Michael Thompson, M.D.
Portsmouth Regional Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics Dover (603) 842-4289
David C. Thut, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Wentworth Health Partners Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Somersworth (603) 742-2007
James C. Vailas, M.D.
CMC, Elliot, Parkland, St. Joseph, SNHMC, BASC NASC New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center Bedford (603) 883-0091
Gavin R. Webb, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Frisbie Memorial Wentworth Health Partners Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Somersworth and Lee (603) 742-2007
Otolaryngology James P. Bartels, M.D. Bartels Facial Rejuvenation, PLLC Bedford (603) 656-2105
Anders Holm, M.D.
Frisbie Memorial Wentworth-Douglass Northeast ENT & Allergy Somersworth (603) 742-6555
Peter Soon Ihm, M.D.
Exeter Hospital Portsmouth Regional Core Physicians Exeter (603) 772-8208
Keith Jorgensen, M.D.
Parkland Dr. Jorgensen Professional Association Derry (603) 432-8104
Christopher Knox, D.O.
Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Exeter and Portsmouth (603) 772-8208
Andrew R. Spector, M.D. Elliot Hospital Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester (603) 622-3623
Otolaryngology/ Facial Plastic Surgery Benoit J. Gosselin, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-8123
Pain Medicine James A. Mirazita, M.D. SNHMC, Lakes Region General Pain Solutions Nashua (603) 577-3003
Praveen Suchdev, M.D. SNHMC, Lakes Region General Pain Solutions Nashua (603) 577-3003
Pathology James Samuel Smoot M.D. Elliot Manchester (603) 663-2583
Arief Suriawinata, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-7211
Wendy Wells, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-7211
Pediatric Allergy & Immunology Robert Walsh Hickey M.D.
Portsmouth Regional Wentworth-Douglass Allergy Associates of NH, PA Portsmouth (603) 436-7897 Dover (603) 343-4649
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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Top Doctors 2021 Pediatric Cardiology Naomi Gauthier, M.D.
DHMC Wentworth-Douglass CHaD at Wentworth Douglas Hospital Dover (603) 740-2366
Jenifer Glatz, M.D.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester (603) 695-2745
Pediatric Nephrology Matthew M. Hand, D.O. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester (603) 695-2745
Pediatric Surgery Elizabeth S. Soukup, M.D.
Pediatric Endocrinology
Elliot Hospital Elliot Pediatric Surgery Associates Manchester (603) 663-8393
Samuel J. Casella, M.D.
Pediatrics
DHMC Lebanon (603) 653-9877
Pediatric HematologyOncology Julie Kim, M.D., Ph.D.
DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5541 Norris Cotton Cancer Center Manchester (603) 650-5541
Thomas M. Albushies, M.D. Concord Hospital Concord Pediatrics (603) 224-1929
Erica Boheen, M.D. Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Epping (603) 693-2100
Charles T. Cappetta, M.D. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua (603) 577-4400
Mark D. Carney, M.D.
Matthew J. Hajduk, M.D.
Adela M. De Vera, M.D.
Gregory Kaupp, M.D. F.A.A.P., F.A.C.P.
Concord Hospital Concord Hospital Family Health Center-Pediatric Hospitalist Program (603) 228-7200 Monadnock Hospital Monadnock Regional Pediatrics Peterborough (603) 924-7101
Alexandra DeBlasio Bonesho, M.D. Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Epping (603) 693-2100
Leslie S. Dick, M.D.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Concord (603) 226-6100
Eileen Forrest, M.D. Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Exeter (603) 772-8900
Elliot Hospital Elliot Pediatrics at Windham Windham (603) 685-0150
SNHMC Medicine-Pediatrics of Nashua (603) 594-6337
Stacey Kopp, M.D.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua (603) 577-4400
Tessa J. LafortuneGreenberg, M.D.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Concord (603) 226-6100
Terri L. Lally, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Dover Pediatrics (603) 742-4048
Steven P. Loh, M.D.
Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Stratham (603) 658-1823
Michele D. Mandel, M.D.
Elliot Hospital Elliot Pediatrics at Windham Windham (603) 685-0150
Theresa Maria Oliveira, M.D. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Concord (603) 226-6100
Mitchell N. Pivor, M.D. Frisbie Memorial Lilac City Pediatrics Rochester (603) 335-4522
Todd M. Poret, M.D.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Concord (603) 226-6100
Andrew J. Schuman, M.D. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua (603) 577-4400
Pamela S. Udomprasert, M.D.
Frisbie Memorial Rochester Pediatrics Associates Rochester (603) 332-0238
Congratulations
to Our Top Docs!
Dale Collins Vidal, MD, MS
Phillip Collins, MD
Anne Gormley, MD
Hulda Magnadottir, MD
Harold Pikus, MD
Plastic and reconstructive surgery
Occupational health
Urology
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery
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Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Thomas M. Frates, M.D. CMC, Elliot New Hampshire NeuroSpine Institute Bedford (603) 472-8888
Barry Charles Gendron, D.O.
Wentworth-Douglass, Portsmouth Regional Seacoast Area Physiatry Portsmouth (603) 431-5529
Bruce Myers, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass, Portsmouth Regional Seacoast Area Physiatry Portsmouth (603) 431-5529
Daniel Sherwin Zipin, D.O. Portsmouth Regional Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics Exeter (603) 431-3575
Plastic Surgery Cecil Wesley Bean, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Frisbie Memorial Wentworth Health Partners Plastic Surgery Specialists Dover (603) 516-4268
Steven Lawrence Brown, M.D.
CMC, Elliot, BASC BASC Bedford (603) 232-2860 CMC Wound Care Center Manchester (603) 663-6000
Todd E. Burdette, M.D.
Elliot Hospital Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Elliot at River’s Edge Manchester (603) 314-6450
Mark B. Constantian M.D., F.A.C.S. St. Joseph Hospital Office of Dr. Mark B. Constantian Nashua (603) 880-7700
Charles J. Gaudet, M.D. PRH, York Hospital Piscataqua Plastic Surgery & Skin Care Portsmouth (603) 431-5488
URGENT CARE www.ccmdcenters.com
Wayne K. Stadelmann M.D., F.A.C.S.
Concord Hospital Concord Plastic Surgery Concord (603) 224-5200
Dale C. Vidal, M.D., M.S. APDMH Multi-Specialty Clinic Lebanon (603) 443-9572
Psychiatry Paul F. Belliveau, M.D. Coastal Counseling Associates Exeter (603) 778-0505
Julia R. Frew, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-4725
Pulmonary Disease
Open 7 days a week. No appointments needed, just walk in. Alton 24 Homestead Place 603.822.4713
Goffstown 558 Mast Road 603.232.1790
Portsmouth 750 Lafayette Road 603.427.8539
Graham T. Atkins, M.D.
Belmont Belknap Mall 96 Daniel Webster Hwy 603.267.0656
Hooksett 7 Cinemagic Way 603.526.4635
Tilton 75 Laconia Road 603.729.0050
John P. Brennan, M.D.
Epping 1 Beehive Drive 603.734.9202
Lebanon 410 Miracle Mile 603.276.3260
Plaistow 127 Plaistow Road 603.797.9289
Haitham Al Ashry, M.D. Elliot Hospital Elliot Pulmonary Medicine Elliot at River's Edge Manchester (603) 663-3770 DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5533
Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Exeter (603) 775-0234
James L. Carroll Jr., M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5533
Christopher C. Daigle M.D., F.C.C.P. St. Joseph Hospital Nashua (603) 889-4131
Paul Deranian, M.D. Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Exeter (603) 775-0234
ConcordImagingCenter.com |
(603) 230-7274
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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Top Doctors 2021 “I have been a general surgeon at LRGHealthcare for the last 21 years. Working in a small community hospital allows me to practice the full scope of general surgery. Taking a patient through the process of diagnosis, surgery, and postoperative care has been a rewarding experience. I Christopher M. Weinmann understand that what might seem obvious M.D., F.A.C.S. or routine to a physician is often a new and Surgery unknown situation for a patient and their Lakes Region General Hospital, Lakes Region family. I hope I have been a calming voice Surgical Associates for those patients I have had the privilege Laconia of helping over the years.” Sunil Dhunna, M.D.
Elliot Hospital Elliot Pulmonary Medicine Elliot at River's Edge Manchester (603) 663-3770
Richard I. Enelow, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5533
Joseph Hou, M.D.
CMC Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester (603) 645-6407
Amit Joglekar, M.D.
Frisbie Memorial Portsmouth Regional Rochester Pulmonary Medicine Rochester (603) 335-0909
Harold L. Manning, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5533
Vinia Madonna C. Mendoza, M.D.
