New Hampshire Magazine January 2018

N E W H A M P S H I R E M AG A Z I N E JANUARY 2 01 8

THE FUTURE OF NH

WINTER ADVENTURES

EMILE BIRCH

CLOSET ORGANIZING

January 2018 $4.99

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Honoring This Year’s Business Greats. Spring 2018.

Vote for your favorites by Jan. 21 – bobawardsnh.com Sponsored by Comcast Business, Bernstein Shur, AutoFair, Cross Insurance, RJ Finlay & BIA of New Hampshire

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

New Hampshire Magazine® is published by McLean Communications, Inc., 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101, (603) 624-1442. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any mistakes in advertisements or editorial. Statements/opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect or represent those of this publication or its officers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, McLean Communications, Inc.: New Hampshire Magazine disclaims all responsibility for omissions and errors. New Hampshire Magazine is published monthly. USPS permit number 022-604. Periodical postage paid at Manchester 03103-9651. Postmaster send address changes to: New Hampshire Magazine, P.O. Box 433273, Palm Coast, FL 32143. PRINTED IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

Contents 40 First Things 6 Editor’s Note 8 Contributors Page 10 Feedback

Features

38 In Their Own Words Meet Rebecca Howland, who’s on a cinematic mission to rescue horses. by Chris Saunders

from left: illustration by faye rogers; photos by matthew lomanno and joe klementovich

40 Next Hampshire

January 2018

603 Navigator

603 Informer

603 Living

12 BEEDE FALLS

28 SARAH MILDRED

68 Home

photo by Richard Hopley

by Amy Mitchell

30 Politics

82 Health

photo by Rob Clifford Photography

14 Top Events WOMEN’S EVENTS

by Emily Heidt

16 Our Town HENNIKER

by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers

20 Food & Drink HOP + GRIND

LONG BRIDGE

WHAT’S OLD IS NEW

HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING

QUESTIONS OF 2018

by James Pindell

by Karen A. Jamrog

32 Artisan

85 Local Dish

INDIKOI SINKS

RICOTTA GNOCCHI

by Susan Laughlin

by Chef Amanda Pomer

33 Blips

How projects — from those currently underway to the hypothetical — will shape the state for years to come. by Dan McCarthy illustrations by Faye Rogers

by Susan Laughlin

86 How To

24 Small Bites

by Emily Heidt

50 Light and Shadows

25 Retail

As New Hampshire artist Emile Birch faces dementia and his own mortality, he reflects on his legacy and undertakes his final work. by Karen A. Jamrog photos by Matthew Lomanno

GET ORGANIZED

FOOD NEWS & EVENTS

88 Calendar

by Susan Laughlin

BUILD A CAPSULE WARDROBE

by Chloe Barcelou

58 Snow Bond Three friends set out on three adventures. In one trip they hit the trails with both fat bikes and snowshoes and attempt to scale a wall of ice. by Jay Atkinson photos by Joe Klementovich

edited by Emily Heidt

by Casey McDermott

34 What Do You Know? WHIMSICAL RUINS

92 Dine Out GOOD EATS

edited by Susan Laughlin

by Marshall Hudson

96 Ayuh

37 Out and About YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE

ON THE COVER Artist Faye Rogers created this month’s cover illustration for the feature story “Next Hampshire.” See more of her work starting on page 40.

WHAT TO DO THIS MONTH

NH IN THE NEWS

STRIP TREES

by Marshall Hudson

Volume 32, Number 1 ISSN 1560-4949 nhmagazine.com | January 2018

EDITOR’S NOTE

The Future on Wheels For me, the future arrived back in the 1960s. It came on wheels, packed with books, and when the door opened, it smelled like a cool breeze from heaven: It was an air-conditioned bookmobile. .org

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nhmagazine.com | January 2018

e lived in Northwest Florida at the time and air conditioning was still a luxury. This may account for the vividness with which I remember the event, but the very idea of a cool bus filled with books, free for the borrowing, was (and still is) enough to tantalize me. Good books have always seemed like complete worlds awaiting exploration. The bookmobile might as well have been an interstellar portal, linking my adolescent self to a universe of experiences and knowledge. My preferred reading material at the time was science fiction, so I hurried to see that they hadn’t overlooked this category. I can’t recall the titles I checked out, but I’d bet there was something by Isaac Asimov or Robert Heinlein in the fat bundle I carried home. Now as a longtime resident of New Hampshire, a state known for the ancient stone beneath our feet more than for the stars overhead, my devotion to science fiction — and air conditioning — has lessened a bit, but one of my favorite current science fiction authors happens to live here, so when we elected to plan a feature story on the Future of NH, I reached out for his thoughts. James Patrick Kelly, who won the Hugo Award for his novelette “Think Like a Dinosaur,” was willing, and he turned in a provocative essay that we’ve attached to the main bar of our “Next Hampshire” story (it all starts on page 40). Kelly’s speculative fiction tends to avoid post-apocalyptic scenarios, as he prefers to deal in the “what ifs” of the future with the assumption that folks will still be around to enjoy or endure whatever progress brings to humankind. His glimpse into the Granite State of tomorrow is mind-expanding the way that good fiction can be, but his predictions are not far-fetched at all.

While composing this note, I asked Kelly for some future-thoughts about libraries. After all, the ability to store our knowledge and wisdom and to make the information available for others to learn from or challenge is the basis of all our futuristic aspirations (not to mention our present-day civilization, such as it is). He replied, “To me, the future of libraries lies in the curatorial expertise of the librarian. It may be that librarians will be freed from the tyranny of molecules and will do their jobs at home or away from stacks of books — not in a physical library. Instead, you’ll want your freelance librarian to point you toward some particular corner of the internets where you can find the precise cross-platform materials to satisfy your information needs. The librarians of the future will be web tamers, sorting the signal from the deafening noise of the Age of Big Data.” I asked the same question of NH State Librarian Michael York, who was just sending out a note summarizing activities in 2017, the 300th anniversary of the first state library in the country. He offered a different take: “Libraries are, of course, information centers, but they are vibrant community centers too. No longer exclusively used for quiet reading and research, libraries hum with the joyful noise of babies enjoying lap-sit sessions, teens preparing for a FIRST Robotics Competition, adults sharing tips on everything from cooking to car repair to astronomy ... and seniors creating models using their library’s 3D printer. The activities that take place at your public library are a direct reflection of your community’s interests.” My hope is that, like a cool rolling bus that can contain a thousand worlds, our future will be big enough to host both these visions.

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Faye Rogers, who created this month’s cover and illustrated the feature “Next Hampshire,” is a New Jersey-based craft artist who uses paper, cardboard, acrylic, hot glue and whatever finds its way into her supply bin to create her own three-dimensional worlds. She then photographs these paper sculptures so that her illustrations can make their way into print. When not making craft illustrations for major publications or selling shadowbox frames of her paper productions, she works on her own on personal projects, including her current “Magical Artifacts” series where she installs her sculptures in outdoor spaces.

for January 2018

Journalist Dan McCarthy wrote our cover story on NH’s future. His work has appeared in VICE, The Boston Globe, Esquire, The Daily Beast and more publications.

Longtime monthly “Health” contributor and freelance writer Karen A. Jamrog wrote the feature story “Light and Shadows.”

Jay Atkinson, who wrote “Snow Bond,” is a novelist, short story writer, essayist, critic, investigative journalist and amateur athlete.

Matthew Lomanno, who took the photos for “Light and Shadows,” is an award-winning editorial and documentary photographer.

“Snow Bond” photographer Joe Klementovich specializes in environmental photography. He’s shot everything from Mt. Washington to the Everglades.

James Patrick Kelly, who contributed to “Next Hampshire,” has won both Hugo and Nebula awards. His most recent novel is “Mother Go.”

About | Behind The Scenes at New Hampshire Magazine Time to Recognize

Come January, we start looking ahead to one of our favorite things of the year — Best of NH. Starting on January 16, we officially open the Readers’ Poll, where we ask you smart, savvy, New Hampshire-loving people to tell us who and what you think deserves accolades. Simply visit bestofnh. com to cast your vote. All year long we make it our mission to let our readers know about the many wonderful aspects of the state, and now it’s time for us to listen to you. As always, the Readers’ Poll winners and Editor’s Picks will appear in the July issue, and the annual Best of NH Party will return to Northeast Delta Dental stadium in Manchester on Thursday, June 14. As Best of NH voting gets underway, we’re wrapping up nominations to the inaugural Excellence in Nursing awards. Our aim is to recognize exceptional nurses in partnership with the New Hampshire Nurses Association, and January 4 is the last day to tell us about a nurse who goes above and beyond. The results will be published in the May issue of the magazine, and we’ll be holding a celebration in the winners’ honor on May 22. If you’d like to submit a last-minute nomination or just want to learn more about the new awards, visit nhmagazine. com/nursingawards. 8

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

jay atkinson photo by joe klementovich

Contributors

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

Feedback

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

Feeling Cheated I have long been fascinated with border walls in New Hampshire, and appreciated the recent story you ran by Marshall Hudson [“What Do You Know?”, November 2017]. However, it was so short that I felt cheated and was left wanting far more details about the history, construction and use of the wall in the photo and maybe others like it — in fact, it would have been a big help to have been able to see more photos as well (if there were any others). I have a question about the photo — the elements shown seem incongruous. Could you find out from Marshall Hudson more about the history of the various parts? Or put me in contact with him? I am a history buff, like many of my friends and neighbors, and would love to read more stories like this one. Willard McGraw Newton, Massachusetts

More, Please I really enjoyed the article on border walls by Marshall Hudson in your latest magazine. Marshall is a great storyteller, and his writing is clear and interesting while being informative. We have a property with interesting stone walls and would love to know more. More photos would have been nice, and more detail — we just got a taste! And I would have loved to have seen it online to share with friends. Please do more of this kind of article, and more by Hudson — he is on to something many of us care about, and a history that is being lost for not being shared. Cynthia Clark Amherst Editor’s Note: We’ve posted the story online at nhmagazine.com with additional photos for you to enjoy and share. Thanks for your reaction to Marshall Hudson’s first story for us. We like him too, and plan to feature him often, and his latest “What Do You Know?” can be found on page 34. Here’s his response to the inquiries: There are other details that I omitted to meet the 600-word budget, including the rumored legend that Confederate Civil War POWs labored on it. Another interesting 10

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

emails, snail mail, facebook, tweets

tidbit is that this canal extends deep out into the depths of Great East Lake, so there is maximum water flow even when the lake is low. How they constructed this in the lake (underwater) in the late 1800s is something to ponder, but men were tougher back then. Repairs have been made to the canal, arch bridge, dam, etc., many times over the years since the 1800s, so there is certainly an incongruity to the structures where new construction techniques meet the old. The project engineer who oversaw the construction was a local innkeeper at a tavern who supplemented his income by occasionally building stone arch bridges. Apparently, he expanded his rock-stacking skills from bridges to include this canal. I omitted the exact location because I didn’t want a stampede of readers trampling private property to see it. There are enough clues given that an astute reader with some navigating skills can find the site while remaining on public property. — Marshall Hudson

Presidential Praise

As an avid reader of New Hampshire Magazine and an amateur presidential historian, I enjoyed Brady Carlson’s “Our Fourteenth President” [November 2017]. As a Southerner who visits New England, I often wonder why New Hampshire doesn’t do more to educate us about her native son. His actions, or lack thereof, greatly impacted our country, then and now. Understanding Pierce and his times may help us avoid repeating

the mistakes of the past. I look forward to future articles including, I hope, more about citizens of your great state who played a role in our nation’s history. Phil Waldrep Decatur, Alabama Editor’s Note: As we’ve mentioned before, we love receiving handwritten letters and hope to include our favorite on this page each month (so get out your quill pens). Phil Waldrep’s note scored extra points for the use of personalized stationery.

Name That Rink Beautiful December issue and thank you for the lavish full-page photo of the skating rink at Strawbery Banke. Just in case readers have a hard time finding it — and with everlasting thanks to the Labrie Family who helped make it possible, the actual name (on Facebook too) is Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond. And I also want to credit David J. Murray at ClearEyePhoto.com for his amazing aerial view. Stephanie Seacord, Director of Marketing Strawbery Banke Museum Portsmouth

An Artist’s Thanks I am writing today to thank you for the wonderful article that was written by Ms. Susan Laughlin in the “Artisan” section of the October 2017 issue of the New Hampshire Magazine. It was well-written, informative and interesting. Ms. Laughlin is a very gifted writer. Barnes & Noble followed up by inviting me to their Nashua location to do a demo and signing of New Hampshire Magazine. At the same time, my presence and demo helped promote the sale of their art books. Monique Sakellarios Nashua Corrections: The credit for the photo of Northeastern Ballet Theatre performing “The Nutcracker” in the December story “Making Spirits Bright” was inadvertently omitted. The photo is by Misty Eyes Photography. In November’s “Retail,” the jewelry photos on page 13 are by Jane Kelley Photography. We regret the omissions.

RVRWDS-4.62 x4.95 NH mag Skiier ad.qxp_Layout 1 11/17/17 9:40 AM Page 1

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

Spot the Newt c/o New Hampshire Magazine 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101 Email them to newt@nhmagazine.com or fax them to (603) 624-1310. Last month’s “Spot the Newt” winner is Sally Ross of North Conway. December issue newts were on pages 8, 17, 23 and 108.

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Winter Accessories That Are Anything But Ordinary! December’s lucky Newt Spotter will receive a Nuts Over Fish basket with a cutting board, fish spatula and one package of each flavor of Nuts Over Fish toppings (pistachio, almond, macadamia, cashew, pecan and sugar-free almond). Nuts Over Fish in Hampstead (nutsoverfish.com) makes “insanely” delicious and healthy nut toppings, which are all-natural and glutenfree with no additives or preservatives. Nuts Over Fish is a proud member of NH Made (nhmade.com), the state’s official booster of locally made products.

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

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” - W.B. Yeats

Secret Cave

A waterfall in winter is a different world OK, it’s not really much of a secret — Beede Falls in Sandwich is a popular swimming hole during the summer months, but we’re betting most wouldn’t think to visit in winter. Or to photograph it from such a unique angle. A few years back, Rob Clifford braved the cold and wet to capture this icy shot. The wide horsetail flow and shallow pool make this waterfall “a dream to photograph,” says Clifford. “During the early winter months as the temperatures drop and the state’s waterfalls begin to freeze up, Beede Falls forms this small ice cave pictured,” he says. Though it’s undoubtedly a beautiful sight to behold, he warns that the road to the falls is not maintained during the winter. 12

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

Photo by Rob Clifford Photography

Top Events 14 Our Town 16 Food & Drink 20 Small Bites 24 Retail 25

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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EVENTS

January | Picks Events that celebrate and empower women

The Womenâ€™s Winter Escape

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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EVENTS

“Who run the world? Girls!” Sometimes

unh women’s hockey photo by joey walker

women’s winter escape photos courtesy of great glen outdoor center

even the world-runners need a little inspiration, so this month we’re highlighting events for women. January just so happens to have a number of empowering activities that range from an art exhibit and winter escape to hockey and a book discussion dedicated to higher education.

Women’s Winter Escape January 13-14, Gorham

NH Women in Higher Education Leadership Book Club January 16, Statewide (discussion held online)

Join the network of women from NHWHEL as they get together for their first of three book club sessions. They aim to foster the professional growth and career advancement of women in all segments and levels of higher education. Celebrate girl power as Dr. Michelle Alvarez leads the virtual discussion about “Moving Up: Action Steps for Career Success: Tangible Tools for Women in the Workplace.” nhwhel. wildapricot.org

UNH Women’s Ice Hockey vs. Providence

January 19 and 20, Durham

Support the hockey queens as they take the ice at home against Providence College in back-to-back contests. unhwildcats.com

This is for the lovers of winter. Great Glen Trails is hosting a weekend where you can take part in a variety of activities with other women in small groups. The fun includes skiing clinics, naturalist-led snowshoe tours, lunch, a sip-and-shop, the aprèsski wine and cheese gathering, yoga and more. Treat yourself to a weekend away at this intimate event. greatglentrails.com

WCA/NH Member Exhibit January 1-31, Concord

Burritos and an art exhibit focused on female artists? Sign us up. The New Hampshire Chapter of the Women’s Caucus for Art is part of a national organization that promotes the advancement of women in the visual arts. Their goal is to create community through art, education and social activism. What better way to start the new year than by displaying 26 pieces from WCA/NH members at Dos Amigos Burritos, Concord? wcanh.org

Savvy Entrepreneurs Forum January 31, Bedford

Calling all businesswomen across the state, do you want advice from like-minded female entrepreneurs? Here’s your chance. Women Inspiring Women is hosting a forum that pulls together their popular business roundtable discussion format with a co-working environment to provide you with support and wisdom to take action on your business. Fellow entrepreneurs will be your collaborators and advisers, and you will come together to talk about solving problems and sharing ideas. Be prepared to work hard on accomplishing your goals, participate in “huddle” sessions and make new connections. If you felt lonely being the boss or working alone, this event will be sure to rejuvenate you and leave you motivated to take on the new year. womeninspiring.com/events

1 1. Women’s Winter Escape, Gorham 2. WCA/NH Member Exhibit, Concord 3. Savvy Entrepreneurs Forum, Bedford 4. UNH Women’s Ice Hockey vs. Providence, Durham 5. NH Women in Higher Education Leadership Book Club Statewide

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OUR TOWN

Easy Ski Getaway

Henniker, the North Conway of the South BY BARBARA RADCLIFFE ROGERS

e always seem to go to Henniker in the winter. That’s because we think of it as southern New Hampshire’s ski town, the North Conway of the South. Maybe it doesn’t have the variety of nearby slopes that North Conway does, but it does have all we need for a weekend or a midweek break: Pats Peak’s well-groomed trails, an inviting lodge, affordable lift tickets, a good choice of nearby restaurants and a lovely country inn to return to after a day skiing. The double Jacuzzi in the corner of our room at the Colby Hill Inn doesn’t hurt, either. The last time we went, though, we had

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

more than skiing on our minds. Family lore on the Rogers side holds that the current generations are umpteenth cousins of George Washington. Right. And I’m descended from an English king. I take family lore — his or mine — with a grain of seasoned sea salt. But this one, my in-laws insist, has proof and it’s in Henniker. Supposedly there is a tombstone that identifies the Rogers ancestor, interred as a cousin to George Washington. The quest for that cemetery, a day’s skiing at Pats Peak and the prospect of dinner at The Grazing Room was all the excuse we needed. The skiing and dinner were smashing successes.

courtesy photo

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The Colby Hill Inn offers fine, locally sourced dining in The Grazing Room.