Frisbie Memorial Portsmouth Regional Rochester Pulmonary Medicine Rochester (603) 335-0909
Muhammad Mirza, M.D.
Elliot Hospital Elliot Pulmonary Medicine Elliot at River's Edge Manchester (603) 663-3770 Elliot Sleep Evaluation Center Manchester (603) 663-6680
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David C. Picard, M.D.
Concord Hospital Concord Hospital Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (603) 224-9661 Concord Hospital Sleep Center (603) 230-5627
Richard N. Read, M.D.
CMC, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester (603) 645-6407
Radiation Oncology Alan C. Hartford M.D., Ph.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-6600
Brian R. Knab, M.D.
Elliot Hospital Radiation Oncology Associates Manchester (603) 663-1800 Londonderry (603) 552-1600
Su K. Metcalfe, M.D., M.P.H. Concord Hospital Radiation Oncology Associates Concord (603) 230-6100 Londonderry (603) 552-1600
Thomas Sheldon, M.D. Concord Hospital Radiation Oncology Associates Concord (603) 230-6100
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
Reproductive Endocrinology/ Infertility Joseph A. Hill III, M.D. Portsmouth Regional Winchester Hospital Fertility Centers of New England Portsmouth (781) 942-7000
Kristen Wright, M.D.
Elliot, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center-Boston Boston IVF Bedford (781) 674-1200
Rheumatology Daniel A. Albert, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-8622
Christopher M. Burns, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-8622
Todd F. Dombrowski M.D., M.S.
Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (603) 354-5400
Sherry A. Guardiano, D.O. Cheshire Medical Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (603) 354-6570
Irene Orzano Hou, M.D.
CMC, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester (603) 695-2550
Daniel Kunz, D.O.
Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Exeter (603) 777-1000
William F.C. Rigby, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-8622
Hoke H. Shirley III, M.D. Concord Hospital, NLH Concord Orthopaedics, PA (603) 224-3368
Alicia J. Zbehlik, M.D. M.P.H. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-8622
Sleep Medicine Brooke G. Judd, M.D.
DHMC Dartmouth-Hitchcock Heater Road Lebanon (603) 650-3630
Michele G. Rush, M.D.
Lakes Region General LRGHealthcare Sleep Evaluation Center Gilford (603) 737-6755
Jonathan Mack, M.D. C.A.Q.S.M. Elliot Hospital Elliot Orthopaedic Surgical Specialists Manchester (603) 625-1655
Joshua Aaron Siegel, M.D. Portsmouth Regional Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics Exeter (603) 775-7575
Surgery Stacey Abbis, M.D.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua (603) 577-4141
Richard J. Barth Jr., M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-9479
John Chadwick Britton, M.D. Frisbie Memorial Surgical Associates of Rochester (603) 332-3355
David J. Coppola, M.D.
Sports Medicine
Wentworth-Douglass Seacoast General Surgery, PC Dover (603) 749-2266
Patrick Casey, M.D.
Mark R. Elias, M.D.
Concord Hospital Concord Orthopaedics, PA (603) 224-3368
Christopher James Couture, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Wentworth Health Partners Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Somersworth and Lee (603) 742-2007
Tahsin Ergin, M.D.
Holy Family Hospital Essex Orthopaedics & Optima Sports Medicine Salem (603) 898-2244
Jeffrey I. Kauffman, M.D. F.A.A.O.S.
Littleton Regional Hospital Alpine Clinic Franconia (603) 259-7700
Frisbie Memorial Surgical Associates of Rochester (603) 332-3355
Lawrence M. Hoepp, M.D. Elliot, CMC Elliot General Surgical Specialists Manchester (603) 627-1102
William S. Laycock, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-8010
Christopher Lundquist, M.D. Catholic Medical Center Manchester (603) 627-1887
Patrick Mahon, M.D., F.A.C.S. CMC, St. Joseph New England Heart & Vascular Institute Manchester (603) 669-0413
Alice Rocke, M.D.
Littleton Regional Hospital Littleton (603) 444-0997
Kari M. Rosenkranz, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-7901
Tajammul Shafique M.D., F.A.C.S.
Lakes Region General Lakes Region Surgical Associates Gilford (603) 528-1547
Timothy M. Sherry, M.D. Frisbie Memorial Wentworth-Douglass Surgical Associates of Rochester (603) 332-3355 Seacoast General Surgery, PC Dover (603) 749-2266
Jay W. Swett, M.D. F.A.C.S.
Exeter Hospital Core Physicians Exeter (603) 775-7405
Richard Joseph Tomolonis, M.D.
Catholic Medical Center Manchester (603) 627-1887
Christopher M. Weinmann, M.D., F.A.C.S. Lakes Region General Lakes Region Surgical Associates Gilford (603) 528-1547
Brent C. White, M.D.
DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-8010 Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center Windsor, Vt. (802) 674-7217
Andrew Wu, M.D. F.A.C.S., F.A.S.M.B.S.
Catholic Medical Center Surgical Care Group Manchester (603) 627-1887
Thoracic & Cardiac Surgery David J. Caparrelli, M.D. F.A.C.S. Catholic Medical Center New England Heart & Vascular Institute Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Manchester (603) 663-6340
David J. Finley, M.D.
DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-8537 Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene (603) 650-8537
Jock N. McCullough, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-7390
Curtis C. Quinn, M.D.
Elliot Hospital Elliot at River’s Edge Manchester (603) 627-1102
Gerald L. Sardella, M.D. Catholic Medical Center New England Heart & Vascular Institute Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Manchester (603) 663-6340
Benjamin M. Westbrook M.D., F.A.C.S. Catholic Medical Center New England Heart & Vascular Institute Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Manchester (603) 663-6340
Congratulations to Dr. Dainiak for being named a TOP DOCTOR five years in a row!
Urogynecology/ Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery Deeptha Sastry, M.D.
Portsmouth Regional Harbour Women’s Health Portsmouth (603) 431-6011
CHRISTOPHER DAINIAK, M.D.
ALLISON ANASTASOFF, APRN
KNUT ROALSVIG, M.D.
ROBIN LABERGE, PA-C
STEVEN TAYLOR, M.D.
SAMANTHA HARRINGTON, PA-C
LEON MCLEAN, M.D.
ALYSSA DUNN, PA-C
STEPHANIE LYNCH, PA-C
BETHANY REUTERMANN, M.D.
Veronica Triaca, M.D. Concord Hospital Concord Hospital Urologic Institute (603) 224-3388
Urology Egbert Baumgart, M.D. Frisbie Memorial Portsmouth Regional Lahey Institute of Urology Rochester (603) 742-5011
James Betti, M.D.
Portsmouth Regional Frisbie Memorial Lahey Institute of Urology Rochester (603) 742-5011
UNCOMPROMISING EXCELLENCE IN GASTROENTEROLOGY Providing High-Quality, Low-Cost Gastrointestinal Care Now performing procedures at the Bedford Ambulatory Surgery Center and soon to be at the new Surgical Center of New Hampshire at Derry, an independent outpatient endoscopy center! Call today for an appointment!
Derry • Bedford • Windham • Berlin (603) 432-8802 • granitegastro.com nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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Top Doctors William Bihrle III, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5091
Sandy M. Chin, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Manchester Urology Associates at Dover (603) 742-1444 Manchester Urology Associates, PA Manchester (603) 669-9200
Scott J. Fabozzi, M.D. Concord Hospital Higgins Hospital Concord Hospital Urologic Institute (603) 224-3388
No Shoes, No Pants, No Problem.
Christopher R. Girasole, M.D.
Elliot, CMC Manchester Urology Associates, PA Manchester (603) 669-9200
Elizabeth Ann Gormley, M.D.
APDMH, DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-5091
Sarah J. McAleer, M.D. Elliot, CMC Manchester Urology Associates, PA Manchester (603) 669-9200
Michael J. Michaels, M.D. Presented by
Join us for the (Virtual) BOB Awards! Thursday, April 1 • 3:30–5:30 P.M. The BOB Awards is not your typical business awards reception – this year, it’s all business on top and party on the bottom as the celebration moves online! • Network with business leaders from across the state • Keynote speaker Tom Boucher, CEO-Owner of Great NH Restaurants, Inc. • Trivia contest, prizes and more! • Party boxes will be mailed out to our first 100 registrants!
Register for free at www.bobawardsnh.com. Sponsored by
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William F. Santis, M.D. Concord Hospital Concord Hospital Urologic Institute (603) 224-3388
William A. Selleck, M.D. Elliot, CMC Manchester Urology Associates, PA Manchester (603) 669-9200
Chad Wotkowicz, M.D. Frisbie Memorial Portsmouth Regional Lahey Institute of Urology Rochester (603) 742-5011
Vascular & Interventional Radiology Jeffrey Chapdelaine, M.D. St. Joseph Nashua Radiology (603) 882-3000
Vascular Surgery James M. Estes, M.D.
Wentworth-Douglass Wentworth Health Partners Vascular Surgery Dover (603) 609-6685 Portsmouth (603) 609-6685
Patricia C. Furey, M.D. F.A.C.S.
Portsmouth Regional Frisbie Memorial Lahey Institute of Urology Rochester (603) 742-5011
CMC, St. Joseph Vein & Vascular Specialists Bedford (603) 665-5150
Robert E. Mitchell, M.D. Concord Hospital, NLH Concord Hospital Urologic Institute Concord (603) 224-3388
DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-8193 APDMH Lebanon (603) 448-3122
John J. Munoz, M.D.
Richard Powell, M.D.
Elliot, CMC Manchester Urology Associates, PA Manchester (603) 669-9200
Cyrus B. Noble, M.D. Elliot, CMC Manchester Urology Associates, PA Manchester (603) 669-9200
Philip Goodney, M.D.
DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-8193 APDMH Lebanon (603) 448-3122
David H. Stone, M.D. DHMC Lebanon (603) 650-8193
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603 Living “If a few federal officials want to use their power to penalize me for my work for the young people of this
country, they must bear the shame of the jail sentence. It is the government which is disgraced, not I.” — Mary Ware Dennett, April 24, 1929, at the Brooklyn federal courthouse
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Seniority 98 Local Dish 101 Health 102 Ayuh 104
Rescued
History
Apologies, Marie Kondo, but let’s not all rush to tidy up Story and Photography by Sharon Spaulding
T
here’s an emotional angst and urgency swirling in my soul — and it’s not directly related to COVID-19. It’s a nagging sense of obligation and a question every time I look under my bed or open my basement closets: “To toss or not to toss?” Until Marie Kondo, the tidying guru, came along, those unorganized piles didn’t tug at my conscience. Maybe I’m just getting older and don’t want to leave my kids a house filled with stuff they don’t want. Or perhaps it’s hard to say goodbye to the memories that
Sharon Spaulding discovered a trunk of papers belonging to equal rights advocate Mary Ware Dennett (above) at her family’s summer home in Alstead. nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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603 living / rescued History
Sharon Spaulding
The attic where Spaulding found Mary Ware Dennett’s journals and papers dating back to 1848
are stuffed inside the boxes in my closets. But while I’m all for what Marie calls “sparking joy,” I’ve also learned that, sometimes, procrastination is the better path. Often, mundane objects are the ones I cherish the most. Tattered photographs can instantly conjure a memory, a smile, a sound, bringing something — or someone — to life. Those scrawled love notes from my then-4year-old trace not only the archeology of our existence, but also the human heart.
Have you ever thrown something out, then regretted it? When my mom died, I became Ms. Efficiency on steroids. Her clothes were either tossed or donated. Months later, after my best friend died, her kids transformed her clothes into cozy lap quilts. I regretted my haste with my mother’s things. When my father passed, I grabbed his well-worn, red-and-black flannel shirt. Although it looks out of place hanging in my closet filled with mostly Ann
Mary Ware Dennett’s speech notes
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Taylor-style clothing, simply seeing that shirt each day evokes the smell of my father’s aftershave and warm memories of him wrapping me in his arms. On a recent evening, two of my three adult children and I cleaned out a chest of drawers in an old house in Alstead, New Hampshire, that has been in my husband’s family for more than 100 years. We’ve spent every summer here since they were babies. As children, they’d run wild and barefoot in its fields of clover, Queen Anne’s Lace and milkweed. Together, we’d rise at 2 a.m. to watch meteor showers streak across the sky like fireflies, and play weeklong games of Scrabble, Canasta and Monopoly. This same old house had steamer trunks in the attic that taunted me for years, trunks filled with letters, papers and journals dating to 1848. As my husband and I continued the tradition of annual visits, I began to leave my summer reading at home in favor of digging into those trunks. What I discovered was the life story of an extraordinary woman, one who brought about some of the most significant changes in equal rights in the early 20th century, and then was quickly forgotten. Although chances are slim that you’ve heard her name, that woman, Mary Ware Dennett, was recently celebrated by Time magazine as one of nine women in American history that everyone should know. Dennett was a reproductive rights advocate, an artist, the second-in-command of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, a pacifist, and an outspoken defender of Black women’s rights. She was a contemporary and bitter rival of Margaret Sanger
Left: Dennett at the 1913 Suffrage Parade in Washington, D.C. Right: Votes for women stamps
because Dennett was devoted to making the world better for all, not just a few. Like her relative, Lucretia Coffin Mott, who teamed up with Elizabeth Cady Stanton to launch the women’s movement at Seneca Falls in 1848, Dennett’s aim was nothing less than fulfilling the original promises of the Declaration of Independence. At the 1913 women’s march on Washington, D.C., intended to upstage the inauguration of anti-suffragist Woodrow Wilson, it was Dennett who reprimanded parade organizer Alice Paul for discriminating against Black suffragists. “The Suffrage movement stands for enfranchising every single woman in the United States and there [is] no occasion when
we would be justified in not living up to our principles,” Dennett said. And in a second rebuke, she said, “All colored women who wish to march shall be accorded every service given to other marchers.” Believing the “first right of every child is to be wanted,” it was Dennett, not Sanger, who in 1915 started the first national birth control organization in the U.S. It was also Dennett who battled the U.S. government in a landmark case over sex education and censorship. Her victory in 1930 soon after enabled publication of previously banned books such as James Joyce’s “Ulysses.” A pacifist, there is even evidence that Dennett co-founded what later became the American Civil Liberties Union.
At the end of her long career, in the 1940s, Dennett offered her extensive files to the library at Harvard. These chronicled women’s suffrage from 1908-1915, the battle for reproductive rights from 1915-1930s, the founding of the Women’s Peace Party and the World Federalist Society prior to World Wars I and II, plus her work on First Amendment issues. Silly girl. Harvard, that all-male bastion of elite education, declined and this precious record of history ended up in my family’s attic. Eventually, in the late 1980s, my motherin-law donated most of the papers to the Schlesinger Library at Radcliffe College, but not Dennett’s private journals, those that chronicle her hopes and fears, her struggles to rise again and again in the face of public ridicule. These papers now form the basis of a book I’m writing about her life. Imagine if a Marie Kondo-style cleaning had been done and the trunks unceremoniously dumped. Her voice would have been forever silenced. We would have missed the unfolding of her life not only through her words, but also in the mementos she saved — a scrap of material for a new dress, a favorite poem, a ticket stub from a symphony. Across the centuries, these and other trinkets resurrect a fully living, breathing woman, not merely a list of accomplishments. Amid the most mundane chatter about the clothes that needed mending, the weather, or the pesky gray hairs that were emerging about her face, are references to the deep disappointments of a failed argument in Congress or the humiliation of lies promulgated by her opposition in the press. It all makes Dennett’s voice more approachable and relevant to the battles we’re still fighting today. Had her children rushed to tidy up when she died and tossed the remnants of her life, none of us would know her name, her story. None of us would know on whose shoulders we stand or discover from her just how she managed to juggle the many hats she wore. I’m learning more from Mary Ware Dennett today than I could ever have imagined. It’s why I now sort my piles with less haste. NH
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Dennett advocated for, among other things, women’s right to vote and reproductive freedom.
Sharon Spaulding has spent 10 years researching the life of suffragist and sex-ed activist Mary Ware Dennett. She is working on a book about Dennett’s life, and also publishes a monthly newsletter, “Women Make History: Stories We Should Have Learned in School.” sharonspaulding.com nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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Wills and Estate Planning Planning for a future that doesn’t include us may not be the most uplifting task, but it is essential. We reached out to a panel of experts to learn more about who should create an estate plan, when it should start and what some of the best practices might be.