The triple chairlift at Pats Peak, newly opened this season, doubles the capacity to the summit, further cutting the already-short lift lines. It accesses the Cascade Basin Expansion, a new area on the backside of the main mountain that opened in the 2013-14 season. Its glades and six trails have 100-percent snowmaking coverage. We love the fact that Pats Peak is a family operation and has been from the start, when the four Patenaude brothers, with the help of family and friends, built the lodge from timber cut on a mountain their father owned, cutting the beams at the family’s sawmill. Skiing began

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OUR TOWN

photo by stillman rogers

the next year, in 1963, on five trails and three open slopes. They quickly built a local following with their after-school programs, and they installed some of the first snowmaking equipment. New lifts followed, then more trails, night skiing, a terrain park, tubing, groomers, snow biking and the new set of trails on the back of the mountain. The triple chairlift at Pats Peak isn’t the only thing that’s new since we were last in Henniker. In 2016, the Colby Hill Inn was bought by new owners, one of them Chef Jefferson Brechbühl, who immediately began plans for a new locally sourced restaurant. The Grazing Room, which relies whenever possible on foods grown or produced no more than 150 miles from Henniker, quickly became a destination. The ingredients are local, but the inspirations for dishes come from many different food traditions: goat cheese and figs fill pierogis, Korean-style fish and chips includes crisp nori and kimchi, smoky cheddar grits accompany the braised pork shank. Suggested pairings include wines from Jewell Towne Vineyards in Hampton and Contoocook Sparkling Cider from nearby Gould Hill Farm.

The Colby Hill Inn

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Pats Peak is an accessible mountain suitable for the whole family.

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

OUR TOWN

The décor of the restaurant, which overlooks the inn’s large backyard with its weathered barn, follows the same ethic as the food sourcing. Local furniture maker Gil Misiaszek is creating new tables from wood salvaged from a 1740 barn, and the owners have commissioned a mural in the style of Rufus Porter, based on drawings of town buildings on an 1803 map of Henniker. The mural reminded us of our quest for family history, so we turned to the Henniker Historical Society in the 1836 Henniker Academy building for a look through the fascinating “History of the Town of Henniker.” In the course of discovering that John Rogers was indeed a second cousin of George Washington and was born the same day — February 22, 1732 — we got sidetracked with other engaging bits from Henniker’s history.

photo by stillman rogers

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photo by stillman rogers

OUR TOWN

Some of it bordered on 18th- and 19th-century gossip (great fun to read), and others noted landmark events, such as the first cook stoves in town (four families got these in 1832), the first stagecoach line through town (1824), the first brass band (1856), the first puppet show (1814) and the first elephant exhibited here (1815). The book also illuminated events from the town’s past, including the “poverty year” of 1816, when it was too cold for crops to mature, and a memorable July 4 celebration in 1811. Henniker invited neighboring towns to a banquet that filled tables stretched for “90 rods” (about 1,475 feet) covered with “an immense amount of meats, white and brown bread, pies, cakes and great quantities of cheese.” The centerpiece was an entire roast calf with a pickle in its mouth. “None were known to go away hungry,” the writer assured us. Recent expansion efforts at Pats Peak include the triple chairlift, Putting the town history togethwhich opened this season.

er with the list of burials in town cemeteries, we surmised that the stone we were looking for was that of John’s second son, Obadiah, who died in 1862 and lies in Plummer Cemetery. Finding the tombstone will have to wait until spring, as will tracing to see if it’s the same family line. Fortunately, the Henniker Historical Society has an active genealogy program, so we’ll enlist their help. Whether or not John and Obadiah are in the family past, it was a great excuse for a winter weekend in Henniker. NH

Learn more Colby Hill Inn (603) 428-3281 colbyhillinn.com

Henniker Historical Society (603) 428-6267 hennikerhistory.org Pats Peak (603) 428-3245 patspeak.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE LIQUOR & WINE OUTLETS PRESENT... It’s A Matter Of Trust

JANUARY 25, 2018 Radisson Hotel Manchester

For event tickets:

easterseals.com/nh 1.888.368.8880 Corporate group rates available

Don’t miss the grandest wine event in the region!

WinterWine Spectacular

Mark your calendar for a full week of wine excitement!

A night filled with over 1500 quality wines with winemakers from all over the world and fine food from the area’s best restaurants and chefs!

Explore the Grand Tasting, $65 per ticket, or heighten your wine experience with Full Access to include Bellman’s Cellar Select featuring our finest selections, $135 per ticket.

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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photos by bobby buivid

FOOD & DRINK

The interior of Durham’s new Hop + grind combines retro touches and modern trends to create a funky, welcoming space you’ll want to spend time in.

The Future of Retro

Durham’s Hop + grind burger spot gets it right BY SUSAN LAUGHLIN

urgers, it could be said, are having their day. The beef patty on a sesame seed bun has long been a staple in the American diet — it’s an easy graband-go food — and it’s satisfying on many levels. But the perfection of that meld can be difficult to nail down, duplicate and dispatch to the continually more demanding dining public. There’s the quality of the meat itself — does it need to be locally sourced and grass-fed? The bun and its texture are often debated. And then there is the height, width and breadth of all the amendments. Is more better? Is there a perfect balance? Is there no end to the creativity that can be piled upon that humble slab of ground meat? Bobby Marcotte, head chef at Tuckaway Tavern in Raymond, wanted in on the trend of juicy glory. He has worked for several years making Tuckaway burgers fabulous,

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

with meat ground fresh almost hourly, and a full market’s worth of ingredients on hand to add to the mix. About a year and a half ago, Marcotte teamed up with Bobby Buivid, a restaurant design professional, and they started planning the ultimate burger joint. Does it take that long to open a restaurant? Well, yes, according to Buivid, who says, “We wanted to make sure everything was perfect, from the food to the environment to the service. We bounced ideas off of each other every day.” The new Hop + grind in Durham has a wealth of charm. One could say that ambient lighting and décor are the most important aspect of a new restaurant if you want people come in from the cold and sit a spell. Buivid wanted a theme from the start that “embraces the past, but chases the future,” he says, adding that they became

“pickers” for six months while they collected ephemera, 1950s beer memorabilia and a really cool tin BEER sign. There is an obvious nod to the beer-loving past. Buivid had retro picnic coolers fitted to contain the beer taps. The tap handles themselves are the spray cans they used to add graffiti to the walls and tables. Vintage lard tins have been turned upside down to become shades for heat lamps at the pass. “We wanted to appeal not only to students, but to their parents, alumni and the folks

The menu is all about burgers, from traditional beef to chicken or pork.

photo by bobby buivid

Burgers might be the stars of the food show, but the beer selection is top-notch.

living in the region too,” he says. Service has been given plenty of thought as well. “We wanted to bridge the gap between an In-N-Out Burger experience and a higher-end, sit-down experience,” says Buivid. “We are calling it craft/casual.” The duo has incorporated aspects of fast serve, such as the line-up-at-the-register ordering experience, but they give the food chef-driven quality. It seems to be working. There is plenty of time to read the menu and take in the vibe while in the queue. You can watch as the food is placed at the pass, ready for the servers to take to the seated diners. You might even want to change your order as attractive burgers and fixings are quickly dispatched. Seating options include stools at the bar, community tables and high-top tables, each hand-built and topped with spray-painted designs, including one that says “Game Changer.” Marcotte’s plan all along has been to “revolutionize the burger,” he says. The team ultimately decided on a selection of ground meats, from beef to chicken to pork. With the starting menu, there are four versions of each — all with a spin that reads like a poetic ode to food lust. How can you say no to additions of ham, sweet pickles, Fontina, mustard, crispy ham and cabbage slaw for the Infidel pork burger. The burgers are not cooked to order, but seasoned and spiced in a mix, while the toppings add the over-the-top experience. When I mentioned I really liked the taste of beef (as in rare), Buivid said that they are adding an artisan burger for aficiona-

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603 NAVIGATOR dos of rare meat. Thank you. This is not just a burger joint. Marcotte has added marinated and breaded fried chicken breast served with a drizzle of spicy honey or ranch dressing. There’s fried mac and cheese, pulled pork and fries fried in beef fat — just like the old days. Their fried “pickles” are actually fried green tomatoes for a nice tart bite between full face-on burger mouthfuls. There are also creative salads for vegetarians. Vegans should probably walk on by or just enjoy the local brews, of which there is a nicely curated rotating list. Buivid promised there would also be one “highly prized” regional beer available on tap. A bucket of throwback beer cans, including PBR and Hamm’s, are kept on ice for the truly nostalgic or cash-strapped. Other drink offerings also recall an earlier era. Hop + grind sodas are house-made syrups served at the counter, soda fountain-style. Find a Saigon cola with a taste of ginger, cherry vanilla and an orange Cream-

photo by bobby buivid

FOOD & DRINK

You can watch the magic happen as burgers are prepared in full view of diners.

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photo by bobby buivid

The restaurant is full of repurposed items, such as spray paint cans as tap handles.

sicle — all pretty sweet. The malts are classic, but include a Mexican cocoa with cinnamon and chilies and the Black Forest with chocolate, raspberry and cherry. That’s pretty much the story, but according to Buivid, it’s just the first chapter. He will undoubtedly keep working to perfect this baby. Plans include adding a rack of old UNH yearbooks for guests to laugh at hairstyles of the past or find parents and friends. And this pair of Bobbys just keep thinking. The carefully considered Hop + grind in Durham may be the mother ship for a host of other stores using this craft-casual brand. Buivid was not free to say, but he pointed in a southerly direction as the next gambit. Are they changing the game? Not sure. Wild and crazy burgers are out there. Retro décor is all the rage. Counter-to-table service can speed delivery, which is always a good idea. Local brews, by themselves, can get a crowd of beer lovers and beer makers pretty excited, in itself creating a neighborly atmosphere. Dining out is more than sitting down to good food. It’s the experience that people crave, and getting that right can be more difficult than frying a burger on a flat top. Here’s to Hop + grind, and all those who try to juggle all the hospitality elements. They got it right here. Now pour me another Tuckin’ Good IPA, please. NH

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Find It Hop + grind 17 Madbury Rd., Durham (603) 397-5564, hopandgrind.com nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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SMALL BITES

Small Bites Food news and events from around the state by Susan Laughlin

Cocktails and Mocktails

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission recently held a mixed drink contest, based on ease and tastiness, for both professionals and home enthusiasts. Out of about 50 submissions, they chose three contestants in two categories to make their drinks for the tasting panel of judges, which included Mark Roy, NHSLC spirits marketing specialist, and Tim Laird of Brown-Forman. The winners won a trip for two to visit the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The professional mixologist winner this year was Megan Price, a bartender at Lago in Meredith.

Tennessee Twist

(on an Old Fashioned) By Megan Price, Lago

Visit nhmagazine.com/food for a mocktail version of the Tennessee Twist.

DIY Maple Syrup

Have maple trees on your property? Want to make pure maple syrup for your breakfast table? Until now, the process has been confined to sugar shacks, but that’s changing. Vermont Evaporator Company, a new family-run business, is offering The Sapling ($895), a 55-gallon wood-fired drum design. It also doubles as a wood-fired grill, and you can use the converter package to turn it into a smoker or pizza oven. Another option is The Seedling ($295), a stand-alone evaporator pan, to use with any standard propane grill. The process does create a lot of steam and needs to be done outside. Can March come soon enough? vtevap.com

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

Spectacular Week

annual NH The week of January 22 is the the Winter Wine Wine Week, which includes eals NH (January Spectacular to benefit Easters to meet wine 25). Events include the chance , tastings and personalities, bottle signings sided over by the very special wine dinners pre e a look and make winemakers themselves. Tak eek.com. your reservations at nhwinew

photo courtesy of vermont eveporator

Muddle blood orange and cherry with bitters and simple syrup. Fill glass with ice and pour whiskey. Shake and top with a splash of soda water. Garnish with a cherry and orange flag.

photos by susan laughlin

1 slice of blood orange 1 Luxardo cherry with a bit of the Maraschino cherry juice/liquor 3 dashes of spiced cherry bitters by Woodford 1.5 ounces of homemade blood orange simple syrup (half 100 percent blood orange purée, which you can find in select stores or on Amazon, and half simple syrup) 2 ounces Jack Daniel’s single barrel rye

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RETAIL

Back to Basics

A Capsule Wardrobe BY CHLOE BARCELOU The term capsule wardrobe, which was coined in the ’70s by Susie Faux, is essentially a small collection of high-quality and classic items that never go out of style, and that can be worn time and time again with nearly any other item in your wardrobe. The beginning of the New Year is the perfect time to reinvent the way you approach getting dressed in the morning. Start by tossing (or donating) clothing that no longer works for you (see page 86 for organizing tips). Ask yourself these questions when going through your closet: Does this item bring me joy? Do I wear this often enough? Am I ever going to get this tailored (or get the stain out, or hem, etc.) this item? Does this item require too much care? Once you’ve cleaned out your closet, it’s time to replace what you’ve purged with basics. Here are some suggestions for building a versatile capsule wardrobe that won’t go out of style. NH V-neck hi-low camel sweater tunic shirt by She + Sky ($52) from Denimrack

photo by joel benjamin photography

Cashmere retro cardigan ($168) from Garnet Hill

The Banks raincoat wool wrap coat by Jack by BB Dakoda ($86) from Denimrack

Black suede ankle bootie by Cupid ($38) from Denimrack

Dreamer skinny painted black jeans by Principal Denim Innovators ($121) and Emma power legging in sulton denim jeans ($178), both from Denimrack

Chevron Brianna surplice knit dress ($98) by Garnet Hill Creamy micro corduroy tunic dress ($172) and creamy silk velvet fairy tank, both by CP Shades from Bliss Boutiques

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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Black and nude seamless layering camis by Sugarlips ($18) from Denimrack

photo by joel benjamin photography

Lux Gray Rey cloak hoodie by Prairie Underground ($232) from Bliss Boutiques

RETAIL

Raw-hem sweatpants by Tee Lab ($158) from Bliss Boutiques

Sunglasses ($30) from Denimrack

Socks in mushroom by Lisa B ($24) from Bliss Boutiques Ivy low-lace sneaker by Frye ($198) from Bliss Boutiques

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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RETAIL

Crista jean jacket by Citizens of Humanity ($398) from Bliss Boutiques

photo by joel benjamin photography

Red, white and blue plaid cotton scarf by Inouitoosh ($94)

Diamond bracelet by Golden Stella ($25) from Denimrack

Find It

Denimrack 113 Water St., Exeter denimrack.com Bliss Boutiques 85 Market St., Portsmouth blissboutiques.com

Brown leather crossbody legacy bag by J.W. Hulme Co. ($295) from Bliss Boutiques

Chevron Brianna surplice knit dress ($98) by Garnet Hill

Carson ballet slipper by Frye ($158) from Bliss Boutiques

Garnet Hill garnethill.com

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” - John F. Kennedy

The End is in Sight

The new-and-improved bridge means big things for our port The original opening date of the Sarah Mildred Long bridge, which connects Kittery, Maine, and Portsmouth, was September 1. As of the magazine’s press time in late November, it was moved from December 1 to a more vague “by the end of the year.” Whenever it opens (perhaps as you read this, it already is), it will be an improvement for both land and water traffic. The bridge’s repositioning better aligns it with the channel, and a wider opening allows for larger boats to pass through with their tugboat escorts, a potential boon for the Port of New Hampshire and businesses that operate upriver. It will also need to be lifted about a third less than the old bridge, which is good news for drivers.

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

Photo by Richard Hopley

Politics 30 Artisan 32 Blips 33 What Do You Know? 34 Out & About 37

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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illustration by peter noonan

POLITICS

Future Shirk

Issues abound, but will the two parties tackle them? BY JAMES PINDELL

lection years present the chance to discuss all kinds of issues, and there is a lot to discuss in New Hampshire politics in 2018. With a race for governor and a pair of Congressional contests, there should be a good mix of matters to debate. Among the topics likely to come to a campaign ad near you are gender equality, legalizing marijuana, the health care system and tax cuts. But for our two primary political parties, the biggest discussions will likely be sidelined Generally, such broad issues would be enough for any election in American politics. But the year 2018 is an inflection point for both political parties, and big questions loom. For example, is the Republican Party now the party of President Donald Trump? Or is it holding onto traditional Republican values of social and fiscal convervatism and strong national security that spreads American values around the globe? Democrats have their own identity questions. The upcoming presidential election will be the first time in 25 years that a Clinton hasn’t queued up. And, as with the

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

Republicans, energy inside the party has shifted to the base. Remember that Bernie Sanders, a self-identified socialist, won the last New Hampshire presidential primary by more than 20 points. In theory, the 2018 elections should serve as the first real test in determining the future direction of these parties, but it may just be a conversation delayed. This is because 2018 is shaping up to be a wave year for Democrats. With President Trump at a 33 percent approval rating in the Granite State, it’s looking likely that Trump’s Republican Party will get trounced in upcoming elections. One could say that the Republican Party lost because they didn’t embrace Trump enough — or that they didn’t distance themselves enough. The same type of analysis could be done when it came to the Democrats winning, but it too would be largely useless. A wave election doesn’t give anyone a chance to test anything in the general election. There are signs that a wave year is coming to the state. In 2017, Democrats won special

election races in traditionally Republican areas, including Wolfeboro, Hooksett, Laconia and Sandown. In Manchester, a Democrat defeated a four-term Republican incumbent, and in Nashua, Democrats ran the table on aldermanic seats, kicking out a lot of Republicans in the process. While Democrats are bringing their “A game,” it is very likely that, had Hillary Clinton won the presidential race, it would be Republicans winning everywhere. The last presidential contest was, after all, a race between the two most unloved candidates in modern American politics. Due to the fact that New Hampshire has been arguably the most swingy of swing states in the country, who wins elections in the state is increasingly more of a reflection of how popular the sitting president is than how the parties themselves or the specific candidates are doing. New Hampshire saw this when Republicans won big in 2010 and when Democrats won big in 2006. However, in those years there wasn’t the deep soul-searching about the future of American politics. So it appears that while we should be talking about the future of both parties, that conversation will be put off until at least 2020. What a few years it will be. NH

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Advertise Manchester! Contact Josh Auger at (603) 413-5144 or jauger@nhmagazine.com

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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ARTISAN

Surface Beauty

Amazing glazes add fire to porcelain BY SUSAN LAUGHLIN

Find It

Indikoi Sinks indikoisinks.com

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

photo by bill truslow

aybe you don’t need another pottery bowl or vase, but an Indikoi lamp or sink offers a unique statement and is functional too. David and Brandi Pellerin built a successful business, starting in 2010, with a line of 59 different sinks appropriate for bathrooms or bar sink application. Each are hand-thrown, high-fire porcelain with a crystalline glaze. As Brandi says “The magic happens in the kiln.” The neutral-looking raw glaze transforms into a surface that dances with colorful crystals after firing. Indikoi Sinks recently expanded to add a line of about 16 lamps, each offered with a choice of shade color. After market testing for a year at the Sunapee Fair and other shows across the country, the couple zeroed in on the best selections. Each has a unique shape and is available in a variety of colors. All feature the signature crystalline glazes that David developed with his sink line, and each one has a turned wood base and custom brass fittings. The lamps and sinks can be ordered in pairs since David has developed a glaze formula and kiln firings that offer some predictability. Though each is unique, the pieces have have a similar look. Sinks are available as vessels or undermount. David and Brandi recently sold their Springfield, New Hampshire, home and studio and moved to Bozeman, Montana. They met in the Big Sky Country while going to college, though David was originally from New Hampshire. Find Indikoi Sinks widely distributed throughout the states with many retailers in New Hampshire. Prices for lamps range from $175 to $850. Custom design work for lamps and sinks is available. NH

603 INFORMER

IN THE NEWS

Blips Monitoring appearances of the 603 on the media radar since 2006 and egg cartons at the end of the checkout line, it’s the importance of that personal touch above all. Call it the Grocers’ Golden Rule. “A lot of it is just caring like it’s your own groceries,” she says. “I feel like I’m packing the groceries how I would want mine packed.” The National Grocers Association’s Best Bagger Championship will take place from February 11 to 14 in Las Vegas.