OUR PANEL: Whitney A. Gagnon, Esq., Attorney, Trusts & Estates Department McLane Middleton • mclane.com Candice M. O’Neil, Esq., Managing Partner, Estate Planning and Administration • Hudkins & O’Neil • hudkinsandoneil.com Josh Weijer • Sulloway & Hollis • sulloway.com Thanda Fields Brassard • Fiduciary Trust Company of New England • fiduciary-trust.com/fiduciary-trust-new-england Emma D. Stilson, Esq. • Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. shaheengordon.com
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Who should have a will or an estate plan? Gagnon: “Any person age 18 or older should engage in estate planning. It’s never too early to plan for and take control of your future. The first step in the process is to meet with an estate planning attorney to discuss your personal circumstances. Based on your wishes and your family and financial information, the attorney will be able to provide you with options and guidance to achieve your goals. The essential components of a modern New Hampshire estate plan include health care advance directives, durable powers of attorney, pour-over wills, and revocable trusts. These documents are all revocable, meaning that you may change them in any way, or revoke them in their entirety, so long as you have the requisite capacity.” Brassard: “Every adult should have an estate plan, which usually includes at a minimum a will (to dispose of one’s probate
assets at death), a durable power of attorney (so someone else can handle your finances if you are not capable), and a health care proxy (so health care decisions may be made for you if you are not able). An estate plan is important to have because it ensures that your property is distributed in the manner and to the individuals you wish at your death, or if you become incapacitated.”
What happens to my assets if I die without a will? Gagnon: “In the absence of a validly executed will, your probate assets will be distributed in accordance with the New Hampshire intestacy laws, which may not be consistent with your objectives. Intestacy laws dictate which family members will inherit your probate assets after your lifetime, and in what amount. For example, in New Hampshire, the laws of intestacy provide that if you are survived by your spouse and children, then your spouse will
“ Any person age 18 or older should engage in estate planning. It’s never too early to plan for and take control of your future.” — Whitney A. Gagnon, Esq., Attorney, Trusts and Estates Department McLane Middleton receive the first $250,000 plus one-half of any remaining assets and your children will receive the other one-half. This may cause an undesirable outcome particularly if your children are minors. “Married couples without children might be surprised to learn that in the absence
Peace of Mind for You and Your Family Wills, trusts, and other important documents provide protection to you and your family when you’re not around or able to do so. These things can be scary to think about, which is why it’s tempting to put them off. But it’s just about creating peace of mind for the future. Our attorneys are here to guide you through the process by working to understand your unique needs and circumstances. Wills, Trusts, & Powers of Attorney Estate & Trust Administration Elder Law & Medicaid Planning Probate Litigation Guardianship
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of a validly executed will, all probate assets will not automatically pass to the surviving spouse upon the death of the first spouse to die. If you are survived by your spouse and your parents, then your parents will receive a portion of your probate assets. The intestacy laws become more complicated when addressing blended families. If you are survived by your spouse and he or she has children from a prior marriage, then your spouse will receive a reduced amount. Your spouse’s inheritance will be further reduced if you have children from a prior marriage. With an estate plan in place, you have the ability to control who will inherit your assets after your lifetime, and in what manner and amount.” O’Neil: “Depending on the type of assets that you owned at the time of your death, your loved ones may have to open a probate administration. After paying final expenses, the assets will ultimately pass to your heirs, as determined by the laws of the state where you lived at the time of
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your passing. This is known as the intestacy statute, and it is similar to a family tree, in which the state has predetermined who your nearest living relatives are in order to define your heirs. Unfortunately, probate can often be a lengthy and cumbersome process, so it may not be a quick transition.” Brassard: “The answer to this depends on whether the disposition of the asset is governed by law (such as real property held in joint tenancy), contract (in the case of life insurance or retirement benefits, which pass by beneficiary designation), or by probate (for assets held in the name of the decedent individually and which do not pass by law or contract). For assets passing by will, a probate proceeding must be initiated in the local probate court in order for those probate assets to be transferred to the recipients named in the decedent’s will. If there is no will, then those probate assets will be transferred by the laws of intestacy, which create a ‘default’ disposition for any assets that are not transferred by will. Thus a will is
a critical part of any estate plan as it ensures that any probate assets are transferred as the decedent wishes, and not as the intestacy statute mandates.”
Will or trust — which do I need, and what are the benefits of choosing one over the other? O’Neil: “In many cases, adding a trust leads to a better and more effective estate plan. Assets held in trust will avoid the probate process, making the administration of your estate quicker, easier, and more efficient for your loved ones. The trust can continue to hold your assets even after you are gone, only distributing to your beneficiaries at predetermined times or under the specific circumstances that you outline within the agreement. This is especially appealing to families with young children, or in situations where it may not be ideal to distribute assets outright to a beneficiary. Examples of this would
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be those struggling with addiction, facing bankruptcy, receiving government benefits due to a disability, or exhibiting poor money management skills. In rare cases, if a client does not have any assets that would fall into a probate administration if they were to pass and does not have any concerns about their loved ones having outright control over the assets upon death, a trust may not be necessary. A person fitting that fact pattern may benefit by saving the additional cost of adding a trust to their estate plan. However, in most cases a trust is a better option, and well worth the additional expense when creating a plan.”
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What doesn’t a will do? O’Neil: “The biggest differentiator between a will-based estate plan and a trust-based plan is that a will does not allow you to avoid probate. There is a common misconception that having a will means you are set up to avoid probate. A will has no
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binding authority unless it has been admitted to the probate court and approved as part of the probate administration process.” Brassard: “A will is not effective until a person dies, so it is not a tool for disposing of assets prior to death. For example, if someone is incapacitated but still alive, they should have a health care proxy and a durable power of attorney so that someone else (or an institution) can ‘stand in their shoes’ and make health care and financial decisions for them.” Stilson: “While a powerful estate planning tool, there are a lot of things a will cannot do. A will distributes your assets to named beneficiaries after you have passed away. This is done through a process called probate. This can be a time-consuming and costly process. Further, the process is public record, meaning that anyone can see what is contained within a will. “In contrast, a trust can generally accomplish the same things as a will while avoiding some of the shortfalls. There are many different types of trusts, but the most commonly used one is called a revocable trust. A revocable trust allows assets to pass to beneficiaries after you’ve passed away, but
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can avoid the probate process if prepared and funded properly. Trusts are different from wills in that they are able to hold assets during your lifetime. A trust is almost like a bucket in which you deposit all of your assets: real estate, personal property, bank accounts, etc. During your lifetime, you fill up the bucket; after you pass away, the contents are given to your beneficiaries according to your wishes, without the involvement of the probate court. This means that your trust does not have to be public record and can remain confidential. A trust may become public record if there is litigation involving the trust, which might happen if the trustee is not acting properly. “Less common — but still powerful — estate planning tools are various types of irrevocable trusts. These trusts can offer less flexibility to you in accessing those assets you put in your trust during your lifetime, but can serve various other needs, such as creditor protection or long-term care planning. These types of trusts should be used only after discussion with a qualified estate planning attorney to determine if one is right for you.”
What is a revocable living trust and what problems might it solve in my estate plan? Gagnon: “A revocable trust serves as the centerpiece of an estate plan and directs how your assets will be administered and distributed after your lifetime. A primary benefit of a revocable trust is to avoid the court-monitored probate process, thereby minimizing legal fees, avoiding court delays and expense, and maintaining privacy of your estate plan. In addition, a revocable trust is often desired over a simple will because it provides more flexibility and planning options, creditor protection, and tax advantages. In order to optimize the benefits afforded by a revocable trust, the trust should be funded during your lifetime, meaning that the ownership of certain assets should be transferred to your revocable trust. You will retain complete control of all assets in your trust as if you owned them in your individual name. As the grantor (i.e. trust creator) you retain the right to amend or revoke the trust at any time and to withdraw all or any part of its assets during your lifetime, so long as you have the requisite
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capacity. Oftentimes the grantor also serves as the initial trustee of the trust, and you may also appoint a successor trustee to manage your trust assets in the event of your incapacity and after your lifetime.” Weijer: “Revocable living trusts are estate planning vehicles that are utilized for countless purposes, including minimization of estate taxes, planning for minor children or disabled beneficiaries, business succession planning, and charitable giving. However, the most common use in New Hampshire is for probate avoidance. Probate is undesirable for many reasons: it is frustrating, it is costly, it is public, it takes months (and sometimes years) to complete, it delays distribution of assets, and it limits the level of ‘dead hand control’ a decedent can exert over estate assets. By setting up a trust, the negatives of probate can be avoided and the trustee can administer the trust estate without cumbersome court oversight.”
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in is the best N95 mask sleep apnea. “This says without hesitation the world,” Moulton envomask. about the company’s experi stems from expericounMoulton’s confidence and the rest of the been much ‘real’ As New hampshire phase of the coro- ence. “There really hasn’t de category for detry confront the harshest has mask the in company innovation a hampton navirus outbreak, of with a cost-effective, cades. We came up in the next generation emerged as a leader replace paper masks. reusable solution to not N95 protective masks. to (paper masks) do of going from zero People know they “We are a case study ble and mark your a flash,” said Tom Moulton, seal well, are uncomforta 100 miles an hour in of Sleepnet corp., PROTECTION, PAGE 15 founder and president has made masks for which for three decades
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But Carole Salyer, the way for me,” she said co-owner with of Donald Salyer and safety of- Transport in Bow her husband plannersyears, has for the last 40 outdoor winter event no such hesitat following a busy season ion in applyin other $10,00 ficials are anticipating g for an0. earof outdoor enthusiasts “After workin the unexpected rise g we had to pay?” all these years, paying all lier this year. that lakes andshe said. “The to the flockednies big were getting compa Near-record crowds fall despite co- it. The little compa andshould get it too.”of nies mountains this summer because — or perhaps Grappo ne Automotive vid-19 restrictions is a big company for New them. or hire. Hamps of ice and snow, The BowNow, barring a lack based auto dealer restrictions, ice fish-received $4.25 more heavy state million lastand time, pond but since it carnivals has ing derbies, winter more thanfebruary for 300 employees, it isn’t eligible Envomask, hockey events scheduled for another organizers But held. be manufactured loan will under for and March theturnrules of to expect in Hampton, is aren’t sure whatwhat’s being called PPP2. a timely solution Besides, said outs. ticket lowerCEO Larry to demand for Haynes, the “We had anticipated but with ny is virus, compa PPE. thebetter. doing sales because of s up and how busy fishing registration“The next round with be surprised bemay PPP2 ROLLOUT, PAGE the summer was, we of the 16 fred Stradler, chair a big turnout,” said derby. ice fishing Great Meredith Rotary are bein the meantime, events state ing adjusted to meet pandemic guidelines. 16 OUTDOOR EVENTS, PAGE
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Can employees be required to get the Covid-19 vaccine? PAGE 27 School-funding panel puts forward its report Districts’ fiscal capacity focuses on tax recommendations
prepared The 2020 globali by Plymouth State Univers zation report, ity. ally Jan. 19, presented virtupoints to the resiliency of high-technolo the state’s gy industry cluster and advanced manufa cturing s and its geogra to regional phical proxim market ity In their study, s. Chen Wu examinProfessors Roxana Wright and ed publicly tional busine availab le internass activity by Granite well as in-state business activity State firms as by foreign and acquis firms, end of the year. from March 2020 throug itions h the The report revealed “25 and expans notable investm ion project ent s or activiti by or involvi es initiated ng as five acquis foreign firms” in 2020, itions involvi as well Hampshire-ba ng foreign and sed or service expanscompanies, seven producNew tion ion investm tracts, 10 distribu ents or new contion agreem ents or actions , SELLING NEW HAMPSHIRE, PAGE 18
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As New Hampshire employers adapt their processes to “the new normal” — working remotely, placing in-house workers and machinery six feet apart, implementing temperature checks and sanitization stations and doling out PPE — they’re also looking ahead to their goals for 2021. And one way to accomplish those is by hiring, says Maura Mann, vice president of The
Nagler Group and KNF&T Staffing Resources, staffing firms in Bedford and Portsmouth. Hiring halted back in March and April, when the pandemic created uncertainty over how companies could operate and the extent of the virus’s impact on their workforce, customers and suppliers. “Every company was caught off guard initially,” says Kevin Lipperman, branch manager at Bonney Staffing in Dover.
Lipperman himself was hired by Bonney in August after he was furSTAFFING SERVICES, PAGE 21
BY MICHAEL KITCH
After meeting regularly and remotely since January, the Commission to Study School Funding presented its final report to the Legislature and governor on Dec. 1. The commission — the third to tackle the issue since the 1990s, when the New Hampshire Supreme Court struck down the system — has undertaken the most expansive and intensive review of school funding to date. The 18 members — lawmakers, educators and private citizens — have worked under the chairmanship of Rep. David Luneau, D-Hopkinton, and with the administrative support of a team from the Carsey SCHOOL FUNDING, PAGE 22
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GUIDE TO WILLS AND ESTATE PLANNING assets after one dies. The court oversees this process and ensures that the estate is managed and distributed according to the terms of the will. When you pass away, someone must be appointed by the court to be in charge of managing the estate and distributing any assets, known as the ‘executor’ or ‘administrator.’ In a will, you nominate who you would want to be the executor of your estate. The court will typically then approve your nominee to hold the role, and, in many cases, will also require a bond. A bond is an insurance policy on the executor for the value of the estate in the case something happens to the estate before it is distributed. This can be costly, and, in some instances, your nominated executor may not qualify for one, which would require the court to appoint someone else to be executor. “Further, the probate process can be daunting for executors, especially when they are grieving a loved one. Probate moves at the pace of the court, which may or may not be the proper pace for a particular estate. Finally, probate is a public process, so anyone can learn about your assets and where they are going. Many people want to avoid probate because they want to give their loved ones freedom to administer the estate without court intervention. Specifically, by avoiding probate, you could save your estate money that could otherwise go to your loved ones. You can also save time by having your loved ones start to manage your estate immediately through the use of a trust and trustee. Avoiding probate also gives confidentiality that some people prefer to a public process.” O’Neil: “Probate is the process of the court overseeing the administration of a person’s estate, including the transfer of assets from the person who passed away to their heirs or beneficiaries. Many people wish to avoid probate because of its associated costs and the length of time that it takes to complete. While this process takes place after you are gone, your grieving loved ones will be left to navigate the many hurdles during a time of difficult transition.”
What should I consider when choosing an executor? What responsibilities will he/she have?
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O’Neil: “When choosing an executor or a trustee, it is important to select someone who is reasonably reliable, responsive, and able to work well with others. This individual is allowed to seek outside assistance from lawyers, accountants, and financial advisors as they navigate the administration of your estate. As such, it is not as important that the person have these technical skills, and more important that they be willing to do what it takes to fulfill their duties. These responsibilities include notifying creditors of your passing, managing assets during the administration process, keeping good financial records, and ultimately distributing the assets to your beneficiaries.”
Are there any estate planning strategies unique to someone living in New Hampshire? Gagnon: “New Hampshire is a leading jurisdiction for establishing trusts because the New Hampshire legislature has continually modernized its trust laws to make administration significantly more efficient, to provide flexibility in modifying a trusts’ provisions, and to improve the creditor protection afforded by trusts. New Hampshire law allows for trusts to be updated or ‘fixed’ as necessary or desirable based on changing laws and family and financial circumstances without the need for court approval through the use of nonjudicial settlement agreements, trustee decantings, and trustee modifications.” “Only some states permit so-called asset protection trusts wherein the trust creator can retain a beneficial interest in the trust assets while also protecting the assets from his or her creditors, and New Hampshire recently strengthened the creditor protection provided by irrevocable trusts of this nature. New Hampshire repealed its rule against perpetuities, and thus under New Hampshire law the grantor of a trust may create a tax advantaged ‘perpetual trust’ or ‘dynasty trust’ to benefit multiple future generations. These are only some of the benefits of establishing and administering a trust in New Hampshire.” O’Neil: “New Hampshire has some of the most progressive trust laws in the country, including the ability to create a self-settled domestic asset protection trust,
“ The biggest differentiator between a will-based estate plan and a trustbased plan is that a will does not allow you to avoid probate.” — Candice M. O’Neil, Esq., Managing Partner, Estate Planning and Administratioin, Hudkins & O’Neil dynasty trusts, and directed trusts. If an individual has concerns and wants to protect an asset from creditors, is seeking state tax advantages, and wants greater flexibility in the management and administration of their trust, New Hampshire offers wonderful opportunities to explore.” Stilson: “New Hampshire offers great estate planning options, some of which are not found in other neighboring states. First, New Hampshire does not have an estate tax, meaning that when you pass assets to family members, no state-level estate tax will need to be paid on items they inherit. “Additionally, New Hampshire has very well-developed and flexible trust laws. These laws permit many different types of trusts and trust provisions and allow for customizing a plan to each person’s unique situation and estate planning goals. For example, New Hampshire law allows for trust protectors and trust advisors. These roles allow the creator of a trust to appoint individuals who can oversee the management of a trustee’s decisions and can advise on different asset management strategies. “Finally, New Hampshire has established the Complex Trust Docket, a court dedicated entirely to the oversight of complex trust litigation. Having this specialized court speeds up the court process for trust litigation. It also ensures that a judge who is well versed in complicated trust matters is hearing each case, resulting in fair and consistent application of New Hampshire law. This, combined with the liberal trust laws in New Hampshire, make it an ideal place to plan your estate.”