Alysha Orrok poses with emcee Mike Morin and her award.

NH Native Vies for Bagging Bragging Rights One Portsmouth teacher’s part-time grocery gig is sending her to a customer service championship BY CASEY MCDERMOTT

courtesy photos

hen Alysha Orrok first applied for a job at her local Hannaford in New London at age 15, the only position available was as a bagger in the checkout line. She happily took that gig — but at the time, she had no idea that her after-school job would eventually pave the way for her moment in the national spotlight. In February, Orrok is poised to represent the Granite State at the National Grocers Association’s annual convention — where she’ll vie for the bragging rights of being crowned the country’s “Best Bagger” and a $10,000 prize. Orrok earned a spot in the national contest by winning a statewide grocery bagging competition hosted by the New Hampshire Grocers Association in September. At that competition, which took place at the New Hampshire Food Bank, baggers were judged on their ability to assemble an identical pile of groceries as quickly as possible — all while paying attention to weight distribution, appearance and overall organization. That statewide victory, and the celebratory headlines that came with it, turned her into something of a checkout line celebrity. “They say all week long people are asking for me to bag their groceries,” Orrok says. “I think it’s really cool.”

Now 26 years old and living in Portsmouth, Orrok has a decade of experience in the grocery business under her belt. Since that first grocery job in high school, Orrok kept working at Hannaford part-time as a student at Keene State College and then returned to her hometown store in New London for a few years before moving out to the Seacoast. Along the way, she has branched out beyond bagging to pinch-hit as a cashier, service leader, bookkeeper and in other front-end roles. These days, she spends most of her time as a kindergarten teacher but still holds down a few shifts at her local store. That, and some extra babysitting jobs on the side, helps to make up for the high cost of living in the area and gives her extra savings for things like family vacations. “Portsmouth’s really expensive,” Orrok says. “So as a teacher, it’s kind of hard.” Beyond that, though, she says it’s a labor of love. “I love the customers, and I know a lot of them by name,” Orrok says. “I can basically determine if they forgot something on their shopping list now, because I know what they come through with every week.” And if there’s one lesson that’s served Orrok well through her time juggling boxes and cans

IN OTHER NEWS A Local “Late Night” For A Good Cause: Bedford native and beloved NBC personality Seth Meyers is slated to lend his talents to an upcoming stand-up performance to raise money for the Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Hampshire. (The volunteer organization, which you might know better as CASA, “speaks for the best interests of abused and neglected children who’ve come to the attention of New Hampshire’s family courts.”) The show, scheduled for February 10 at the Capitol Center for the Arts, comes a year after Meyers partnered with other local advocacy groups on the “Know and Tell” campaign, meant to educate people on how to spot signs of child abuse and speak up to stop it. • Could there be royal roots along the Seacoast? The UK-based publication Get Surrey recently tried to trace the genealogy of soon-to-be princess and “Suits” actress Meghan Markle — and, along the way, noted that Markle is a descendant of Christopher Hussey, who “became one of eight of the founding fathers of Nantucket, Massachusetts, before reportedly dying a wealthy land owner and a deacon on March 6, 1686, in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire.”

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

photo courtesy marshall hudson

603 INFORMER

Whimsical Ruins

The odd story of Waterville Valley’s castle tower BY MARSHALL HUDSON

ou don’t go to Waterville Valley unless you are going to Waterville Valley. The town’s nickname is, “The Town at the End of the Road,” and it isn’t on the way to anywhere – there’s little chance you’d ever just stop in while passing through. That might explain why the stone tower castle ruins in Waterville Valley are so little known outside of the town. I found myself wandering around Waterville Valley’s backroads one day, and

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

stumbled upon a pile of rocks that was taller and beefier than most New Hampshire stone walls. It caught my attention. At first glance, it looked like a cross between a stone wall and an old above-ground stone foundation laid up without mortar. Looking closer at this pile of rocks, I discovered a most unusual aspect of the stonework — at one end of it there was a stone tower turret that you’d only expect to see on a medieval European castle.

The tower was probably some 50 feet tall and had the long, narrow defensive slit windows that provide maximum protection when firing down on attacking enemy forces. Or, if you’re more romantic, this would have been a perfect tower from which Rapunzel could let down her golden hair. “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair, so that I may climb the golden stair.” Sadly, there was no beautiful blonde-haired princess up in the tower waiting for rescue. It appeared that I’d found the remnants of what had once been a fair-sized stone castle, or fort, or church, or something. It seemed like an odd and out-of-the-way place for any of those options, but then who knows? Perhaps the first European settlers in the area had built a stone fort for protection against Indian attacks instead of the more customary log-style fortifications? The population base in the area seemed unlikely to ever have been large enough to have erected and supported a stone cathedral, but maybe they had a wealthy benefactor? Or perhaps some eccentric and rich guy had wanted to live in a castle, so he built one in the middle of nowhere? I decided to look into this unusual stone tower. It turns out that a Methodist Episcopal minister named James Monroe Buckley had spent time in Waterville Valley during the middle to late 1800s. The Rev. J.M. Buckley was a highly educated and well-traveled man. At different times he had been stationed as a preacher at churches in Detroit

photo courtesy of waterville valley

Left: Yes, that’s a real stone tower, but no, it’s not authentic. At least not in the sense that it’s the remains of an actual castle. James Monroe Buckley (above) had it built in an effort to “perfect” Waterville Valley.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

Make it a

The solution to Buckley’s problem was Happy New Year quite simple — go out and build a new for Others old castle ruin site. And over a period of several years in the 1880s, he did just that. Building on Hope invites you to make a big difference in the lives of women, children and anyone seeking shelter from abuse. In May, volunteers from Building on Hope will undertake a complete remodeling of and extensive enhancements to the residential facilities of the Crisis Center of Central NH in Concord. The tower was constructed in the 1800s at Buckley’s behest. Inspired by his travels in Europe, he thought no town could be complete without a proper castle ruin.

photos by courtesy marshall hudson

and Brooklyn, among other places. He was an influential minister and the editor of the New York Christian Advocate from 1880 to 1912. He wrote several books and was referred to as a “minister of ministers.” He founded the New York Methodist Hospital after a church organist died due to inadequate hospital care. In his travels around Europe and Asia, Buckley had seen numerous castles and castle ruins and was fascinated by them. At some point, Buckley concluded that the town of Waterville Valley was almost

perfect. It had nearly everything, but sadly lacked, in his opinion, a good castle ruin. The solution to Buckley’s problem was quite simple — go out and build a new old castle ruin site. And over a period of several years in the 1880s, he did just that. It must be nice to have the time and money to build ruins that serve no particular purpose merely on a whim. NH

We are currently seeking financial donations as well as gifts of labor, building materials, furnishings, electronics, and other useful items for those fleeing domestic and sexual violence, stalking, child and elder abuse and neglect. For more information, to sign up as a volunteer or to donate, visit buildingonhope.com/ get-involved.

About the Author

The mystery of the ruin is revealed by the plaque located near the tower’s base.

Marshall Hudson is a land surveyor, farmer and NH history buff. He knows a thing or two about the underexplored regions of our state as a result of his more than 40 years surveying and traipsing around New Hampshire.

www.cccnh.org nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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

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

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

All lovers of theatre are invited to dress up and join in the glamour and fun • The evening concludes with a special event — our annual after party! • More information about this year’s nominated artists, theatrical performances and after party can be found on the NH Theatre Awards Facebook page or at nhtheatreawards.org. Purchase tickets now from the Capitol Center for the Arts box office or online from ccanh. com/events/new-hampshire-theatre-awards

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SCENE

Out and About Snapshots from Events of Note

photos by jodie andruskevich

11/24 Annual Business Excellence Awards

The New Hampshire Business Review held its celebration at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester. The awards honor individuals from New Hampshire-based businesses. 1 From left: NHBR Editor Jeff Feingold, award-winner Nicole Carrier of Throwback Brewery and McLean Communications Publisher Sharron McCarthy 2 Business Excellence Hall of Fame inductee Paul LeBlanc of Southern New Hampshire University

11/9 The Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits

photos by susan laughlin

The Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits, an annual fundraiser for the Animal Rescue League of NH, was held at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester. The evening features fine spirits from the country, around the globe and those made in New Hampshire.

1 This popular event always draws a large crowd. 2 Lulu Henle of Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile

11/4 Moulin Rouge

The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester hosted “La fête de la saison” in celebration of the Toulouse-Lautrec exhibit. The gala featured fire and can-can dancers (the former were outside), aerial performers, music, dancing and more.

photos by alana johanson photography

1 The dramatically lit Winter Garden inside the museum hosted aerial performers from Manchester-based company New Perspectives. 2,3 The cancan and fire dancers are from Dream City Dance. nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Starting Over Photo and transcription by Chris Saunders

Unlike many of us who daydream about leaving offices and cubicles behind, Rebecca Howland actually did it. Now she’s a documentary filmmaker, and her movie — “The Concord Coach: A NH Legacy” — debuted at Red River Theatres in Concord in July. For her next subject, she’s tapping into her own personal experiences with an animal rescue farm in Chichester and a blue-eyed horse named Neptune to create “Voices in the Dark.”

My dad liked horses and we would foster horses at my house. I learned what it was like to be on the back of a horse before I could even walk.

He came from a farm where he had essentially been locked in a windowless barn for 11 years, so no training, nothing. It was tough.

I had been doing the office 9-to-5 thing, and I was looking for a change. I decided to pursue my dreams of becoming a documentary filmmaker. As I did that, I decided that I also needed an outlet — something that I could do to escape and relax ... that’s when I found Live and Let Live Farm.

It was a super windy day in this big cloth tent that was whipping around and making noise, and he was wild. It was so bad one of the trainers offered to help but I said, “No, we’re gonna do this together.”

I did feed shifts, I mucked paddocks and I saw that they had some training clinics and I decided to take this untrained horse Neptune. After that first training, I was hooked.

Over the last year I’ve worked on a documentary about him, which has helped our relationship. He’s learned to trust me. And as of the beginning of November, I am happy to say that I have officially adopted Neptune. Now we are in each other’s lives forever.

Live and Let Live is one of the largest farm rescues in the state. For more than 20 years they have rescued farm animals of all kinds, providing them a temporary or permanent safe place to live and interact with people. To learn more about the farm and volunteer, visit liveandletlivefarm.org. To see Howland’s “Voices in the Dark” when it premieres at Concord’s Red River Theatres on Jan. 3, visit redrivertheatres.org.

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

Next Hampshire No armchair futurist would be faulted if the malaise of modern times conjured dire visions of the road ahead. That’s assuming anyone today would dare make such predictive evaluations. The very concept in 2017 is somewhat ludicrous; go tell 2015 about the world in 2017 and you’ll get a clear reminder why. Still, in the intrepid spirit of our Granite State forefolks, off we go — into the Future of NH.

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

By Dan McCarthy Illustrations by Faye Rogers

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

In the entire roster of 525 members constituting the Association of Professional Futurists (APF), a global brain trust of analysts and experts in the futures field, there’s not a single one listed in New Hampshire. Maybe that’s an oversight or a classification issue. Or more ominously, maybe that says something about the very topic. The Granite State has long been more focused on traditions and its wonders of nature than on the glittering prospects of tomorrow. Will the following mosaic of voices, concerns, commentary and rhetorical whimsy on the future of New Hampshire prove prophetic? Probably not. The future is no more firmly set in stone than was the jagged Conway granite jutting from Profile Mountain in the minutes preceding our state symbol’s drop into oblivion in 2003. But that’s the gamble in the prophet’s game. As Earl Tupper, New Hampshire’s native son and mercurial magnate of burp-top “Tupperware” plastic container glory, said, “The fruits of life fall into the hands of those who climb the tree and pick them.” So let’s begin. We’ll give you a boost up the trunk. A STATE IN FLUX To create a broad glimpse into Granite Tomorrowland, there’s a lot of ground to cover: the economy, transportation, the changing and updating of key New Hampshire downtowns, education and whatever crises are facing the state. But the baseline for it all is simply people, known in future-speak as demographics. Bryan Alexander, a futurist and analyst in Vermont who studies New Hampshire, explains, “Demographics are a slow-moving tidal wave, and they’re reliable and useful decades out.” Out of the roughly 1.3 million people in the state, more than half the entire population is 40 or older. New Hampshire is beaten in seniority only by Vermont and Maine (Florida came in behind all the above, if you can believe it), and the current trajectory would suggest that, in another 10 or so years, it’ll be even higher. A 2012 Carsey Institute study done in partnership with the University of New 42

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Advisory Council. “Attracting and retaining young New Hampshire workers is a critical component of New Hampshire’s economic and social future,” it reads, and it outlines aims of developing public policies by using direct input from young workers around the state and input from various industries that need new minds, engineers and solutions — all sooner rather than later. Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Taylor Caswell says the state is set to be the best location in the Northeast for a 21st-century workforce. “With our lowcost, low-tax, business-friendly environment coupled with a huge variety of community, outdoor and urban life experiences, we are unique in every way compared to our neighbors,” he says. FUTURE FARMS Agriculture is and always has been a big industry for the state. The growing national trend of young Americans breaking off from office life and becoming farmers — urban or rural — is also happening here with a 40 percent increase in young farmers ages 25 through 34 over the previous decade’s census. But that trend collides with the long-term attrition in family farms, which represents the loss of generations of traditions and knowledge when farms fold. So it’s worth figuring out what the future of farming and agriculture in New Hampshire might look like. “Among the primary challenges [New Hampshire] will need to face is the maintenance of appropriate lands in agriculture versus competing uses, and providing access to

photo by jenn bakos

THE FUTURE IS NOW

Hampshire says the percentage of population in their mid-60s and higher will “almost certainly” double in the next 20 years, adding that “policymakers must be cognizant of these demographic trends as they consider the future needs of its people, institutions and organizations.” When more than half the population is advancing to retirement, and the other half is leaving in record numbers either for higher education, jobs or both, a real come-to-Jesus moment is needed if New Hampshire is going to maintain its regional competitiveness. “We have a potential workforce crisis on our hands, and we can’t do business the way we always have in New Hampshire,” says Mike Vlacich, CEO of the NH Forum on the Future as well as the NH College and University Council. “People believe that what’s worked in the past will continue to work in the state, which is relying on that workforce to be competitive within our region of the country.” For experts like Vlacich, the key to driving progress is to focus on attracting and enticing people to stay in or return to New Hampshire. That happens to be the mission of one future-minded organization that rallies 20- and 30-somethings to hang around or “boomerang” back to the Granite State. Stay Work Play New Hampshire is a catalyst and proponent for numerous meetups and young professional groups, and their Rising Star Awards are a bit like a convention for future Granite State leaders and influencers. The Sununu administration, for its part, seems cognizant of all this. In September, the governor issued Executive Order 201707, establishing the Governor’s Millennial

Loudon’s lēf Farms uses cleanroom-style growing environments and robotic assistance to produce greens all year long.

affordable land for new and young producers as our overwhelmingly senior producers retire,” says Dean Jon Wraith of UNH’s College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. Wraith thinks new methodologies to deal with shrinking growing seasons due to climate change, plus plans to maximize acreage and farmable land and incorporate automation tools, all offer promise. It’s already happening in fits and starts. The state currently has at least two farms with robotic milking systems and tech-assisted roundthe-clock feeding systems. Department of Agriculture Commissioner Lorraine Merrill says it’s all part of taking care of today while looking out for tomorrow. “It’s early, but we see more and more of those kinds of technologies being introduced on farms now, and farmers using them in different creative ways moving into the future,” she says. Protecting farmland with agricultural easements can also play a critical role to make sure the farming industry has a strong future in New Hampshire.

“New Hampshire isn’t the Midwest, and farming here won’t ever look like that,” says Annette Nielsen, a labor market analyst in the state who studies agriculture employment trends. Her view is what we lack in size and space we make up for in ingenuity. And she’s right. The USDA granted a $25 million rural development loan this year to North Country Growers to build high-tech hydroponic greenhouses in Berlin that could produce 8 million pounds of tomatoes and 15 million heads of lettuce. Already in operation is lēf Farms in Loudon, where cleanroom-style growing environments and robotic assistance speed green veggies to a health-conscious local consumer base. Current trends seem to ensure that providing such locally produced goods to the local consumer market will increase as a fundamental factor for remaining financially viable into the future. ENERGY INGENUITY An area of the state’s economy that will require serious ingenuity in the years to come is energy. Senate President Chuck Morse has

cited energy costs hovering between 40-60 percent higher in New Hampshire than the nation at large as the “top reason major employers have moved out of state ... we need to do more to cut energy costs.” Easing New Hampshire’s energy crisis has major economic, geographic and physical challenges. Locked into the Greater New England grid for power storage and distribution (a hotly debated topic itself), our power facilities are ominously aged and dated (ah, Seabrook), with some going back a half century and many reaching or exceeding their useful lives. So the question becomes: What will replace them in the future, and what does that mean for everyone living here? Muriel Robinette, senior consultant at the Environmental Business Council of New England, says, “We’re at a crossroads as to whether or not we’re going to continue with these large energy-generating facilities that push power onto the grid the state draws from, or focus on small power facilities that distribute all around the state.”