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What should I consider when crafting an estate plan with retirement benefits in mind? O’Neil: “Retirement benefits present unique issues when crafting your estate plan. It is important to consider the age of your beneficiaries, the modified timelines under which beneficiaries must withdraw inherited retirement benefits under recent changes, and whether you want those assets held in trust vs. distributed outright to your loved ones.” Weijer: “When setting up a trust, individuals should have robust conversations with their planner about the makeup of their estate and how certain assets should be treated. Ordinarily, a revocable living trust that is settled for probate avoidance should be ‘funded’ with all of an individual’s assets, except for qualified retirement accounts. Such accounts are usually the largest single asset of middle class families. The reason to avoid making your trust a beneficiary of your qualified retirement account is largely due to the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules imposed by the internal revenue code. “When an individual’s qualified retirement account passes via beneficiary designations, the withdrawal period is readjusted and based on its new recipient. Upon the passing of the 2019 SECURE Act, recipients of inherited accounts must withdraw the entire amount over a ten year period (many exceptions or caveats apply to the general rule, such as when the inheritor is a surviving spouse, a minor, disabled, or a charity, etc.) This new withdrawal schedule differs greatly with the former convention. Before the SECURE Act, the annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) an inheritor must have taken was based on his or her life expectancy. Since most inheritors were a generation removed from the original holder, this resulted in smaller RMDs, thereby reducing the amount taxed each year. It also renewed the period for continued tax-deferred growth. As one can see, the longer the money can stay in a qualified account the better. As the withdrawal period is shortened, however, the vehicle becomes less attractive. “More importantly, individuals who are settling trusts should be aware that the withdrawal period is even shorter for trusts—
just five years. This even shorter period results in higher RMDs, which can have the effect of pushing the beneficiary into higher tax marginal tax brackets. It also shortens the period of tax-deferred growth. For this reason, estate planners generally advise clients to keep their children as individual beneficiaries of requirement accounts if possible, rather than directing those assets through the trust. However, this approach can be frustrated where individuals want to use the trust to exert ‘dead hand control’ over certain children who require restraints or protections put on their share of a parent’s estate. A skilled estate planner can address these concerns by implementing plans that provide the protections necessary for certain beneficiaries while also maintaining equality between beneficiaries and minimizing tax burdens.”
What are the benefits of using a financial advisor when establishing a will or putting together an estate plan? O’Neil: “Clients should think of their financial advisor as part of their overall estate planning team, consisting of an attorney, a tax advisor, an insurance advisor, and a financial planner. The financial advisor can assist with funding a trust after it is created, assessing long term care needs, and developing strategies for tax planning.” Weijer: “The design of an estate plan is only as good as the attorney’s understanding of the estate itself—both in its present and future form. Individuals who are creating an estate plan benefit greatly when their financial advisor participates in the process. In fact, it is not uncommon for financial advisors to attend or call into their clients’ initial conference with an estate planning attorney. Financial advisors are generally in the best position to understand a family’s financial goals and can provide guidance on what a family’s estate consists of, as well as what it might consist of two, five, or even ten years in the future. Conversely, it is important for financial advisors to understand how their client’s plan will operate and what issues the attorney may anticipate going forward.”
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specializes in the area of estate planning, When and how should What does a will do? July 2020 41 wills, trusts, and estates or| probate. What doesn’t I start my nhmagazine.com There estate plan? it do? are many attorneys throughout the state of New Hampshire that specifically Brassard: “Every adult Weijer: “A will is a legal focus on should have an documents that this area. Pick someone estate plan, which usually you trust to have an when properly prepared causes includes, at a decedent’s ongoing relationship with. a minimum, a will (to dispose probate estate to pass to Often times that their intended benof one’s attorney will work with a probate assets at death), eficiaries. A probate estate client as their famia durable power is simply the collies grow and as their needs of attorney (so someone lection of assets a decent change over else can handle dies holding — that time. We generally recommend your finances if you are is, assets he or she individually not capable), and a estate plans holds outside be reviewed every 7-10 health care proxy (so health years, or if there are of trust or without beneficiary designations. care decisions substantial changes in an may be made for you if individual’s of fam- The will is sort of like an instruction manual; you are not able). ily’s circumstances.” In the beginning of the process, it tells the probate judge it is helpful who should take to make a list of your assets control over the estate (i.e., and liabilities, Who should have a will? who the execuand start considering who tor should be), how the you wish to name assets should be Saffan: “Every parent with in various fiduciary capacities handled, and to whom certain a minor child to step in assets should should have a will that names should you become incapacitated be distributed to. In some a guardian or if you instances, a will over the child in the event pass away. You should also can also be used to designate the parent dies consider who guardians before the child reaches you wish to name as the over a decedent’s minor 18 years of age. recipients of your children. Every adult, regardless of property at your death.” “A will does not cause an parental status, estate to should have a will or trust Siracusa Hillman: “Anyone circumvent probate. To avoid that directs can benefit probate, assets from estate planning. A the disposition of their property must be structured or titled college student at death, in a particular can plan for his parents otherwise property will be way. Furthermore, a will to make medical distributed in does not manage a decisions for him in an emergency. accordance with New Hampshire’s person’s affairs while they A parintestacy are living. It is also ent can plan to protect her statute, which may not reflect distinct from a living will, minor children. the individui.e., the document Those approaching or in that directs physicians whether retirement can plan al’s intentions. In New Hampshire, a person or not to for long-term care needs. is not legally competent ‘pull the plug.’” Your estate plan to execute estate reflects your life and will planning documents, such grow and evolve as as a will, trust, What happens if I die your needs change. durable financial power without a will? of attorney, health “Reaching out to a qualified care power of attorney or Weijer: “Contrary to popular estate trust, until attainbelief, the planning lawyer is a good ing the age of 18. At Upton government does not take place to start. In all your property & Hatfield, we partnering with you to make recommend that, as soon if you die without a valid a plan, that will (but full disas possible after lawyer will typically ask you closure, it might depending turning 18, an individual to discuss and execute these basic what degree of consider the important people kin survives you). If a person estate planning documents in your life, so that, in the dies without a your values, income, assets will, statutory law imposes event of an accident or and liabilities. other tragedy, there a certain scheme Some of the important questions of distribution. It does not is someone who can make include: matter what the decisions on Who has the skills to manage decedent promised during their behalf, and property your finanlife or to whom can be transferred cial affairs or care for your they thought would get dependents if you to the people the individual certain assets, the wishes to rebecome incapacitated or law prescribes exactly who ceive the property. Furthermore, after your death? gets what — no an executor Do you have loved ones exceptions. This is called who rely on you or agent would have the intestacy. ability to access for financial support? “The intestacy statute does digital accounts, such as its best to asFacebook, and digiWhat assets do you have? sume what the decedent’s tal assets, such as photographs Where would probable intent that may be you want these assets to would have been had they pass on your stored on accounts such prepared a will. as Shutterfly and death? Do these assets already have a benHowever, these assumptions Flickr. If estate planning are based on documents have eficiary designation or joint what a person in a traditional account holder? not been created early in nuclear family life, it is never too Can your loved ones receive might have expected. Some funds outright, late to do so. Once established, argue that the or do they need for those the estate statute is outdated or antiquated funds to be manplan should be revisited because from time to time, aged by someone else for their benefit? it generally does not consider especially when major life potential What are your values with events occur, respect to key interfamilial disputes, and such as marriage, divorce, because it largely healthcare decisions? What births, deaths and do you want to ignores the needs of modern, the onset of illness. A good blended happen if you are near death estate planning families. Society is ever-changing and lack the attorney can to guide the and the capacity to make healthcare client through a decisions?” concept of family is evolving. thoughtful discussion about In some cases, Weijer: “It is never too these matters, early to begin an even those leaving behind and clients will feel as though intact nuclear estate plan. You can start a weight has organizing your families may be surprised been lifted when the plan that intestacy may estate by working with an is complete.” attorney that allocate part of their probate estate to surviving children rather than to their spouse en-
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Spotlight on Ageism
The pandemic exacerbates the problem by Lynne Snierson / illustration by Victoria Marcelino
“I
love being called ‘Little Lady’ or ‘Pops’ by a total stranger,” said no senior ever. Yet language that diminishes, degrades or devalues older people is common, and it’s just one of the many ways they experience stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and far worse based solely upon their birth date. That’s known as ageism, and it is entrenched in our culture. The term was devised in the late 1960s by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and medical doctor Robert Butler, who envisioned ageism would take its rightful place among the battles being waged against racism, sexism, antiSemitism and the other “isms” during that era marked by social change and cultural shifts.