The Granite State Brewers Association predicts that craft brewing will continue to grow in the new century, which means that, whatever Fresh hell appears on the national scene, we will at least have tasty locally produced beer to console us.

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New HAMPSHIRE WAS ONE OF SEVEN STATES SELECTED TO PUSH "NEXT GENERATION LEARNING" ... BUT HISTORY SUGGESTS THERE WILL BE CHALLENGES TO CHANGE IN A STATE WHERE "LOCAL CONTROL" IS THE MANTRA OF EDUCATION POLICY. To move toward that, big policy changes are needed since the state imports all its coal, oil and gas. Many big employers in the state support the controversial hydroelectric power Northern Pass project, while opponents embrace recent advances in solar and wind technologies as more suitable power methods amidst our wooded and scenic landscape. One example of the alternatives on the rise is NH Electric Cooperative’s 8,000-panel, two-megawatt solar photovoltaic system in Moultonborough. It’s the largest solar array in the state and is expected to save the utility more than $280,000 in costs — a good sign that this is a technology whose time has come. But even with those advances, the battle of economies and ideologies needs bright fresh minds powering the solutions to come. EDUCATION AND THE ECONOMY A strong economy starts with higher education, and in New Hampshire things are looking like a mixed bag. Southern New Hampshire University’s success and transformative impact on the state is certainly a high-water mark. The national reach of their online studies programs has some calling them the Amazon of higher education, and in November the school announced forthcoming plans for a massive Manchester expansion. However, funding and native enrollments in New Hampshire at the state-school level is abysmal, and the University of New Hampshire struggles to get even 50 percent of the student body from in-state. Still, with high school dropout rates in the state below national averages, and New Hampshire one of seven states selected to push “Next Generation Learning” (dubbed NxGL) that hypes performance- or competency-based education, the Granite State is at least looking toward the future of education. The rapid rise of educational technologies 44

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and distance learning could contain answers to some problems, but if history is any guide, there will be challenges to every change in a state where “local control” is a perennial mantra of education policy. ON THE ROADS According to the American Society of Civil Engineers 2017 report card, New Hampshire gets a just-below-mediocre grade of C- for both roads and bridges. Our bridges, they report, are old. A typical bridge design life is 50 years, and the average bridge in New Hampshire has exceeded its planned life span. As of December 2015, 12.8 percent of the bridges in state were considered structurally deficient. Due to the average age of our bridges, the number of “red list” bridges is only expected to increase. When it comes to roads, it’s the smaller, unnumbered roadways that are in the most disrepair. Close to half (45 percent) are in poor condition and 23.3 are very poor. As you travel up the highway tiers, things start to improve. At the top, almost 100 percent (96.5) of our interstate and turnpike systems are in good condition with only .2 in poor condition, but that’s probably little comfort for anyone stuck on a northbound interstate on Friday afternoon. While the rebirth of Concord was conceived as a complement to proposed improvements to I-93 winding through the city, massive infrastructure improvements can sometimes create new problems. Expanding I-93 to deal with commuter and tourist travel is less a future dream than a modern-day calamity for those enduring the endless traffic snarls and chaos since the project began. Mark Lennon, a Dartmouth alum and former consultant for the EPA, runs The Reuse Network out of Concord, and since 2011 has publicly been ripping how the im-

provement project has evolved, which he says was a “dumb idea” to begin with. In 2011 he penned a fiery proposal for The Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy calling for the need to widen I-93 provided it was done smartly. For him, the results have been a downer, citing one casualty as the hit to the highway landscape itself. “One of the pleasures of coming home [to NH], was getting onto the highway from Logan and heading north, breathing a sigh of relief from peering at the foliage contouring the landscape,” Lennon says. “What have our engineers and traffic experts given us now? Chicago.” The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization projects volume from daily commutes to increase 20 percent on I-93 by 2030. But even with the lane expansion to handle the glut of car traffic, the topic of escalation surfaces. If we’re widening the highway now, there will just be more cars, and with more cars will eventually spell a need for MORE widening. Imagine the “Bienvenue” sign at our southern extreme serving as a greeting to a vast swath of concrete. “We are going to have a big, ugly eightlane road worthy of North Jersey or the Bronx,” Lennon says. “Of all the traffic flow improvements that could have been implemented, we chose the worst. It’s massively over-engineered for the problem it needed to solve, and too expensive, which has diverted resources from dozens of other priorities. Congestion on I-93 was a cockroach of a problem. We killed it with a bazooka.” Bill Boynton, chief communications officer at the NH DOT, says that focusing less on build-build-build and more on empowering systems in place with evolving technology is already underway. Traffic management technology, better signalization, and optimizing the state’s transportation management center with a growing network of highway cameras, sensors and tech tools can modulate congestion and give motorists a better idea of what lies ahead on the road. And it’s a revolution that’s just beginning. “Ten years ago, smartphone GPS wasn’t a standard assumption, so I don’t know how the technology will change the future with things like autonomous cars and the like,” says Boynton. LIVING AND WORKING As the digital revolution reminds us, transformative change is always an economic possibility, even in a tradition-oriented state like New Hampshire, and hope springs eternal. It was likely just a dream that Amazon would

photo courtesy nh.gov

ever select the state for their ballyhooed HQ2 location, which would bring a windfall of jobs and infrastructure money. The bid conjured and submitted by the town of Londonderry boiled down to: “Don’t go to Boston, it’s terrible and there’s no parking. Come here, it’s close to everything in Boston!” Ironically, should Boston win this coveted prize with its estimated need for 50,000 employees, the Granite State would still benefit due to proximity, as the Boston economic sphere enlarges and continues to influence our southern tier and brings demands for more amenities to residents who don’t mind the commute south. Nevertheless, there are already observable trends demonstrating the potential for New Hampshire business. The southern part of the state is in the middle of several movements, most notably what Joe Faro of Tuscan Brands is doing in Salem with the creation of Tuscan Village. It’s the largest project of its kind in New England. Faro’s live-work-play epicenter envisions 1.1 million square feet of retail and residential space around an anchoring Tuscan Kitchen restaurant, all based on the 170 acres of the former Rockingham Park Racetrack. It’s the most ambitious project yet for the UNH graduate, and it’s filtering through many of the issues that futurists find fascinating: demographic concentration, energy and power issues, environmental impacts and water usage. All play as factors in getting that project off the ground and the progress will be telling for other ambitious undertakings. Experts we spoke with say New Hampshire has a bright future in advanced manufacturing, which breaks from old-style heavy manufacturing by relying on new technology and innovative processes. There’s even a program at Keene State College that’s creating advanced manufacturing “generalists” — people not focused specifically on a mechanical engineering degree. It seeks to allow students to go from college to the workplace seamlessly, and be a workplace contributor in the field from get-go. “Getting students really good jobs in New Hampshire right out of the gate is key,” says Andru Volinsky, a Manchester Millyard-based lawyer and NH Executive Council member who is encouraged by the impact the university system could have on the future of the state’s economy and business. He cites one path to the future as the re-re-resurrection of the long-gestating and up-and-down saga of the light passenger rail system. Passenger rail service between Massa-

chusetts and New Hampshire hasn’t been active since the late 1960s, but the prospect has never faded for some, and in the fall it became a hot topic of discussion once again. Volinsky’s was one of those voices. He’s one of the five executive councilors looking into the matter and is a major proponent of a rail system — and not just for the southern tier of the state, although he says that alone would open new options for the state’s workforce as well as its tourism industry. Volinsky cites the city of Nashua as a good litmus test for the future. “Nashua could be

ua to Lowell and subsequently Boston would attract those who commute to Boston and is an incentive for those who live here to stay here,” Donchess said in an email while outlining the prospect of a private rail company that’s proposing a solution to the issue. “If Boston Surface Railroad Company is successful in getting the loan they need to make the project happen, I think the municipalities would be on board since it would come at no cost to them.” If Nashua is going to become that next great hub, continuing to enhance its down-

"Congestion on I-93 was a cockroach of a problem. We killed it with a bazooka.”

– Mark Lennon

The widening of I-93 is one of the most ambitious projects that the New Hampshire Department of Transportation has ever undertaken. The goal is to widen a 20-mile segment between exits 1 and 5 from the Massachusetts state line to Manchester.

the next big New Hampshire regional hub,” he says, with “multimodal opportunities” emerging from a commuter rail connecting, say, the long-struggling Claremont area of the state down to the central part of Massachusetts and invigorating economic development along the way. Nashua’s Mayor Jim Donchess, also a big proponent of the rail idea, is cultivating an image as a man with tomorrow on the mind. “Developing passenger rail to connect Nash-

town area for future residents and businesses is a bankable strategy. But with decades-long lead times for such change, many cities can’t wait for the future to arrive by rail and are making their own strides. The Nashua mayor says his city is proposing a new performing arts center for Main Street (in the former Alec’s Shoe store downtown), which voters signaled approval of in a nonbinding referendum question back in November, and that they have begun implenhmagazine.com | January 2018

menting the Riverfront Development Plan, just approved by local alderman in October, to take full advantage of the downtown riverfront. The Great American Downtown, a Nashua nonprofit, is working to develop music festivals and other citizens-first event in the downtown area. Mill buildings, all artifacts of the last great heydays for Granite State economic growth, are steadily being turned into apartments and mixed-used spaces. Brady Sullivan, the big-time developer with a name seemingly on everything in Manchester, is in the finishing stages of renovating a Franklin Street mill that will offer an additional 200 units of housing. The tech sector finds these structures perfect for startups or for major speculation, such as the wild ride of Dyn, which was born in the Manchester mills and is now a major asset to the global cloud kingdom of Oracle. But Nashua’s tech sector already has a long history, specifically in the south end, of courting the future, serving as an incubator, and hosting a variety of tech giants from Dell to Skillsoft. The John Flatley Company provides real estate services there and hosts a challenge every year for tech and science startups, with the winners getting workspace in their tech park rent-free for a year, with a cherry of $10,000 on top of it to boot. Concentrations of technology firms diminish farther north, but the future is still in full play offering opportunities to those paying attention. Concord was attuned to this wave when executing its 20/20 Vision Plan that aimed to increase economic vitality with a vibrant, livable downtown. The results have earned lots of publicity and at least six major awards for engineering, preservation, access and transportation improvements. The fame seems to be paying off for the Capital City in terms of new energy in the retail and residential sectors downtown. “Malls are dead or dying in the age of Amazon,” says Steve Duprey of real estate development firm Foxfire Property Management. He was deeply involved in Concord’s downtown redevelopment. “The counter is a fun, vibrant experience to go with the shopping, and our new Main Street helps create that experience.” In addition, Duprey says, the Main Street improvement “will yield more in property taxes than it consumes in services,” and help moderate property tax increases on residences. “A lot of communities in NH were surprised by how successful the Concord Main Street project turned out and are looking at 46

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ways to follow what we did,” he says. “Every community needs to figure out how to position itself to deal with [the future], and communities that have attractive and welcoming main streets and downtowns [in NH] with strong schools and social services will prosper.” Bottom line, says Duprey, “Big and bold and audacious wins. The timid will not.” That said, Portsmouth, always a trendsetter, got on the rebirth movement a few decades ago and not everyone is pleased with the success. Some say growth was too much too fast, with locals and newcomers decrying the parking crisis and sound issues and wilting under the hyper-attention the town gets in national “best places to visit” guides. On the upside of over-success, the cultur-

“I believe one of the most exciting changes we’re going to see across New Hampshire over the next decade is increased recognition of and investment in recreation, natural landscapes and cultural centers. these assets are key drivers of New Hampshire’s high quality of life.” — Jeffrey J. Rose, Commissioner NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

al spillover from our Port City has been a boon to neighboring towns such as Dover and Rochester, bringing welcome culture, art and tourism. Matt Wyatt, president and co-founder of the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, sees his city as Portsmouth 30 years ago. “Rochester is so open-armed, it isn’t even funny,” he says, citing the “good infrastructure bones” plus historic amenities such as the unique Rochester Opera House (with a floor that tilts or levels for varying uses) as invitations to the creative community. Our largest city, Manchester, has profited

from a different kind of spillover. The visionary work of local tech-wizard Dean Kamen has not only awakened the sleeping giant of the Manchester Millyard as a real estate nexus, but offered what seemed like a glimpse into the future at the turn of the 21st century when the first Segways started scooting around the Queen City. Now due to the “Kamen Effect,” a new kid in the Millyard — the Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) — is being hailed as a game-changer in the human tissue and organ-manufacturing field (think: new spleens on demand!). So, on the site of what was once the largest manufacturing district in the country, a new contender to reclaim the state’s place in manufacturing domination has emerged, and it’s one with the potential to transform the city, the state and possibly all of health care. As care for an aging population becomes central to our well-being both medically and economically, Kamen says this industry could turn the Merrimack Valley into the next Silicon Valley. “This could be the birth of an entire new industry, and maybe New England in general, and this millyard particularly, could be the center of that universe,” Kamen told WMUR. TOURISM/CULTURE As the rest of the state’s touchpoints adapt to changing tides, New Hampshire's proud (and economically vital) tourism culture will need to adapt as well, and it already displays signs of evolution. Tourism in the Lakes Region and North Country, long a centerpiece to the economy of the surrounding towns and counties, is responding to changing habits of consumers all over, as well as the impact (and rapidly changing acceptance) of climate change is altering how they do business. No longer able to bank on the reliable onset of our four tourist-luring seasons, the state is getting clever. Rope courses and three-season attractions are making up for the losses ski country suffers with declining winter availability; one Alton homeowner and avid skier said “if we get six weeks of slopes time a season now, it’s a miracle.” Up in Dixville, the Balsams Resort redevelopment project has been beset by financing problems, but hopes to re-emerge as a new resort destination by the 2018 powder season. Down the road, Bethlehem has announced plans for a new $20 million resort to be constructed. Add the new RiverWalk Resort on Loon Mountain and hotel plans for the base of the Mt. Washington Auto

Road and it's apparent that the hospitality industry is banking on a bright tomorrow. Hunting, mountain biking and other outdoor sports continue to thrive in the natural wonder found in the state. Enterprising officials saw opportunity in motorized sports, and the ATV push continues in the North Country, where off-road vehicles have been welcomed onto the streets of Berlin and in the vast trailscape (1,000 miles) set out for Coös County’s Ride the Wilds ATV system. Or just look at Weirs Beach and Laconia. For ages, the surrounding small businesses and hospitality outfits relied on the surge of traffic associated with Bike Week to make their nut. Now, not so much. With falling crowd numbers and the aging population of attendees, it’s time to reconsider why people come spend their money and time in the Granite State. Glenn Normandeau, who directs the state’s Fish and Game department, says, “Predicting the future is always an exercise fraught with peril, never more so than now in this time of political polarization, ideology suppressing science and climate change. That being said, I think there is plenty of room for optimism about our fish and wildlife resources.” He credits the returning populations of wild turkey and raptors and the stabilization of the still-at-risk loon population to a combination of special care, public interest and education. For cities, outside-the-box thinking is essential and profitable. From the sidewalk on Elm Street, the Shaskeen Pub in downtown Manchester seems like a place to down a few Guinnesses and hear a session band, but they have become a nexus of serious hip-hop since opening in 2005. Luminaries like Wu-Tang Clan, KRS-One, Mobb Deep and a whole host of notable acts have added Manchester to their tour roster thanks to this unlikely hip hop venue. And Manchester, named by this magazine back in the year 2000 as NH’s “City of the Future,” seems to be living up to that hype not only in terms of sleek growth but in terms of richness of culture. The new Jupiter Hall and Kelley Stelling Contemporary (an envelope-pushing art gallery) are assets usually found in “real” cities like Boston or Providence. Even fine dining has taken on a new sophistication in the downtown with hot night spot and high-concept Cabonnay on Bridge Street as one shining example. Things are looking up where people keep open minds. There’s been a 60 percent in-

multiseason attractions are making up for the losses our ski country is suffering with declining winter availability.

crease in ticket sales at the Rochester Opera House, which paves the way for bigger acts, more sponsors and partners, and, of course, more ticket sales. That, compiled with the recent opening of a comedy club and a performing arts space in September suggests that Rochester and other towns-on-the-rise are beginning to embrace the axiom “If you build it (well and thoughtfully), they will come.” FUTURE SHOCK Those worried the great robot uprising is around the corner, and that we will soon be at the behest of our digital overlords, can find comfort knowing that New Hampshire tends to run a bit behind on technology adoption, so we’re probably good for a few years. Still, that’s not to say things aren’t already popping in the #futureshock department around the 603. The virtual currency marketplace, volatile and nascent in its current form, is rapidly taking hold in the state, beloved by techies and Libertarians. We have plenty of the former and an influx of the latter thanks to the somewhat controversial Free State Project. The FSP is asserting its own future focus as a new liberty-minded path in our contentious political environment, and it recently triggered the move for a nationwide exodus to the Granite State by like-minded peoples of everywhere. No telling where that will all go, but excitement was fueled this past summer when Gov. Sununu signed a bill into law exempting digital currency traders — Bitcoin, Ethereum and other Blockchain platforms — from NH’s money transmission regulations concerning “persons conducting business

using transactions conducted in whole or part in virtual currency.” A recent report by Overstock said a third of their total orders on the day they began accepting Bitcoin were payments from New Hampshire, and the blockchain revolution in the state has seen cryptocurrency management platforms like Swarm City setting up HQ in Portsmouth. Rep. Steven Smith of Charlestown chairs the House Transportation Committee, and is the key sponsor of a bill welcoming our potentially driverless-car future. (“In a place like Manchester, maybe five years,” he has said.) Or how about pod transportation on elevated rails? Would you pay 50 cents a mile to be shuttled to one of over a thousand stops on the 460 miles of pod-track? Mike Stanley, CEO of pod transport company Transit X, said in the Union Leader that if Manchester is one of the first municipalities to provide the company with the air rights to build the needed tracks for his company’s quiet, carbon-free transport system, they promise to set up shop in the Queen City. Still, for any seasoned Granite Stater, no matter how one lets the imagination run wild, it’s difficult to picture a self-driving car or some other kind of robotic tech with a comforting Siri-esque voice expertly navigating the wintry landscape of the state’s future, or even just trying to get citizens to and from work in snowy Errol or Berlin. Difficult, but funny, assuming that even in a future fraught with change, our droll Yankee sense of humor survives. NH nhmagazine.com | January 2018

illustration by faye rogers

THINGS TO COME

Thinking (Way) Ahead Predictions from NH's Official Sci-fi Guy BY JAMES PATRICK KELLY

henever an editor asks me to put on my science fiction prediction headgear (a wind-powered propeller beanie decorated in LED lights and wrapped in aluminum foil), I am reminded of the Carousel of Progress, one of the first animatronic amusement park rides that made its debut at the New York World’s Fair in 1964. Later it decamped to the Disney theme parks. You can still line up in Orlando to view the revamped, 21st century version. The future it depicts is filled with gosh-

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wow technology, so let’s take a moment to indulge in a happy hardware vision of New Hampshire in the coming decades. The first thing to know is that your house, your car and all of your stuff is going to get smarter. Much smarter. Your refrigerator will know when you’re out of butter and will message Hannaford to add it to the order that you’ll be picking up on the way home from work. That is, unless you’re staying late, in which case your self-driving Prius will fetch it for you. When you’re done watching the latest 10-part Ken Burns series

on the Supreme Court, your mediawall will default to masterpieces from the Currier Museum’s Outreach Collection. While you sleep, your wall will automatically record the Red Sox/Mariners’ night game on the West Coast, and the replay will edit out not only the commercials but also all the scuffing in the batter’s box and the staring matches between pitchers and catchers. A complete game in an hour! And you can watch whenever you please the next day because you won’t be making that long commute to the job. Instead you and your co-workers will work mostly from home because your company will live in the cloud, running a networked, interactive work session that goes 24/7/365. That is, if you have a job, because all this shiny technology will give rise to a new NH economy. If we’re living in a Carousel

THINGS TO COME

courtesy photos

Cheap, multipurpose artificial intelligence will usher in an age of economic disruption that will make the Industrial Revolution seem like a hiccup. future where your car and your refrigerator and your desk are that smart, then Amazon or Google or Apple will have made the breakthrough in artificial intelligence that they’re currently burning through billions to achieve. Cheap, multipurpose artificial intelligence will usher in an age of economic disruption that will make the Industrial Revolution seem like a hiccup. You’ve seen the warning signs already in your bank’s ATMs and the self-checkout at Walmart. Robots — yes, robots! — are already doing jobs that used to be done by your neighbors or your kids. Maybe you’ve been reassuring yourself that while bots can run the Hampton toll booth, they can’t do your job. Don’t be so sure. According to a 2016 report from the World Economic Forum “... the nature of change over the next five years is such that as many as 7.1 million jobs could be lost through redundancy, automation or disintermediation, with the greatest losses in white-collar office and administrative roles.” And the President’s Council of Economic Advisors warns that workers who made less than $20 an hour have an 83 percent chance of losing their jobs to automation, while those making $20-40 an hour have a 31 percent chance of being laid off. How long before Amazon frees its robots from its warehouses and sends them out to deliver your goods? When will we see mech-

anized construction crews? AI accountants? Pharmacy vending machines? Many smarter futurists than I believe that the horizon for a job apocalypse is less than 20 years away. So what are we going to do about it? Alas, many of the scenarios are not pretty. But, in my opinion, the brightest future involves what some might consider one of the most un-New-Hampshire-like ideas ever. If you’ve never heard of Universal Basic Income, let me be the first to introduce you. Love it or hate it, I predict with 100 percent confidence that we’ll be talking about it for years to come. The breathtakingly simple idea is that all NH citizens would receive a regular and unconditional sum of money, either from the feds or the state. Everybody would get paid the same amount: newborns and centenarians, poor and rich, with no means testing. How much? That depends, but the operative word is basic; the support would be designed to meet everyone’s basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. If a bot took your job and you couldn’t find another, the UBI would keep you from sleeping under the Queen City Bridge. How could we afford this? Well, part of the answer is that it would replace not only welfare but the vast welfare bureaucracy, so there are savings to be realized there. But it is primarily an income redistribution program, and if that smacks of socialism, remember we are talking about a response to what would be unprecedented un-and-underemployment, maybe half the population without work and with no relief in sight. Would some people slump into a life of indolence under such a system? Without doubt, assuming they could live in a flophouse and subsist on a diet of Cheerios, peanut butter sandwiches and ramen noodles. But most of us would likely build on the UBI foundation and the newfound free time to pursue our personal passions — and in the process earn a little extra spending money. In a benign

post-employment future, your play could become your work. You could teach poetry, banjo, ballet, fine carpentry, chess or fencing. You could lead kayak paddles down the Saco, hikes up Monadnock, birding trips to Great Bay. Even in 2018, you don’t need to own a store to sell your honey, your leather motorcycle gear, your app, your graphic novel or your handcrafted earrings. You wouldn’t need to earn a lot doing what you love to do; you’d just need to earn enough. Can this actually come to pass? I am fairly certain strong AI is just around the corner, and that it will wreak havoc with our economic and cultural status quo. It’s all too easy to imagine a much darker scenario, but I have kids and grandkids. Besides, I’ve never been a fan of post-apocalyptic science fiction. And before you decide that your neighbors would never countenance a Universal Basic Income giveaway, consider this. According to Forbes Magazine, New Hampshire is the seventh most charitable state in the US and first in New England. We may be Yankees, but when the need is real, we take care of our own. NH

About the Author

James Patrick Kelly has won the Hugo, Nebula and Locus awards. His most recent publication is the novel “Mother Go” while a new collection, “The Promise of Space,” is forthcoming from Prime Books in 2018. In 2016, Centipede Press published a career retrospective in its Masters of Science Fiction series entitled “James Patrick Kelly.” He has published more than 100 stories and his fiction has been translated into 18 languages. He writes a column on the internet for Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine and is on the faculty of the Stonecoast Creative Writing MFA Program at the University of Southern Maine. nhmagazine.com | January 2018

Light and Shadows Art needs contrast â€” a spot of white to define darkness in a painting, a sculpture of granite to capture a fleeting moment in time. Emile Birch is an artist who creates monuments. Now his time grows short as his memory dims and so the artist becomes his own final work. By Karen A. Jamrog, Photos by Matthew Lomanno 50

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X X Title HereOccuptur, idelitam ius, si arum illuptas magnisc idersperfere imi, il iurem fugit hariamusdae platur? By Karen A. Jamrog, Photos by Matthew Lomanno

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tating prognosis he has been given. Birch believes publicly and candidly sharing his experience “is a way to be positive rather than have people think ‘poor you.’ Instead of you feeling that you’re not what you used to be, which is true,” he says, “in some ways it’s a positive thing to do.” Birch’s candor, whether he consciously realizes it or not, is also a way for him to yet again connect with people, this time as he provides an invaluable lesson about how to live, even in the face of a steadily eroding sense of identity, and knowledge of your own imminent passing. Communication doesn’t come easily, though. At times, Birch has difficulty expressing himself, as well as comprehending what is said to him. Repeatedly when he

“Pollyanna” (2002) is a monument to cheerfulness, optimism and community spirit. The Littleton statue is known as “New Hampshire's most welcoming attraction.”

speaks, his voice trails off as he realizes he can’t remember what he wanted to say. The situation is heartbreaking, but likely familiar to anyone who has dementia or a loved one who suffers from dementia. Initially, when Birch was told that he had only Alzheimer’s to contend with — which would be enough to send most of us into a panicked tailspin — he was quite hopeful and expected a slow, gradual decline, with many years ahead. He underwent a series of tests, and followed his doctor’s orders to the letter, even giving up ice cream, one of his greatest simple pleasures. But when his progressive symptoms eventually led doctors to add the Lewy body diagnosis and markedly revise their prognosis, Birch decided to ease his restrictions. He now allows himself a small amount of ice cream each day, while still religiously adher-

ing to a consistent exercise schedule, which has been shown to benefit the brain and possibly slow the progression of dementia. He runs, bikes or walks first thing in the morning, takes medication morning and night, and signs up for innovative treatments. Living with dementia is “complicated” and “exhausting,” Birch says. “It’s a combination [of emotions]. I’m trying to be positive even though I sometimes think that I am having a difficult time ... but I focus on things I get meaning from.” The limitations that come with dementia are tough to accept, though. “Really it is very painful to hear, ‘You can’t do this’ or ‘You can’t do that,’” he says. “Or you take on things that are more complicated and think, ‘I can probably get through that,’ but it turns out to be wishful thinking.” Not being able to drive also greatly bothers Birch. “It’s bad enough to have dementia,” he says. “But when you can’t go anywhere ...” Clearly frustrated, he says, “I feel as though I’m putting people out.” Birch acknowledges that many people his age have challenges to deal with, and sometimes he feels good about how he’s doing. But his exasperation surfaces when he describes how people who intend to be caring sometimes make him feel coddled and insulted. “When they say — Cynthia doesn’t do this — but when they say, ‘You’re sure you want to go? You sure you want to go with me? You sure? OK, if you want to. If you’re sure you want to.’ That hurts. It hurts me.” He makes it a priority to get together with people, though, and cherishes spending time with friends and family. Doing so, he says, gives him “a really positive feeling.” On one recent day, he went on a walk with friends, “joking all the way out and all the way back ...” Birch wants to say more about that day, but chokes up. He also looks forward to the walks that he takes with Sarah, a nurse the Birches hired to spend time with him for a handful of hours each week. Her help is particularly valuable during the school year, when Cynthia works as a middle-school art teacher. Birch animatedly speaks of the days he has gone walking with Sarah, and bike riding on a nearby rail trail with one of his daughters and her husband. “It’s amazing,” he says. “People say, ‘Hi,’ and everybody’s happy. If you had a problem, they would help you. They didn’t have to help me, but three or four people would get together and fix a wheel or whatever. People become very friendly and kindhearted out in nature,” he says, “regardless of whether they know each other.”

photo by susan laughlin

y most accounts, it would appear that Emile Birch is a lucky man. He spends his days in a warm and inviting contemporary home nestled in the rolling hills of New Hampshire’s Upper Valley. If you visit him in the summer, you’ll see a lush, beautifully landscaped yard, and the screened porch out back, where you can hear birdsong and gently rustling leaves. Birch’s studio sits beside the house, which he shares with his wife, Cynthia, and toy poodle, Buddy. His adult daughters and stepchildren live on their own. Upon meeting Birch, you notice that at 5'6" he is not a large man, but his handshake is firm and impressive — perhaps a result of the decades he has spent working as a professional sculptor. He has an open, honest face, but is a walking contradiction: He’s a man who describes himself as a loner, yet has spent a lifetime reaching out to people through art. Birch is particularly noted for his large-scale outdoor sculptures scattered throughout New Hampshire. Chances are, you’ve seen at least one of them — maybe “The Eternal Shield,” a memorial located outside the Statehouse that honors New Hampshire law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty; “Pollyanna” in Littleton, which celebrates the spirit of Littleton native and author Eleanor Hodgman Porter’s beloved character; or “Vigilance,” a tribute to firefighters in Portsmouth. Birch’s work as a teaching artist will also no doubt be long remembered by the countless schoolchildren, hospital patients and prisoners he has patiently worked with over the years. But in speaking with Birch, it quickly becomes apparent that, despite his decades of professional success and his serene surroundings, all is not as idyllic here as it might seem. As he approaches the age of 70, Birch finds himself in a place that millions of people across the country can relate to: He has dementia. In fact, doubly unlucky, he has two different forms of dementia — Alzheimer’s disease, and something called Lewy body dementia. At the time of this writing, doctors wouldn’t estimate how much time he has left, but the average life expectancy of someone with Lewy body is anywhere from four to eight years. Say what you will about the hoity-toity art world, there is no pretense about Birch. So perhaps it is fitting that he openly discusses his struggle with dementia and the devas-

Birch, who has continued to create new sculptures through the progression of his illness, at work in his studio nhmagazine.com | January 2018

The many tools of Birch's trade

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In 2006 Birch collaborated with students — he created kinetic (moving) sculptures based on their ideas — to design the main foyer at Broad Meadow Elementary School in Needham, Massachusetts. The sculptures are solar-powered, connecting art with science.

photo by john hession

Birch also gets an emotional boost from attending local gatherings of people who suffer from dementia, and says he would attend more groups if they were available. Participating in support groups “is very helpful,” he says. “We share things, we share ideas,” such as where to get medicine for a lower price. People in the groups share their fears too. “A lot of people are waiting for Alzheimer’s,” Birch says. “They think, ‘Oh, my God, how am I going to pay for school? How am I going to pay for my car? What about my family?’ And it is expensive. All the medications, and every time I see a doctor, the expense.” Most importantly, the groups provide an opportunity to connect with people, which is something that clearly delights Birch. He describes chatting recently with a fellow Alzheimer’s support group member, a man who mentioned at an earlier gathering that he makes rocking chairs. Birch hadn’t seen him for a while, so when the man showed up again at a group meeting, Birch said hello to him and asked, “‘So what are you up to now? Are you still making chairs?’ And then something happened,” Birch says, “and I never got to understand exactly what, but he was

smiling. He was smiling.” As he recalls the experience, Birch breaks down. “I was just trying not to forget that he is a craftsman.” The man was touched, Birch believes, because Birch spoke with him and remembered that he made furniture. “Usually at these groups,” Birch says, “people chat, go get a cookie or whatever, and come back to sit down. And when he came back, he was more positive — he seemed more positive to me. I could see it. I mean, one minute he was by himself, and now he’s with some people. All I did was ask, ‘What are you up to?’” That simple interaction affected how the man felt — and how Birch felt — and illustrates one of Birch’s guiding principles: He believes that one of the most important things in life is sharing with people; the moment with the man who makes rocking chairs was powerful because Birch saw that even now, as he loses his ability to communicate, he was able to spark joy in this man. There is no escaping the future though. Birch says his neurologist encourages him to see dementia as a process, rather than focusing on fear. And in that spirit, Birch says, “I would much rather have the doctor

“On occasion, I break down and cry. Especially with children...But for the most part, I’m doing the things I’m doing, eating the things I eat, spending time with friends. It’s what life is all about anyway.” tell me” what to expect rather than hide the truth. “I don’t mind knowing,” he says. “It’s when [people] remind me, when the conversation becomes, ‘Well, you’re going to be dying anyway.’ And then I sometimes cry. [But] I can deal with the possibility. For now, I get to get up again in the morning and I get to run and I get to eat the little bit of ice cream that I like, and I’m meeting people — and I make sculpture.” Throughout the progression of his decline, Birch has continued to work in his studio. But what does a man who has devot-

ed many of his working hours to memorializing others say about his own legacy? Faced with a sudden overwhelming sense of his mortality, how does he memorialize himself? Birch has chosen to spend his recent studio time making sculptures that explore themes of community; how social class and pursuit of material wealth separate us; the healing power of nature; and the hope and promise of new beginnings. “I’ve always been immersed in work,” he says. “Lewy body helps you to focus on what you want to do and what you need to do. I’m

The "tree" Birch is currently working on is made from an apple tree that once grew on his property.

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making sculpture every day.” Art, he explains, “is connection ... Art making is really you making. When you’re making it, it speaks to you.” His art these days is more stylistically simple than it once was, but he continues to explore multiple motifs within each piece. Mineral hues dominate his latest series of sculptures, and contribute an earthy, natural feel. The foundation of each piece is a tree trunk, with ascending branches that support simple houses. Each of the “trees” in his sculptures are made from an actual apple tree that was in the Birch’s front yard until it died — a gift from a friend and neighbor who has since passed away. Being diagnosed with dementia has taken Birch in a different artistic direction, he says. “Other sculptures I’ve made have been castings in bronze and things like that, but I wanted to do something that was about living in this house. I noticed that driving around, there are houses that look just like everybody else’s house, but some of those houses are falling apart. The windows are broken and the outside, the garage, was falling in.” Birch’s latest sculptures reflect reality; some of the houses that rest on the tree branches are small, and some are bigger and positioned higher within the branches, representing wealthy people who “are looking down on others,” Birch says. One piece in the series shows houses in a circle, a sort of cul-de-sac. “I’m talking about people who have a lot of money,” he says. “That’s not an issue, but what would you do with it? What would you do with it?” Birch pauses. “The other part of it is, I’m a loner. I’m a loner. I always have been.” He looks to his wife 56

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photo by p.t. sullivan

“Lewy body helps you to focus on what you want to do and what you need to do. I’m making sculpture every day.” “Vigilance” was commissioned in 2007 and unveiled in 2009. Situated in front of Portsmouth's Central Fire Station, Birch's tribute to firefighters features two 400-pound bronze figures that represent the past and the present.

for confirmation: “Would you say that?” he asks. Yes, she nods. “Yeah. I don’t know why,” he says. “So I don’t have any problem with people who have been successful.” They do make him question his own success, though, and whether he’s achieved enough. But too many people, he says, get wrapped up in the pursuit of money and material success, while in the end, they can be left with a big house that has broken windows. Birch seems grateful that his art is something tangible he can leave behind. Just as some of his fellow support group members make crafts “that are theirs, that they can present as theirs, I’m feeling the same way,” he says. “For quite a while, I was able to do large public sculptures. I did a lot of them. And now I can’t do those. I’m thinking about them; I’m making little scale models of them, but they’re not out there.” He pauses. “And one thing that’s hitting me in the nose is that I’m feeling close to the end of the road. That’s what I’m thinking.” On the day we most recently spent time with Birch, two years to the day after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and six months after he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, we saw in him a man who is acutely aware of the limited time he likely has left, and grappling with the keen awareness of what he will leave behind. Although Birch says he is a loner, it is obvious that one of the things he values most is human connection. How profoundly sad, then, that his connection with others is the very thing that is slowly but surely slipping away.

“Some people think about how in the end it’s going to kill you,” he says of dementia. “I try to ignore that. I mean, I know it might kill me, I’m conscious of that. And it will affect my family. [My daughters will be] losing a father.” But generally, “I just tell people the truth,” he says. “It is what it is. I can live with what it is. But I don’t tell people or let myself think that it’s going to go away next week. It’s not. I’ll go for a long time if I can, but it seems like it’s the end of the show. And I’m seeing things, I hear about things in the future that have no possibility for me other than death. Among people I know, I talk about it,” Birch says. “On occasion, I break down and cry. Especially with children. But for the most part, I’m doing the things I’m doing, eating the things I eat, spending time with friends. It’s what life is all about anyway.” So for now, Birch savors the daily activities and pleasures that healthy people take for granted. He is grateful for every day. And whether he realizes it or not, like the people on the bike path, he has reached out to strangers — through his work with prisoners, hospital patients, schoolchildren and others — and will continue to do so through his sculptures. Perhaps as we pass the Pollyanna statue on our way to a restaurant or hurry past the Portsmouth firefighter memorial on our commute to work, we will be reminded of the significance of human connection. It’s the kind of hopeful thought that can still bring a smile to the face of Emile Birch. NH

Birch stands in front of "The Eternal Shield." It was dedicated in 1998 and is the first sculpture in more than 100 years to be sited on the Statehouse grounds in Concord. Learn more about the memorial in the sidebar below.