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But it’s only recently that this type of discrimination has attracted the level of attention it deserves. It’s about time, says Jennifer Rabalais.
She is the co-director of the Center on Aging and Community Living at the University of New Hampshire, and in her role she works hand-in-glove with the New Hampshire Alliance for Healthy Aging and the newly created New Hampshire Commission on Aging in the nation’s second-oldest state. “Ageism is pervasive. We see it in a variety of different ways,” says Rabalais. “Certainly, we see it in advertising and mass media, in greeting cards, and in the jokes about older people that are commonly told in our society. It’s so pervasive that on some level folks are telling those jokes and saying these things without realizing they are feeding into ageism.” The UNH center and Dartmouth College’s Center for Health and Aging are among the many university programs across the United States and Canada now researching this issue. Internationally, the World Health Organization is currently leading four indepth studies. What experts know is that attitudes about people over 50 are baked in during childhood by the tender age of 6. By then it’s believed that seniors can’t see or hear well, are no longer competent in their careers, have memory loss, are slowed physically and mentally, and are breaking down. “It’s everywhere, and it feeds into that singular view of aging, which is common within the general public, that aging is synonymous with decline and with deterioration,” says Rabalais. “That doesn’t allow folks to acknowledge that there is quite a diverse experience of aging. While decline and deterioration can be a part of it, it is not a part of it for everybody, and it certainly is not within the same time frame as others. There is a range of how we all experience aging, but the jokes, the ageist attitudes, and the advertisements all feed into this singular vision.” COVID-19, which is much more deadly to people over 60 than to other age groups, exacerbates the problem. During shutdowns, some high-ranking politicians and poular media personalities insinuated that seniors are disposable, that this segment of society
“There were many instances of referring to older people as expendable, suggesting they should just stay indoors so the rest of us can live our lives. — Jennifer Rabalais, Co-director of the Center on Aging and Community Living at the University of New Hampshire
Pervasive ageism, which devalues older people and consigns them to a reduced status in society, is endemic and insidious. Nevertheless, there are steps that everyone can take to fight back. • Watch your thoughts, words and deeds. Don’t buy into the stereotypes and myths about older people and aging. Challenge them. Everyone ages differently and there is no “one size fits all.” • Speak up. If you find something offensive, say so. If anyone tries to talk to your family member, friend, or caregiver instead of to you directly remind them that you are the patient, client or customer. • Stand up. Refuse to let anyone treat a senior citizen or you as “less than” or
should be sacrificed to open the economy and save the country. COVID-19 became known as the “old person’s disease.” Even worse, it was called the “boomer remover.” “There were many instances of referring to older people as expendable, suggesting they should just stay indoors so the rest of us can live our lives. Absolutely, COVID-19 amplified ageism in many and almost horrifying ways,” says Rabalais. “What it has done
invisible just because of the numbers on the calendar. • Stay Positive. If you can’t find your car keys, it’s no reason to freak out. You misplaced them when you were in your 20s too. Don’t reproach yourself. You possess a wealth of wisdom and a treasure trove of life experience. • Embrace your age. It’s only a number. Remember: Everyone is the perfect age right now for where they need to be at this stage of life’s journey.
is really amplify the impact, and it’s become apparent ageism. The only good thing about that is that with the recognition of ageism, especially if we know that the recognition of it can reduce it, people are now talking about those horrible statements.” She says that academic research proves conclusively that increasing awareness of the problem and discussing it openly is the most effective weapon for combating it. It’s even established that seniors who re-
fuse to buy into the stereotypes and mistaken beliefs that old age is a less-valued status are significantly healthier mentally and physically and have a greater life expectancy than their peers. Conversely, seniors who do buy into ageism are more prone to drinking, smoking, poor eating habits, and other unhealthy and risky behaviors. The New Hampshire Alliance for Healthy Aging is currently participating in a national initiative called Reframing Aging. “This is a long-term social change endeavor that looks to change the public way of thinking about and talking about aging to include the many contributions that older people can bring to society,” explains Rablais. “It looks to address ageist beliefs. Our tactic to address ageism here in New Hampshire is through education and reaching out, having conversations. That is a key part of the solution. It’s not something that happens overnight. When getting the information out slowly, we begin to change how we talk about aging as a society and that will shift how we think about aging.” Moreover, that has a direct effect on policy, and when those policies are passed by the Legislature and put in place they will benefit younger people as well. Gen Xers, Millen-
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603 living / seniority nials and Gen Zers may not realize it, but one day they’ll be old. “We see that a lot, even outside of Covid, that there is a zero-sum thinking that there is a finite amount of resources so if we support policies and resources for older people, then that means we must be taking them from someone else, versus the thinking that everybody in society deserves to have equal access to opportunities,” says Rablais. “By supporting and creating resources for people as they age, it’s better for all of society. We’re all aging. We’re just on a spectrum of age,” she adds.
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What experts know is that attitudes about people over 50 are baked in during childhood by the tender age of 6. In American culture, which places an inordinately high value on youth and physical beauty, it is vitally important to question those stereotypes and myths. “Absolutely,” Rablais says. “That’s where we can all start.” But to really make a difference, it’s important for people to advocate and push back against stereotypes, she says. “We can make comments to family, friends, and in business meetings when we encounter ageism,” she adds. “But it’s important that, as we recognize it, we look to how we can change it rather than making people feel like they have to apologize. We don’t want to shame anyone. One of the challenges I face when I talk about reframing aging is how do I get folks to understand the importance of shifting the language that we use and elevating how we talk about ageism. It’s still a tricky area.” NH
603 living / local dish
Braised Lamb Shoulder With Minted Peas Serving Size: 4-6 Active Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 4 hours
Ingredients: 5 pounds bone-in lamb shoulder 1 small onion 2 carrots, diced 3 bay leaves 2 tablespoons canola oil 2 tablespoons black peppercorns 2 cups of water 2 sprigs of rosemary 3 sprigs of mint 3 cups of fresh or frozen peas
Directions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Heat a large fry pan to medium-high heat and add about 2 tablespoons of oil. Liberally season the lamb with salt on all sides. Place lamb in the pan and brown it on all sides. In a Dutch oven or baking dish, place the onion, carrots, bay leaves, peppercorns, rosemary and water. Once the lamb is browned, place it in the Dutch oven with the lid on, or cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Cook the lamb in the oven for 3½ hours or until it is fork-tender.
Peas:
Recipe by Keith Sarasin
When the lamb is ready, place the peas and mint in enough water to cover the peas on medium heat.
N
othing says spring better and tastier in cookbook lexicon than lamb, peas and mint. This braised lamb recipe by Keith Sarasin is one of the 300 recipes from his latest book “Meat: The Ultimate Cookbook,” featuring simplified recipes for all cuts of meat. Here, lamb shoulder is braised in a flavorful broth until it’s falling-off-thebone tender, and is served with peas. About the Cookbook Author Keith Sarasin, the founder of The Farmers Dinner, has produced more than 87 dinners featuring food produced on local farms, prepared by notable New England chefs, and usually hosted on farm grounds. The 2021 season includes dinners at Dunk’s Mushrooms, Live Bee or Die Farm and Kimball Fruit Farm. “Meat: The Ultimate Cookbook” is his third cookbook. It features more than 300 easy-to-follow recipes designed for the home cook, in addition to butchering techniques. Sarasin’s other cookbooks include “The Perfect Turkey” and “The Farmers Dinner,” co-authored with Chef Chris Viaud of Greenleaf in Milford. Find more details at thefarmersdinner.com. “Meat: The Ultimate Cookbook” Keith Sarasin / Hardcover, 848 pages Cider Mill Press, $35 / thefarmersdinner.com
Cook until tender, drain the water and discard the mint.
Places to Buy Local Lamb Please verify availability and hours before heading out. Also, check local farmers markets in your area.
Brookford Farm
Canterbury / brookfordfarm.com Has a vast CSA network in addition to a farm store.