Stars Within Stars A Memorial to Valor At first glance, you might think “The Eternal Shield” is fairly simple — after all, an eternal flame is an oft-used symbol of remembrance. But Birch’s design, which honors all law enforcement officers and pays special homage to those who died in the line of duty, deserves a much closer look. The base of the bronze flame is in the shape of a five-pointed star, the emblem of law enforcement. Surrounding the flame are the walls of the memorial, which form yet another star, each inscribed with the names of fallen officers. They are situated in such a way so that, when sitting on one of the benches, you can easily read the names facing you. Hidden from view within the base of the flame’s pedestal is a special compartment that holds badges from each law enforcement agency in the state. Shields, within a shield within a shield. Commissioned by the NH Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Association in 1995, the resulting memorial’s dedication ceremony took place at an especially poignant time. On September 26, 1998, hundreds of officers and their fellow Granite Staters gathered to both officially unveil “The Eternal Shield” and to remember and mourn the three officers so recently added to its list of names. New Hampshire state troopers Scott Phillips and Leslie Lord were killed in August of 1997 by Carl Drega in the northern town of Colebrook in a rampage that also claimed the lives of Judge Vickie Bunnel and newspaper editor Dennis Joos. On August 24, the morning after attending the funerals for Phillips and Lord, officer Jeremy Charron was shot and killed while responding to reports of a suspicious car. Today, there are a total of 48 officers on the sanctuary’s walls. They represent the service and sacrifice of officers dating back to 1888. You can learn about each officer on the NH Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Association website, newhampshirelawenforcementmemorial.com, where they maintain a roll of honor. nhmagazine.com | January 2018

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

SNOW BOND when choosing your companions for a winter adventure, never overlook the entertainment factor. and be sure to invite george orwell. By Jay Atkinson Photos by Joe Klementovich

f sleeping ever becomes an Olympic sport, then Chris Pierce will win a gold medal. So getting Piercey out of bed and away from his family at 5 a.m. means something is afoot. Driving us through a Franconia Notch snowstorm, he reaches over and pounds my shoulder. “Oh yeah,” Piercey says. “It’s on like Donkey Kong!” We’re northbound at such an ungodly hour to undertake three adventures — fat biking, snowshoeing and ice climbing — in just over a day. Frequent co-conspirators, Piercey and I enjoy dreaming up winter events for our rugby pals and their wives, testing the limits on what they’ll agree to. One time, we convinced a dozen friends to snowshoe up to the Imp Profile, just south of Gorham. The temperature fell to -8, and a few of the wags began calling it “the polar death march.” Prone to breaking out in loud monkey sounds — “oo! OOO! Ah! AH! AHH!” — Piercey, 43, is a rugged, venturesome fellow. Together we’ve played in dozens of rugby matches; taken winter paddling trips down the Merrimack River; traced Jack Kerouac’s footsteps along the Pacific coast; and co-founded our own DIY backcountry triathlon (sans fees, race numbers and water stations) that’s held every September in Rumney, New Hampshire. A former collegiate wrestler, Piercey is built like a piano mover, but light on his feet and hard to keep up with. For this trip we needed a third guy, someone who would say yes without giving it much thought. Backcountry skier, climber and photographer Joe Klementovich, 46, was our first choice. A tall, angular fellow who volunteers on the Mountain Rescue Service, Joe and I collaborated on an outdoor story and hit it off. I’ve worked with a few shutterbugs that moped around like Van Gogh, complaining about the light, etc., but he has a mischievous sense of humor and a deadpan expression reminiscent of Buster Keaton. When choosing your companions, never overlook the entertainment factor. — At 8 a.m., we meet Joe to go fat biking. Located just outside of Littleton, the Parker Mountain trail network encompasses more than 800 acres of private land. Twenty-four miles of biking trails wind up and around the 1,905-foot mountain, offering a variety of easy, moderate and difficult routes, just like a ski area.

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Dave Harkless, owner of Littleton Bike & Fitness, has carted our rental bikes to the trailhead. Known as a hub for off-road biking, Harkless’ store has a funky vibe, with a wide selection of bicycles, parts, gear and clothing, a large repair bay and two eerie-looking mannequins dressed in cycling togs. On my first trip to Littleton Bike & Fitness, I rented a bike on Saturday, intending to ride the next day. We’re closed Sundays, said an employee named Darleen. Crestfallen, I turned to leave when she handed over a new cable lock. “Just fix it to the back stairs when you’re done,” Darleen said. In addition to our bikes, Harkless, 54, has a 200-cc Rokon motorcycle in the back of his truck. Attached to the motorcycle is a weighted horizontal tire on a chain, which

Orwell’s “Homage to Catalonia” in my backpack, since Orwell is pleasant company and his experience as a journalist-turned-combatant during the Spanish Civil War puts my own adventures in perspective. (As a distraction from the cold and squalor of the trenches, Orwell liked to read detective stories.) But there won’t be much reading today. Halfway up Parker Mountain, I’m drenched in sweat and lay the bike down to swap out my heavy gloves. From this vantage point, I can see for miles, with snow flitting down from a low gray sky. As I suck water from my hydration pack, the only sound is an occasional birch creaking in the wind. Piercey hoots from up above — “Ooooo! AAhh! AH! OOO!” Upon reaching the top, I start to feel cold. “Gotta keep my heart rate up,” I say. “Waiting on you,” says Piercey. And away

Writer Jay Atkinson (front) and Chris Pierce during the fat biking portion of their winter adventure. They chose the Parker Mountain trail network outside of Littleton. On the opposite page, Pierce rides in front of Atkinson.

he pulls along to groom the trails. Maintaining the trails is a community endeavor. Donations from local cyclists help defray the cost of gas, motorcycle repairs and “a beer or two” for volunteers, Harkless says. Snow has fallen overnight, and it’s 25 degrees with little wind — perfect weather for fat biking. Dave zooms ahead on the motorcycle and the three of us follow him across an open field and beneath the skirt of pines. Ascending a trail called Homegrown, we zigzag down into snowy hollows and up the other side, surrounded by a thousand Christmas trees jacketed in snow. On winter excursions, I carry George

he goes across a snowy ridge and then downslope through a grove of fir trees. We turn onto Bridge Road trail, with Piercey in front and Joe right behind me. Palmer Brook runs alongside, and as Piercey angles between the trees, he says, “Bridge here.” I tilt my handlebars to the left, squeezing between two pines, and there’s a short wooden bridge spanning the brook. As soon as I reach the icy planking, the bike slides hard right and I tumble off to the left. There’s a sudden feeling of weightlessness. I reach out my left hand, dropping through space, and utter a phrase I’d never say in church. It’s a pleasant flight, though I realize

whoosh! â€” i hit the water. the brook is thigh-deep, and so cold it burns.

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the landing will be abrupt. I just go with the flow, aiming to land shoulder — hip — knee to break my fall. Whoosh! — I hit the water. The brook is thigh-deep, and so cold it burns. Thrust below the surface, I whack my head against a broken branch jutting up from the creek bed. I’m grateful for my helmet, since the branch thuds against the plastic behind my left ear. Joe yanks me upright. “That looks like fun,” he says, hauling me onto the bank. “Heart rate up?” asks Piercey, laughing. My outer layer has kept me dry, but water seeps beneath my gaiters into my boots. Hypothermia is a risk under these conditions, so it’s best to keep moving. Riding downhill, Piercey barrels into a ditch formed by rivulets creasing the trail. But he’s able to launch himself over the handlebars, sprawling on the other side while his bike ends up in the water. “Lucky you’re not clipped in,” I say, skidding to a stop. “Amen, brother,” Piercey says. Zipping ahead, I cross a few snow bridges over running water. I’m glad I’m lighter than those guys, because they’re probably going to break through. Descending the trail at

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Pierce (left) and Atkinson take a break from fat biking. Below, Atkinson rides on.

a good clip, I duck beneath an archway of frozen branches, whooping and hollering like a little kid. Joe and I complete a tricky 5-mile loop and return to the starting point to find Piercey’s car running and a note that read, “Get warm, brother. Doing one more circuit.” “He’ll be back tomorrow,” I tell Joe. — Piercey and I scarf down trail mix on the ride over to The AMC Highland Center at Crawford Notch. The next event is a short recovery hike. We change our clothes in the parking lot, our vehicles a jumble of outdoor

equipment and neon-hued outerwear. At first glance, it appears we don’t know what the hell we’re doing. But for three days, we’ve pored over the forecast with the zeal of Galileo studying the stars. Any change in the weather can affect what you’ll need, and an error in planning can ruin your trip. A physical therapist and strength trainer, Piercey is familiar with the potential mishaps. “Just dialing in the clothing — for the wind, the temperature, the moisture, all that stuff — is going to make or break your experience,” he says. Each participant should have experience in one or more activity. For this trip, you’ll need hydration packs, fat bikes, bike helmets, snowshoes, hiking boots, ice climbing boots and helmets and hardware, crampons, ice axes, harnesses, ropes and various items of wind- and waterproof clothing. And you must stage your gear in the order it’ll be used, so it’s easy to access when you need it. “If you don’t plan properly, it’s not going to turn out well and people aren’t going to have fun,” Piercey says. We strap on our snowshoes and head into the forest, where the new snow is over

a foot deep. Other trekkers having busied themselves on the trails across Route 302; we have the entire snowbound glen to ourselves. Only a single cross-country skier has gone through here, but in a half-mile the tracks veer off and we’re breaking trail. With Joe off somewhere in the woods, Chris and I go padding around Lake Ammonoosuc, catching up on family and work news. Recent mild temperatures have left stretches of open water on the lake. Whistling from the other shore, Joe hoists his camera, motioning us onto the lake. But the ice looks about as robust as the Russian economy. “He’s kinda bossy,” I say. Piercey takes one step and breaks through the ice. “Right here’s good,” he yells. Afterwards, we convene at the J-Town Deli & Country Store in Jackson across from the ski touring center. Today’s specials include roasted carrot and maple ginger soup, which warms the chill in my bones. In the dining area, three generations of an outdoorsy family occupy a long table. Otherwise, the place is empty. Piercey heads for the restroom, but a middle-aged woman carrying a large hand-

you could say i go ice climbing every chance i get, although technically this is my first opportunity. but i'll try anything once, except dueling with pistols. bag arrives ahead of him. Moments later, the woman emerges and Piercey goes in. We can hear water running, and then Piercey exits with the lady’s handbag slung over his shoulder. He sashays past the woman’s table and the whole place starts cracking up. — You could say I go ice climbing every chance I get, although technically this is my first opportunity. But I’ll try anything once,

except dueling with pistols. On this leg, Piercey and I are relying on Joe, a veteran of challenging winter ascents throughout New England and at Chamonix in the French Alps. While Piercey and I are trying on ice climbing boots at International Mountain Equipment in North Conway, Joe talks with the owner, Rick Wilcox. An upbeat, avuncular man, Rick, 69, looks like a bantamweight Teddy Roosevelt.

The group snowshoes along the loop trail that goes around Lake Ammonoosuc.

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He has 50 years of experience “climbing with a rope,” which includes 36 trips to the Himalayas. In 1991, Rick led an expedition to Mount Everest, the first of its kind by climbers from the eastern United States. Four of the eight climbers reached the summit, including Rick. He served as president of the nonprofit Mountain Rescue Service from 1976 to 2016. He has worked alongside Joe on a number of troublesome rescues, and says we’re in good hands. “Ninety percent of ice climbing is common sense, and Joe has plenty of that,” Rick says. That night, we drop into the Wildcat Tavern in Jackson. My rugby pal, Stu Dunlop, who owns the 11-room inn, dining room and bar, is out of town visiting his daughter. But Stu’s wife, Linda, 47, a lanky brunette who played basketball at the University of Vermont, is there with a girlfriend. Over drinks, Linda and her friend start chatting with us. Years ago, when I was going to school in Denver, pop singer Todd Rundgren’s sister

“ninety percent of ice climbing is common sense, and joe has plenty of that.”

-Rick Wilcox

lived across the hall. I happen to mention that Ms. Rundgren occasionally popped in to have dinner with my roommate and me. “Who’s Todd Rungren again?” Linda asks. His most popular song was “Hello, It’s Me,” but none of us can remember the tune. Piercey finds a YouTube video of Rundgren performing the song, and lays his phone over an empty water glass, amplifying the sound. “I’ll come around to see you once in a while, or if I ever need a reason to smile.” Soon we’re all singing and Linda’s friend dances between the tables, waving her hands around like she’s at Woodstock. A few employees are drawn to the commotion, but retreat when they see it’s Linda’s party. I text Stu: “Your wife is getting out of hand.” “Send me a photo,” he replies. — At 7 a.m., we meet Joe at the Arethusa Falls trailhead on Route 302 in Crawford Notch State Park. We load our packs with the ice climbing gear, and start hiking over to Frankenstein Cliff. During winter, Frankenstein’s rocky outcroppings are transformed into

This page and opposite: The group hikes to Frankenstein Cliff.

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The ice climbing begins at Frankenstein Cliff.

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Pierce (front) and Atkinson prepare to switch over to ice climbing gear.

jumbled pillars of ice. To reach the cliffs, we follow the Conway Scenic Railroad tracks, which are shut down until June. The sky is a clear, brilliant blue, and it’s a lot warmer than yesterday. I can hear runoff trickling down the cliffs. Beyond the Frankenstein Trestle, we run into a wiry, grizzled climber who, squatting by the tracks, resembles a 19th-century train robber. He has mean eyes, and is smoking a cigarette. Beside him stands a silent gangly youth with ears that stick out. Nodding hello, I ask if they’ve finished climbing or are just getting started. “We were over there,” says the train robber, between drags on his cigarette. He points up the tracks to Standard Route. “How was it?” I ask. He gives me a dead-eyed stare. “I wasn’t feelin’ it,” he says. The sun has risen over Crawford Notch and is shining directly on the ice. Wriggling into my harness, I fiddle with the crampons like a prehistoric man with a slide rule. Because of the deteriorating conditions, Joe provides a very brief lesson in using the gear and we scramble up Standard’s lower slope. Anchored behind a boulder, Piercey and I watch Joe climb the first two pitches like a cat ascending an escalator. Perched in a cave 100 feet above us, Joe is securing the ropes we’ll use to follow him up. A few chunks of ice bounce down the slope, and Piercey and I duck behind the rock to avoid them. “You all right?” asks Piercey. I feel queasy, like it’s right before a rugby match. “It’s getting in my head.”

“Just breathe,” Piercey says. Joe halloes down, saying he’s on belay and I can start climbing. When I push off, digging in my ice axe and angling across the slope, it’s a lot harder than Joe made it look. Trying to maneuver on the rotten snowpack and getting a firm grip with the axe is a leg-twitching, arm-trembling ordeal. I’m leaning too close to the cliff, unsure of the rope and the grip of my crampons. I surmount the first real obstacle, but when I reach the second of two short, steep pitches, I get stuck halfway up, breathing raggedly, my pulse hammering in my ears. I’m already gassed. Joe lowers me down and Piercey takes a shot. After the traverse, he starts using his axe, triangulating his feet with his top hand, making it to the first boulder. Once he clears it, Piercey gets into a rhythm. Near the top, he misses with one of his crampons, staggers a bit, then recovers, and Joe pulls him up. “Right on, brother!” I shout. I’m last on the hike out, the sun blazing in a deep indigo sky. I’m pissed that I didn’t get my axe into the ice and up that wall. But I’m reminded of Orwell, huddled in his filthy dugout, reading “The Missing Money-Lender” with shells bursting overhead. I have it easy. In the parking lot, I shuck my heavy pack, saying, “I don’t want to play the ‘age’ card, but ...” “Go ahead, play it,” Piercey says. He glances at Joe and they roll their eyes. I dig in Piercey’s cooler for a beer. This is my favorite part — what I call “après parking lot” — which doesn’t make sense

because that means “after the parking lot,” and we’re in the parking lot. But drinking beer high on adrenaline is a rugby tradition we’ve adopted for our winter adventures. Now in a pullover and sandals, Piercey is dressed like the manager of an unsuccessful clam shack, pontificating about the quality of the local IPA he’s drinking, among other topics. Piercey’s most appealing trait — or least appealing, depending on your point of view — is his boisterous unpredictability. A young couple walks by, heading for Arethusa Falls, but outfitted like they’re planning to summit Denali. “Good morning,” Piercey bellows, startling them. They respond in whispers, and he calls out, “You’re overdressed.” The woman laughs nervously, unsure of what to say. “No, really,” says Piercey. “You should put some of that stuff in the car.” In our crowd, if people agree with everything you say, etc., that means they don’t really like you. So when Joe, talking about a friend of his, gestures toward me and says, “He’s nondescript, like you,” and Piercey declares that my rugby stories are “decent” but “overly long,” I just laugh. After saying goodbye to Joe, we cruise down 302 while a pleasant torpor comes over me. Though Piercey is one of the most reliable guys I know, his driving terrifies me, especially in winter. No sooner have I buckled my safety belt than he goes rummaging between the seats. “What the hell are you doing?” I ask. “We need THE SONG!” he says. I hand over a binder of CDs and he starts throwing them around like a juggler. “Nope,” he says. Suddenly, the elegiac sound of a piano fills the car. The song is Disturbed’s cover of Paul Simon’s “Sound of Silence.” ’Neath the halo of a street lamp I turned my collar to the cold and damp Piercey cranks open the sunroof, yelling, “This is where it gets good.” It reminds me of flying down the Kancamagus Highway with my hockey buddies when I was a teenager. Back then, we jumped off Rocky Gorge into the Swift River, had a few beers and took off, blasting Springsteen’s “Thunder Road.” With the cold air rushing in, I sing along with Piercey: And the sign said ‘The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls ...’ And whispered in the sounds of silence. NH

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603 Living

“Our most treasured family heirloom are our sweet family memories. The past is never dead, it is not even past.” – William Faulkner

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Health 82 Local Dish 85 How To 86 Events Listing 88 Dining Out 92 Ayuh 96

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In with the Old

“Brown furniture” is worth the cost BY AMY MITCHELL

Sometimes I get tired of reading articles in outlets from Apartment Therapy to The Wall Street Journal to this very magazine (see “Seniority,” March 2017) about how Gen Xers and Millennials don’t want their parents’ heirloom furniture — that it’s almost impossible to even give away let alone sell. Our Baby Boomer parents and grandparents spent thousands on their heirloom nhmagazine.com | January 2018

furniture, which now only costs hundreds on Craigslist, in consignment shops and at auction. Dining room sets, formal living rooms, bedroom sets, lots of Colonial reproductions or pseudo-reproductions (some of which is extremely high-quality) — according to these sources, this kind of fine furniture just isn’t “our” style. We younger folks would rather buy new. We like things more modern, or transitional or casual. Heck, many of us don’t want something like a formal dining room at all. I have to say that, in most instances, these authors are correct. And in addition to our style (in general) being different than the previous generation’s, most of us aren’t willing or able to spend the money on high-quality stuff even within our aesthetic. As a rule, my generation tends to be heavily cost-conscious, graduating in the late ’90s at the end of the heady Clinton years, and then immediately enduring two crashes/recessions (post 9/11 and the 2008 economic crisis). We’re finally able to buy homes and decent cars (about 10 years later than our parents did), but spend a fortune on furniture? Yeah, right. We’re still paying off our student debt and now saving for our own kids’ school. Knowing our trendy style/low cost aesthetic, design outlets aimed for a more accessible design push — Ikea hacks and Target room makeovers that will last up to five years, maybe, but not more. I call it “disposable design.” Lots of big-box store furnishings are made in Asia without any regulations on things like formaldehyde limits, and MDF and cardboard in upholstery frames because they can do it at a price we can afford/ stomach. For the more environmentally conscious of you out there, well, think about those fumes in your family rooms or another big sofa in the landfill five years from now when the frame is no longer salvageable ... But I’m on a mission to change this disposable design mindset! Or perhaps I should say, to “tweak” it. I don’t totally scoff at big-box stores; I buy the stuff there. But I don’t think the younger generations should rely on these sources to furnish their homes. If we do, then we are missing a huge opportunity to be both cash-conscious and quality-conscious without sacrificing style. “But I don’t want to live in a museum,” you say. That’s where “the mix” enters. 70

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Antique style doesn’t have to look old-fashioned. This reproduction pencil post bed, a style popular in New England in the 1700s, combined with bright textiles, is far from stuffy. New England Country bed frame by Eldred Wheeler

D.R. Dimes, a family company based in Northwood, specializes in early American reproduction furniture.

But how? Just find a few well-chosen “brown furniture” (e.g., wood) pieces and build your look around them. Incorporating brown furniture into your home can help keep everything grounded — not only grounded visually because of the dark color, but grounded in a more emotional sense as well. Patina, shine, flame, veneers — these give your rooms a sense of collectedness, attachment, history, and above all, taste. You could use a Baby Boomer sofa table and secretary in the living/family room in

conjunction with your relaxed, linen-look sofa and grasscloth-covered coffee table, or Chippendale chairs and china cabinet in the dining room with a colorful kilim rug, a Saarinen table and a modern light fixture. By adding updated elements — fresh color, fun wallpaper, current fabrics, rugs, lighting, and furniture with transitional lines — you can funk up or relax down these pieces while taking advantage of the depth and richness that heirloom quality has to give. However, just because something is old or antique, doesn’t mean it was well-made. How do you know which brown furniture to buy — if you don’t have a parent who is trying to unload some, that is? Here are a few companies and sources you can trust. From the 1950s onward, most companies labeled their case pieces. Look for these names and you’ll know that you’re buying American-made by fine artisans: • Baker • Century Furniture • Councill Craftsman • D.R. Dimes • EJ Victor • Eldred Wheeler • Harden • Hekman • Henkel Harris • Hickory Chair • Kindel • Kittinger These companies are all still making gorgeous high-end case goods, but the vintage ones are where you can save money. Scan your local Craigslist. Find those upscale consignment shops where the Baby Boomers are unloading their treasures for cents on the dollar. Go to an auction. Or, if you have no idea how to mix these lovelies up for the fresh and life-filled family home of your own, give me a buzz. I’ll chat fine American craftsmanship ’til the cows come home. NH Decorator and color consultant Amy Mitchell is the owner of Home Glow Design. Each week, she writes for Home Glow’s “Saturday Blog,” focusing on fresh twists on classic style, American craftsmanship and value and quality for dollars spent. The blog also features more photos from this story. She lives in Hopkinton with her husband and two boys.

photo by john hession

603 LIVING

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The Masters

photo by dean powell

For a true work of furniture art made right here in the Granite State, visit the New Hampshire Furniture Masters Gallery at 49 South Main St. in Concord. Or, you could work directly with one of the masters and commission an original piece. Either way, there’s no doubt that anything by one of these artisans will become something handed down throughout generations. Styles range from modern and whimsical to historic recreations. Learn more at furnituremasters.org.

Timothy Coleman’s “Chest of Drawers”

N I N A’ S T I P S F O R REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN

Tip 1 Maximizing your storage is essential to having a great kitchen. I have seen many kitchens that have no place to put the frying pans, no real pantry and no counter space on either side of the cook top. These are not functioning kitchens. I maintain that all cabinets less than 12 inches wide are useless. What can you store in them? Not much. If you are going to spend the money to remodel your kitchen, let a designer help you maximize the storage space so you really can use it. No more trips to the basement to get that pan or roll of paper towels. At Dream Kitchens, I guarantee we will give you at least 30 percent more storage. Tip 2 Life has changed. The kitchen is the center of our lives. We cook, our children study, and we entertain in the kitchen. This makes the layout essential. How many times have you asked your child to “stop standing there so I can get to the fridge?” We should be able to easily chat with guests, put chips and dip out on a buffet, and watch TV. We want guests welcome in the kitchen, but on the fringes where they add to the fun but don’t get in the way.

photos courtesy of david lamb

Tip 3 Get rid of the clutter. Most countertops are packed with the coffee maker, toaster, food processor, blender, knives, spices and pantry items. This makes it almost impossible to prepare food and makes the kitchen look messy. Have a place to store everything so you can see and use those beautiful countertops. At Dream Kitchens we will store everything away so you are ready for company at any time of day! Nina Hackel, President | Dream Kitchens | 139 Daniel Webster Highway “Demi Lune” by David Lamb

Nashua NH | www.adreamkitchen.com | 603-891-2916 nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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EXPERTS

New Hampshire Magazineâ€™s Guide to Retirement Living and Continuing Care

The concept of retirement and senior living is not what it once was. Vibrant communities providing a fulfilling lifestyle have created a welcoming, attentive atmosphere tailored for individualsâ€™ needs. And yet, preparing for a phase of life that involves so much of the unknown can feel overwhelming. As parents, loved ones and partners begin to age, it becomes increasingly important to have a plan in place to provide for their medical, social and cultural needs. 72

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HUNT COMMUNITY

The time to investigate senior living options is now. We spoke with a number of senior living executives from around the state to learn more about how to approach the topic, what to look for, what to expect and how best to prepare. Our panel of experts: • Paul Charlton, vice president of marketing, Taylor Community, Laconia. • John Parolin, director of sales and marketing, Silverstone Living, Nashua. • Cathleen Toomey, vice president of marketing, the RiverWoods Group – which includes RiverWoods in Exeter and Birch Hill, a continuing care retirement community in Manchester. • Timothy Martin, administrator of The Woodlands on the campus of Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital. • Karen Johnson, marketing and development director for Webster at Rye. • Brittany Talbot, sales and marketing director for the Residence at Salem Woods. • Ellen Quinn, leasing manager for Quail Hollow Senior Living Community in West Lebanon. • Lynda Brislin, executive director, Terrace Communities. • Heidi Morrison, director of community relations, The Arbors of Bedford.

STARTING THE PROCESS How can people know if moving to a senior community is right for them or a family member? Paul Charlton, Taylor Community: “Knowing that a community is right for you has more to do with how you feel about it as opposed to what you think. Clearly, in doing your homework and visiting and learning about different communities, you need to gather the facts — how much does it cost, what do the floor plans look like, what services and amenities are offered, etc. But at the end of the day you need to get a good sense of what it will feel like living there. Narrow your search down to two or three communities and then spend as much time as possible there speaking to as many staff and residents as you can.” John Parolin: “If you have started to wonder and had a conversation with family about what your next steps would be when you no longer wish to mow the lawn, remove the snow or paint the house, then you also have more than likely begun to consider the benefits of moving to a retirement community. If you have been a planner all your life, continuing to plan for your future doesn’t stop at retirement. A life plan

THE HUNTINGTON AT NASHUA

AT HOME BY HUNT

Plan your future now, and everything will be in place for the next chapter of your life.

The finest in independent living for people 62 and better Call us at 603.821.1200 today to learn about all our Life Plan options. SilverstoneLiving.org

A few words from our residents’ families… What most intrigued me about the Residence at Salem Woods was the ability for my in-laws to once again be independent, socialize with other residents, take day trips, go outside and sit in the garden, and to not be confined in an older home that limited their capabilities. All these wonderful things — but most importantly — their safety, health and well-being are the top priority. The Residence at Salem Woods provides our loved ones with the highest quality of care, respect and compassion. – Representative Gary Azarian (Salem, NH)

Independent • Assisted Living • Memory Care

PET FRIENDLY

603-890-0580 www.residencesalemwoods.com 6 Sally Sweet’s Way • Salem, NH 03079

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community is a perfect solution for a worry-free and long retirement.” Karen Johnson: “You’ll know when you begin to see changes in an individual’s ability to live independently, or decision-making in general is becoming overwhelming.” Brittany Talbot: “This is such a difficult time for anyone going through this process. Often there are signs: The house may not be as clean as it may normally be, your loved one may be wearing the same clothes over and over again, forgetting to take medication, food in refrigerator may be spoiled or not eaten, not reading the newspaper,

“Knowing that a community is right for you has more to do with how you feel about it as opposed to what you think.” possible skin tears from falls, forgetting doctor’s appointments, birthdays and I think the biggest one is isolating themselves. Senior living communities offer solutions to all of these concerns.” Heidi Morrison: “At The Arbors of Bedford, we understand the search for senior living can be confusing. You probably know some things you should watch for and a few important things to ask questions about when you visit: How clean is the community? Is the physical plant well-cared for? Do residents seem happy? What types of services are offered and at what price? Each of these helps you form a basic opinion about the senior living communities you visit. However, since you likely haven’t been through this process before, you might not know what else to ask.” How can you start the conversation with a loved one who may benefit from transitioning to a senior community? Cathleen Toomey: “If you’re asking that question, congratulations — you are already halfway there. The most important factor is to start the conversation as early as possible. If you wait until a crisis, then your options are much more limited. It is also easier to contemplate a move when you can outline all the reasons why life is easier and you have more time to enjoy and meet people, as compared to making a need-based decision.” Karen Johnson: “Most importantly, listen when your loved one makes a statement about them74

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selves (even if you disagree with what they’ve said) or a situation. Ask them to tell you more.” How does someone decide what type of senior living arrangement is best for them or a family member? Paul Charlton, Taylor Community: “I think only through exploring the different options and by visiting and talking with the people who live and work there can you confidently decide which community is right for you. And I don’t think you can overdo this. After you’ve narrowed your search down to a select few, visit multiple times and speak with residents and staff members beyond those in sales and marketing. Nobody can paint a more accurate and complete picture of what it is like living there than those who are already residents.” Cathleen Toomey: “Ideally, the person making the move is the one who should make the decision. My best advice to family members is to put the decision in their hands early by starting the conversation now. If you are a parent, take the first step and bring it up with your family before your kids have to make the decision down the road. Take a look at a number of different communities — compare pricing and contracts. Not all communities are the same.” Karen Johnson: “Visit various facilities and communities. Meet the residents. Talk with the marketing director to find out what population(s) are served in that particular community.” Brittany Talbot: “There are so many options out there that the best way to know what is best is to visit a few different places. Ask each place what sets them apart from other communities. The community needs to feel homey and a place where you feel comfortable. Make sure you get to meet some of associates and residents during a visit. This will tell you a lot about the community. It seems overwhelming at first but what truly makes you decide is how you feel when you walk into a community.” Ellen Quinn: “All senior communities are different. You will want to call the communities in your area, and ask for a tour so you can see what the apartments and the community spaces look like. Our communities offer an open house tour every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. The brochure packets are helpful, but experiencing the community gives you so much more.”

DETAILS TO CONSIDER What questions should families ask/ what should someone look for when visiting a senior living community? Cathleen Toomey: “Ask about everything. This is one of the biggest decisions of your life and you

have the right to ask about every detail. Marketing materials for communities can look similar, but the offerings can differ greatly. Meet with the community’s CFO and ask questions about contracts and copies of past financial statements to see the community’s financial track record. Meet the residents, separately from the marketing team, and see if you can envision yourself there. Have a meal, stay overnight, and get a feel for what the community is like before you make your decision. We’ve created a workbook titled “The Insider’s Guide to Choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community” as a way to help seniors assess the risks and rewards of different communities. It can be found at RiverWoodsRC.org/RESOURCES.” Timothy Martin: “What is the ownership of the community (is it a nonprofit) how long has the organization been in business, can the applicant look at financial information and what are the occupancy rates?” Karen Johnson: “Ask about the longevity of facility and staff, activities, living arrangements, cost, size of facility and available health care services as an individual’s needs change or decline.” Brittany Talbot: “When a family tours assisted living communities, the first impressions is often the most lasting impression. When entering into a community it should feel like home — welcoming and friendly. Watching how associates interact with each other as well as residents is crucial — do they appear happy? Do they stop and say hello when you are touring? Look at the residents — are they engaged? Are the activities something that your loved one may enjoy? Are they well groomed? Do the meals and/or menu look appealing? Ask about outings, levels of care, special diets, and about when would one have to move to a nursing home, do they provide end of life care, diabetic care or offer medication assistance.” Ellen Quinn: “Does it offer the amenities that support your living independently? Does it have beautiful and comfortable communal areas, lounges, library, dining room, etc.? Ask yourself, does it encourage gatherings and fun times by the residents? Are you going to be driving? Does the community offer access to buses for grocery shopping and getting out into the larger community? Ask yourself, ‘what if I don’t want to cook all the time?’ What options for meals does the community offer?” Heidi Morrison: “Questions about the programs that make a real difference in the resident experience are not as obvious. But these are important factors that can help you determine how well a senior living community cares for its residents, and for the team members who care for those residents. Or questions about how an organization sets its goals and holds itself accountable for quality. And the role industry

“I haven’t seen Mom smile this much in years.”

“As Mom aged, we thought it best if she stayed in her home. We were wrong. Even with hours of home care, Mom wasn’t thriving. She needed more. She especially needed more socialization—not isolation. And more reliable care too. So she made the move to Windham Terrace. She truly loves her elegant new home! Life is more complete with lots of friends and activities, chef-prepared meals, daily care, medication management, and even transportation to appointments and outings. I visit her often, so I know Mom is happier and more relaxed now… and I am too. We only wish she’d moved sooner.”

If you are interested in the finest care and the nicest people, call Lynda at Windham Terrace (603) 437-4600 or, better yet, stop by. 3 Church Road, Windham, NH 03087 | WindhamTerrace.com | (603) 437-4600

TerraceCommunities.com WhEElock TErracE 32 Buck Road Hanover, NH 03755 (603) 643-7290

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experience plays in continuously monitoring, measuring and improving the quality of care. Our residents and their families choose us because they have confidence in our experience. After all, we’ve been caring for seniors for 20 years now. What are most people concerned about when they first move to a senior living community, and how do you address that concern? Paul Charlton: “I hear prospective residents sometimes questioning whether they will fit in, or they’re concerned they may have difficulty meeting people and forming new friendships. Ask staff members whether there is anything in place to help new residents become oriented, get involved and feel welcomed. And don’t limit your questions to those in sales and marketing. Talk to staff in activities or resident life, care management, health services and other departments. Combined they should be able to provide a good picture of what to expect when you move in.” Cathleen Toomey: “Initially, people are concerned about downsizing, and how they can manage to bring their most treasured possessions with them, and many communities offer professional downsizing help to make packing easier. Once they move in, the next concern is how to meet others. At RiverWoods, we have an extensive welcoming process, where RiverWoods residents and staff connect with the new resident and ensure they get to meet other people.” Timothy Martin: “People are often concerned with how long can they stay, what happens when their needs increase and can they afford it.” Brittany Talbot: “Most residents are concerned about not knowing where to go and not knowing anyone. We champion the move-in process. The department head team meets with the new resident to explain what he/she is responsible for in the community and one department head will have a meal with the resident for the first three days. This helps with introducing our new resident to other residents as well as escorting and inviting them to meals and social gatherings. We also have a welcoming committee that will help orient the new resident into the community.” John Parolin: “When contemplating a move to a life plan community or any senior living opportunity, there is a natural anxiety about the process that can seem overwhelming. Our communities can connect future residents with professionals who can assist with ways to downsize. There are guides with step-by-step tips on how to accomplish this. Remember, it’s easier to think about a journey of 1,000 miles

if you simply begin with a single step. Pick a closet, start there and then move on to the next. The sale of the family home is an emotional transaction. There are real estate and moving professionals who will work closely with you to help with the sale of your home and the move that follows. Keep in mind that your memories, photos and the other items that made your house a home will accompany you. It’s amazing how quickly your new residence will become your new home.”