Coppal House Farm Lee / nhcornmaze.com
Loudonshire Farm Loudon / loudonshire.com
Miles Smith Farm
Loudon / milessmithfarm.com
Riverslea Farm
Epping / riversleafarm.com
The Inn at East Hill Farm Troy / east-hill-farm.com
Thunder Ridge Ranch, LLC Piermont / thunderridgeranchllc.com
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Active Aging Think you’re too old to exercise? Think again. by Karen A. Jamrog illustrations by nadia Divakova
S
ir Isaac Newton said that a body in motion stays in motion. He might have had physics in mind, but you could say the same principle applies to the human body. Research shows that physical activity, even in adults who don’t develop an exercise habit until late in life, supports overall health and well-being as it helps prevent or even reverse disease and disorders that can occur with age. So, although you might need to scale back your athletic ambitions over time, you shouldn’t give up and resign yourself to the couch. “When I work with older adults, they might still be just as active, but their goals are reshaped” from, say, running a 7-minute mile to simply staying active to maintain health and fitness and feel good, says Summer Cook, Ph.D., associate professor of exercise science in the department of kine-
siology at UNH in Durham. “Absolutely, we should continue to exercise all throughout our lifespan.” Indeed, there are lots of benefits related to physical activity at any age, says Masooma Athar, M.D., C.M.D., medical director and section chief of the department of geriatrics at Elliot Health System. “I tell my patients, ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it.’ ... The more active you are, the more benefit you’ll see over time.” What about body parts that ache, creak, groan or pop — which is common in older bodies? Most often, they are not a reason to skip exercise, although in some cases workout modifications might be necessary. Consult with your doctor, and do not exercise through excruciating pain, of course, but some discomfort during and after exercise is acceptable and even expected, especially if you work muscles that have been neglected for years. “A lot of times, those little aches will get better as we exercise,” Cook says. “As our body gets warmed up, there’s more
blood flow to the muscle,” and over time, we gain better mobility. Exercise can also combat the natural declines in muscle and bone density that begin when we are relatively young. Strong muscles support joints, and minerally dense bones help protect us from bone fractures, which are a major problem among older adults. “Weight-bearing exercise is the most important thing that older adults can do to slow the loss of bone-mineral density,” Cook says. “If we exercise all throughout our lifespan and do weight-bearing exercises, we’re going to have a pretty slow loss of bone-mineral density.” Examples of weight-bearing exercises include walking, jogging, dancing, playing tennis or pickleball, and strengthening activities such as working out with dumbbells, weight machines at a gym, or body weight to perform push-ups, lunges and squats. If you’re new to exercise, check with your doctor about which types of exercise are safe for you and then gradually build up to what you can tolerate, Athar says. Individuals who are unsure of which exercises to do or how to do them might also want to work with a physical therapist or certified personal trainer to develop a program that is tailored for their needs. Beginners and longtime exercisers alike should aim to perform weight-bearing exercises at least twice a week. In addition to strength training, don’t forget to include in your workout regimen exercises that require balance. Just as muscle mass and bone density decline as we age, so does our ability to balance, which contributes to the falls that are common among older adults. Balance exercises become important, Cook says, especially by the time we enter our 50s or 60s. Even people who have osteoporosis and worry about injury during workouts can benefit from exercise. After receiving guidance as to which activities are safe for them,
“I tell my patients, ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it.’ ... The more active you are, the more benefit you’ll see over time.” — Masooma Athar, M.D., C.M.D. 102
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Stay in the game Some people assume that as they enter middle age and beyond, they need to hang up their sneakers, cleats and dance shoes. Health experts say otherwise. While we might need to modify the types of activity we do, staying active is a smart choice that can help reduce pain and preserve independence while it lowers the risk of many health problems such as obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Plus, exercise benefits mental health as it alleviates stress and stimulates the release of feel-good hormones. For guidance, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that older adults engage in exercise that addresses aerobic or cardiovascular health as well as strength, flexibility and balance, but how you achieve that is up to you, says Summer Cook, Ph.D., associate professor of exercise science in the department of kinesiology at UNH in Durham. You might choose to devote time specifically to aerobic exercise, strength training or another of ACSM’s recommended exercise components, or perform exercises that incorporate multiple aspects of fitness at the same time — performing yoga postures, for example, that require strength but also balance and flexibility. And don’t be afraid to switch it up. If slogging away on an elliptical machine for a cardio workout gets old, try cycling to work your heart. If indoor workouts aren’t your thing, take advantage of your status as a Granite Stater and hit the slopes in winter, swim in the ocean or a lake in the summer, or enjoy a brisk walk or hike in the woods — or right in your own neighborhood — at any time of year.
“exercise in general should not be avoided by people that have low bone-mineral density, and it actually can be very helpful,” Cook says. Similarly, individuals who suffer from arthritis, although they might need to modify the amount or type of exercise
they do, can work out in ways that do not overly strain arthritic joints. Yoga, rowing, cycling, swimming and water aerobics can be excellent choices for people who have arthritis, Athar says. “All of these exercises are out there,” Athar adds. “You might have to modify the type of exercise you do based on what your limitations are, but I would not just stop exercising because you have certain concerns. Of course, if there is something that worries you, you should definitely speak to your primary care doctor about it and see if you need further evaluation for that condition.” Athar says she frequently and often readily sees the difference between patients who exercise and those who don’t. “I’ll have, say, a 90-year-old walk into my office and they will look like they’re in their 80s,” she says. “As they get older, they’re physically more fit, and they tend to have
fewer medical issues as a result. I see that all the time in my practice.” If you’re still not convinced that exercise at any age is worthwhile, consider the quality of life you want to have now and in the future. Regular physical activity brings sustained, long-term changes that significantly affect health and vitality on many levels and helps enable full participation in life. “Exercise has a great effect on overall well-being, mood [and] cognitive function,” Cook says, and helps prevent the serious potential health consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, such as Type II diabetes, obesity, heart disease and disability. “All of those conditions,” Cook notes, “can really affect quality of life overall.” NH
Staying active even in the worst of times The novel coronavirus that has dominated our lives for a year has wreaked havoc with our routines, emotions, physical health and, in some cases, financial well-being. Working out might seem like a trivial concern during such times, but it’s not, and in fact boosts the immune system and mood, and benefits sleep. How to stay active when you’re sheltering at home? Consider online exercise classes. Many local fitness centers have developed online offerings during the pandemic, and YouTube presents an infinite array of choices, many of them free. (Just be sure to check the qualifications of the person leading the exercise before you begin.) For more information and ideas on how to stay active, visit the website of the National Institute on Aging: nia.nih.gov/ health/exercise-physical-activity. nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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The Roadhouse by the Beach
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pare a thought for the no-neck seacoast gorilla. In another time, before the invention of gray hair and paunches aplenty, I was one. For two summers, I was a maître d’ at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. Only no one used that name. I was a bouncer — one of about 20 who used to have to wear a tuxedo shirt and bow tie and sweat/skulk around the place asking people to not stand on the tables. And despite the “Roadhouse” reputation of my esteemed colleagues, you’ll just have to take my word for it: They were all pretty good guys. It was a time when the club was going through a bit of a transition. The ’80s were in the rearview mirror of our cultural Pontiac Fiero, and the old crew had a reputation for being a bit rough around the edges. The new management eschewed knuckle-dragging, however. I was told, “We want people who can mediate. Don’t go toe-to-toe with anyone in the club. Talk to people.” Which
was perfect, because one of my career goals was “don’t get beat up for $5 an hour.” Still is, actually. I think it’s a pretty solid ethos. I just wanted a fun summer job, to see some shows, and to come out of it with a few stories. And not take a beating. Whether it was sheer luck or not being Patrick Swayze, I achieved those goals. A typical shift went like this: Show up just after lunch to help the road crew set up. Then it was home for dinner, put on our stupid shirts and bow ties, and head back to the beach. The show would go on, we’d do load-out until midnight or 1 a.m., and then head to Pappy’s Pizza on F Street, or to the Sea Ketch. And it was fun: I got to help Ray Charles walk to the back door, the Indian from the Village People tried to get a couple of us to carry his luggage out to the van, Charlie Daniels said “Hi, boys” as he came up the stairs following an onstage
union dispute, and Ted Nugent yelled at my friend Mike. Also, Kris Kristofferson was the nicest guy all summer. Occasionally, two of the crew would wear black bow ties instead of the typical red. These were “stuffers” — they’d make sure every space up front was filled when we would seat patrons. Simple. Someone once asked me if the colors signified anything. “The guys wearing the black ties have actually killed someone on the job.” Another question: “Do you guys have to know karate to get this job?”“Gymkata. Or Krav Maga.” (If Krav Maga were Hebrew for “he showed up for the interview.”) In reality, it was a group of the most mild-mannered people I’ve worked with. There were future engineers, lawyers, teachers, and even a magazine writer among them. And yes, I was working the night of the infamous Phish show in July of 1991. We shall speak no more of it, other than to say that was the night I saw a man fly. NH
By bill burke / illustration by brad fitzpatrick 104
nhmagazine.com | March/April 2021
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