MAKING ARRANGEMENTS What is the timeline for planning senior living? When should I start? Karen Johnson: “Sooner than you’d think! Senior living involves both financial planning and medical care. Try to be objective and consider future care needs. Don’t wait for a crisis before planning a move.” Paul Charlton, Taylor Community: “In my experience, no one ever starts too soon but many who move into a community will say things like, ‘We should have done this years ago.’ Unfortunately, many have this perception that you move to a retirement community because you have to. The reality is that you move because you get to. Just because you’re capable of shoveling snow or taking care of your home maintenance, doesn’t mean that’s what you want to spend your time doing. And those who move in at a younger age are really able to take full advantage of all that the community has to offer.” Cathleen Toomey: “Start now. Do a cost comparison of what your expenses are now and what they would be in a community. Many communities will provide these worksheets for you. With a growing number of baby boomers moving into communities, waiting lists can as long as 5-10 years. Don’t be afraid to get on a waiting list. If a community has a refundable wait-list deposit, you can always say ‘no, thank you’ when your name comes up, and you may even be able to get back your deposit.” Timothy Martin: “The average age on entry, nationally, is 81. Planning should start as early as possible so they are able to make the move when they are healthy and not in a crisis or an emergency situation when they hear they cannot go home.” Brittany Talbot: “Starting the search early is the best advice I can give. I find that many times seniors find themselves searching for a community when they are in a midst of a crisis. Touring communities and educating yourself will allow you choices and to ensure you have found the community that suits your needs.” nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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John Parolin: “Planning for a move to a life plan community needs to begin long before you have decided it’s time to take that step. There are two components that play into a move to any life plan community. Financially, planning begins well before retirement. Study after study warns that current saving trends among boomers may not result in the accumulation of assets that will allow a lifestyle comparable to that which many are accustomed to. Enrollment in a 401k, 403b, IRA and other systematic investments will all play a part in the planning for an eventual move to a community. For many, reliance on Social Security and home equity alone will not suffice. One must also be in good health and able to live independently. There is a focus on life enrichment and wellness programs in our communities that serves as a continuation of the pre-retirement independent lifestyles enjoyed by our residents.” What’s your No. 1 tip about the moving process? Lynda Brislin: “Seniors are sometimes under the impression that all communities are the same and that they offer the same levels of care, the same standards or the same accommodations. This is

most definitely untrue. They’re sometimes afraid that they will lose their freedom or independence, and that remaining in their home is the best place to live as you age. In actuality, it is the environment which provides safety, more freedom and convenience along with more care and certainly less stress or worry than perhaps staying alone in your home can provide. Another misconception is that you will lose connections with family or friends. The reality is that families and friends visit more frequently, and those visits are more enjoyable as they’re not providing care that was needed before moving into a community.” Karen Johnson: “Be ready to simplify. Bring a few favorite items, but be willing to see the possibilities in having a brand new home.” Paul Charlton: “Take advantage of help that is available. Moving is a lot of work and can be physically and emotionally draining. Most will work through it on their own, and yet services are available that can make the whole process from start to finish so much easier. Look into so-called senior move managers in your area. We connect many people moving to Taylor with a local outfit and the rave reviews would have you thinking these ladies are saints and their fees are very reasonable.” Cathleen Toomey: “The most important key to

success is to downsize. Downsize now, downsize often. We all accumulate more than we need, and this is a challenging and emotional process. Involve your children — ask what things of yours they might like. Start gifting your things at the holidays instead of buying new items. Your children will be honest with you and you may be surprised at what they don’t want.” Timothy Martin: “Being realistic about how much space they will need, and being able to let go of things that they no longer need when they are downsizing.” When should someone consider a life plan community/CCRC (continuing care retirement community)? Paul Charlton: “Before you need to.” John Parolin: “When you begin your search for a life plan community you should consider the history and culture of a community. Is it an active community? Are there wellness programs in place to keep you at the top of your game? Visit and experience what may become your new home. You should enjoy the dining experience, speak with residents and ask for the community program calendar. In addition, the financial stability of any community should be an important part of

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A SAVVY CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE GRANITE STATE page 27

tional – Unconven orkout! to W Fun Ways Controlling Cholesterol page 9

Ways to Reduce Your Cancer Risk page 16

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

your research. Ask to review the audited financial statements of each one you visit. You will know by appearance the level of pride a community takes in its physical plant. View apartment homes and cottages and most of all, ask questions.” Cathleen Toomey: “Don’t wait too long. We’ve seen that happen far too many times. You want to move into a CCRC when you are active and able to live a happy, healthy and independent life. If you wait until you need assisted living or skilled nursing, you won’t qualify for a CCRC, as you need to be independent in order to move in. You may never need to move into assisted living or skilled nursing, but you will have the peace of mind that health care is available if and when you need it.”

LIFESTYLE What activities can residents expect to take part in? Karen Johnson: “Music entertainment, art classes, outings (scenic rides, lunches, cook-outs, shopping), book clubs, discussion groups, games, special holiday events and the opportunity to meet new people.” Paul Charlton: “Many CCRCs offer an extensive and diverse selection of activities, and while many residents will participate in a variety of things,

others may choose to forgo most or all and choose to lead a more solitary life. It’s important to choose a community that doesn’t take a ‘one size fits all’ approach. What matters most is not what is available to all residents, but what is offered that fits your wants and interests. Perhaps you’re not inclined to join in fitness or aquatics classes but music and aquatics are important and appealing to you.” Cathleen Toomey: “You name it. As far as activities go, expect the unexpected. It’s not often that one is able to say that phrase in a positive way, but when it comes to pursuing your passions, the sky is the limit at a CCRC. You can expect educational programs, fitness classes, access to cultural programs — at RiverWoods we have more than 60 different committees, all organized by residents passionate about a full range of issues from the environment to education to politics to the arts.”

MEMORY CARE How do you begin to address senior care with someone who may have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia? Karen Johnson: “Be objective about their

changing needs, including the need for socialization. Talk with family about what can realistically be provided by yourself and others, and what changes will take place as your loved one requires more and more care. “We strive to offer the highest level of independence, combined with safety and comfort, for each of our residents. All our memory care and assisted living apartments are private, unlike many other facilities that offer only shared living apartments.” Lynda Brislin: “Millstone Inn is a smaller, personal wing — within the same overall community — separated by a keypad code that prevents wandering of those who may have this symptom as part of their dementia. It is a specially designed, lovely and secure unit with an outdoor enclosed courtyard as well as a large, bright three-season sunroom. The goal of our Millstone Inn is twofold — to provide a sense of security and belonging through specially trained staff, within surroundings which look and feel like home, and to add quality of life through a daily routine that incorporates music, laughter, smiles and exercise along with conversation, creativity and reflection.” Cathleen Toomey: “RiverWoods has a

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

person-centered care approach, so we work with each person individually to design a plan that works with them. All our caregivers are ALZessential certified, and have extensive experience working with people who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.” Timothy Martin: “Research, research and more investigation as to how the community defines the disease. For example: Does the person wander and what are their individual needs? Clinical information is critical for the provider in terms of knowing whether or not they can actually meet the needs of the prospective resident.” Heidi Morrison: “The Arbors of Bedford is dedicated exclusively to serve the needs of individuals with memory loss. We are a leading provider in memory care here in New Hampshire. Every sight, sound, taste, feeling, experience and service at The Arbors is designed to help those with memory impairments. These include comfortable lighting and cues and a dignified dining experience, among other elements. We offer Treasure Chests, Journey Stations and Parallel Programming and around-the-clock care with packages based on the very individual needs of each resident. Management is on site seven days a week to assist with immediate needs, and our innovative programming provides choice and promotes independence.”

“When we realized our dad could no longer live alone, we helped him make his new home at Webster at Rye. From the very first day, we knew he would be happy and safe there.” -Lindsay, Laurie & Leigh, (Allen’s daughters)

Comfort. Care. Community.Webster.

Happy, Healthy, Hassle-Free Living! 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Utilities Included Optional Health & Living Services Convenient Locations www.SummitPMG.com

West Lebanon • 603-640-6001

Bow • 603-724-6250 80

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

What can family members do to help someone more easily transition into a memory care unit? Karen Johnson: “Rely on the power of human connection and relationship through hugs, smiles and encouragement.” Paul Charlton: “Once someone makes the move, it is helpful for family to stay away for a week or more to allow their loved one to settle in to their new environment, and to learn to trust their new caregivers. If staff asks you to wait awhile before visiting, trust that they are not asking to keep you away or for their own convenience — they are trying to do what is best to ease the transition for your loved one.” Cathleen Toomey: “The most support that family members can provide is to visit their parents or loved one, understand the care plan and support their progress as it is designed by their care team.” Timothy Martin: “It is hard given the resident’s ability to understand the disease they may be struggling with. When there is a need identified too late, the result is that the person in need of the memory unit often, sadly, doesn’t fully understand what’s happening. The issue often is the family’s recognition and acceptance of the condition.” For a longer conversation about senior living, visit nhmagazine.com.

Op tio ns rsi ng Ind Un e pe its nd en tL ivin Per so gU na nit lC s are Mem Un or i t s yC are Ass ist Un ed its Res Liv ing pit eC Or ga are n Sch ized D ed ay Bea uled Trips Tra ut y Lau /Bar nspo ber rta nd t Ho ry Se Servi ion use rvi ce c On keepi e n -sit e D g Ser On i -sit ning vice Wo e Med Servi ce rsh ic ip Se al Se r vic rvi ce e Nu

lle d

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Mo nth ly

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Featured Retirement Communities in NH

Ran ge

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Amenities

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES Birch Hill Manchester; birchhillrc.org

$161,000

Starting at $2,975

130

• • • • • • • • • •

Serene wooded setting, gardening, wood shop, fitness facility, wellness center.

Hunt Community Nashua; huntcommunity.org

Starting at $64,000

Starting at $2,240

117

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• • • • • • • •

A Life Plan Community with library, fitness center, billiards room, woodworking shop, pool access, walking paths, theater.

The Huntington at Nashua Nashua; thehuntingtonatnashua.org

Starting at $137,000

Starting at $2,678

142

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A Life Plan Community with a Life Care component. Indoor pool, exercise center, library, theater, woodworking shop.

Kendal at Hanover Hanover; kah.kendal.org

$151,962 $525,797

$2,975 $5,582

250

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RiverWoods Exeter; riverwoodsrc.org

Starting at $173,000

Starting at $2,100

393

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Taylor Community Laconia; taylorcommunity.org

Starting at $139,000

Starting at $1,195

180

103

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Activities, special events, concerts, lectures, seminars, pool, gym, movie theater, maintenance free.

The Woodlands Lebanon; apdlifecare.org

Starting at $304,500

Starting at $3,685

• • • • • •

Independent living with an array of resident-sponsored and run activities.

The Arbors at Bedford Bedford; arborsofbedford.com

$7,600$9,000

• • • • • • • •

The Arbors of Bedford is a leading provider of expert memory care here in NH.

Harvest Hill Independent and Assisted Living Lebanon; apdlifecare.org

Starting at $3,200

• • • • • • • • •

Personal assistance available when needed, exercise classes.

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232

On-site Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic Nationally accredited CCRC. Type A, offering Independent, Skilled Nursing, Certified ALZ Dementia Care givers.

RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

Quail Hollow Senior Living Community West Lebanon; summitpmg.com

• •

One- and two-bedroom apartments (including utilities), with optional health and living services, convenient location.

The Residence at Salem Woods Salem; residencesalemwoods.com

$4,500

$5,895$8,320

• • • • • • • • • •

Anytime dining, large apartments, social opportunities, 24-hour staff, maintenance-free living, on-site transportation.

Webster at Rye Rye; websteratrye.com

$4,000

$6,450$9,330

• • • • • • • • • •

Highly individualized care meeting your evolving needs and lifestyle in a gracious living environment.

$7,000$10,000

• • • • • • • • • •

Our beautiful, well-appointed community offers a wide range of services in assisted living and memory care.

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Wheelock Terrace Hanover; wheelockterrace.com

White Rock Senior Living Community Bow; summitpmg.com

Windham Terrace Windham; windhamterrace.com

Starting at $5,000

• • •

• •

• • • • • • • • • •

Want to see your community listed here in our July issue? Contact us today to reserve your spot — (603) 624-1442.

One- and two-bedroom apartments (including utilities), with optional health and living services, convenient location. Enriching social, cultural and educational activities, comfortable restaurant-style dining, serene library, holistic wellness/integrated therapy room. nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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HEALTH

Ten-minute Fix?

Give HITT a try for a new, fitter you BY KAREN A. JAMROG

f you are a regular at the gym, then there is a good chance you’ve heard about a type of workout called “high-intensity interval training” or “HIIT” for short, which promises results from exercising for as little as 10 minutes. Skeptical? You might be surprised. Although many exercisers think of HIIT as something new, it has been around for decades. “In the 1950s, it was very popular with Olympic athletes,” says Joyce Parsons, PT, CSCS, a physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist at Elliot Rehabilitation Services in Londonderry. What is new about HIIT

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

is that everyday exercisers in addition to elite athletes are including HIIT in their workout routines. The hallmark of HIIT is alternating bursts of high-intensity, primarily cardiovascular, exercise with periods of lower-intensity movement that allow the body to recover somewhat, but not fully. Unlike some trends that quickly sweep through the exercise world only to quietly fade away, HIIT comes with a hallowed history and some convincing science behind it. But the most compelling aspect of HIIT for many exercisers is that it provides the same health benefits — plus

extra — as a conventional workout, but in a fraction of the time. Traditional aerobic activity such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling or swimming is performed at a fairly consistent pace, raising the speed of the exerciser’s heartbeat to around 60 percent of its maximum rate, says Dain P. LaRoche, PhD, associate professor of kinesiology at the University of New Hampshire. Such continuous, moderate-intensity exercise has been shown to provide a wealth of health benefits. HIIT delivers the same benefits, but through a different exercise approach. HIIT’s high-intensity surges of activity are performed at about 80 to 90 percent of maximum heart rate, which is the highest number of times your heart should beat per minute during exercise, while the lower-intensity periods that are woven into HIIT allow your heart to slow to about 40 to 50 percent of your maximum heart rate. During the less-strenuous segments, the exerciser jogs or walks briskly or does something else to keep the heart rate elevated to the proper level. “It’s not like you’re sitting and resting,” LaRoche says. “You just lower the intensity way down.” The tough parts of HIIT are demanding for sure, but the good news is that you don’t have to sustain that level of exertion for long. The duration of the high- and low-intensity portions can vary, but often a one-to-one ratio is used, with the exerciser working all-out for a minute or two, moving less vigorously for a minute or two, and then returning to the strenuous activity, continuing to alternate between the two exertion levels. “That work-to-recovery ratio will probably vary with the intensity” of the exercise, LaRoche points out. If you are working very hard during

illustration by gloria diianni

HIIT provides the same health benefits — plus extra — as a conventional workout, but in a fraction of the time.

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HEALTH

the high-intensity parts of HIIT, the “active recovery” portions might need to be longer to enable your heart rate to come down to where it should be. But “the going back and forth” between the very difficult and easier activity is key, Parsons says, so don’t be tempted to skip the less-intense parts of your HIIT session. “It’s important that you’re achieving that low heart rate,” Parsons says. “You need that rest period in order to get the wonderful changes that HIIT provides.” Commonly, a complete HIIT workout is as brief as 10 or 20 minutes, or up to an hour long. Done properly, even 10 minutes of HIIT “has been shown to have some pretty significant benefits,” LaRoche says. HIIT provides all of the usual health perks of aerobic exercise, such as strengthening the heart, increasing blood volume, improving muscle capacity to generate energy and process carbohydrates and fats as fuel, lowering blood glucose and blood pressure levels, and changing the exerciser’s body composition to one that has less fat and more muscle mass.

Track your heart rate for the best results With today’s technology, tracking your heart rate is easy, but accuracy among tracking devices can vary. Studies show that wrist-worn heart rate monitors “are not nearly as good” as devices that require a chest strap, and gym equipment that has heart rate sensors built into the handgrips are not reliable, says Dain P. LaRoche, PhD, associate professor of kinesiology at the University of New Hampshire. “The farther away you get from the heart, the lower the level of accuracy of those sensors,” LaRoche says. If you don’t mind doing a little math, you can always skip the tech and keep tabs on your heart the old-fashioned way: First, determine your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220. The maximum heart rate of a 20-year-old, for example, is 200 beats per minute. Next, since you don’t want to exert yourself too much or too little during exercise, determine the heart rate range you should stay in. Find the high end of your range, let’s say 80 percent of your maximum heart rate, by multiplying your maximum heart rate by .8. A 20-year-old performing HIIT, for example, should aim for 160 beats per minute during the intense parts of the workout. Finally, to figure out how fast your heart is

beating per minute, find your pulse on your wrist or neck and count the number of beats that occur in 10 seconds, and then multiply that number by six. That number will likely be accurate enough to help you know if you’re in the right range during your workout, LaRoche says. You can also judge how hard you’re working by how hard you think you’re working. Perceived exertion can be an effective benchmark, LaRoche says. Just aim for a high level of exertion if you are trying to perform at a high intensity — say, an eight out of 10, with 10 being the most difficult. “If you’re trying to have a conversation and you can’t get too many words out, you’re probably in that [high-intensity] range,” LaRoche says. In contrast, your effort during less-intense activity should feel something akin to a three, four, or five on the exertion scale, the way you would feel if you were walking briskly, says Joyce Parsons, PT, CSCS, a physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist at Elliot Rehabilitation Services in Londonderry. “One of the best ways to train is based on your heart rate,” Parsons says. Paying attention to how fast your heart is beating can help make your workouts more effective, as well as safer.

See acsm.org or heart.org for more information.

Award Reception

Please Join Us.

New Hampshire Magazine, in partnership with the New Hampshire Nurses Association, honor the unsung heroes of the state’s medical community.

Finalists will be featured in the May 2018 issue of New Hampshire Magazine.

Excellence in Nursing categories: • Ambulatory Care Nursing

• Public Health Nursing

• Cardiac-Vascular Nursing

• Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

• Gerontologic Nursing

• Nurse Educators

• Medical-Surgical Nursing

• Emergency Nursing

• Maternal-Child Health Nursing

• Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing

• Pediatric Nursing • Nurse Leader

Tuesday, May 22, 2018 5:30-7:30 p.m. Radisson Hotel 700 Elm Street, Manchester, NH

Dinner • Cocktails • Live Entertainment To order tickets, visit: NHMagazine.com/ NursingAwards

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

2018

Join us for an elegant evening with

DESIGN magazine

AWARDS

New Hampshire’s most talented residential designers, featuring a full dinner, spirited cocktails and live entertainment.

We are honored to have Gordon Hayward, noted garden designer and the author of eleven books, as our master of ceremonies.

Thanks to our sponsors

Wednesday, January 24, 2018 • 5:30–8 p.m. Snow date: Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Manchester Country Club

180 South River Road • Bedford, NH 03110 $60 per person • $550 for tables of 10

Please visit NHHomeMagazine.com/DesignAwards to purchase tickets.

RSVP by January 18, 2018

Questions? Call Amanda Andrews at (603) 413-5113 or email aandrews@mcleancommunications.com

creating beautifully functional spaces

PMS 194 MAROON & BLACK

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

But HIIT can do all that in less time than a steadily paced workout — and goes further by boosting the exerciser’s calorie burn after the workout has ended, while the body works to recover from the high-intensity exercise, Parsons says. And don’t automatically let the “high-intensity” part of the workout scare you away. Check with your doctor to be sure HIIT is for you, of course, and although it’s true that the ideal candidate for HIIT is a committed, regular exerciser who is already pretty fit, just about anyone can do HIIT, Parsons says, because it can easily be adapted to suit individual needs and preferences. “You can do a HIIT program on a bike, on a rower, on a treadmill, speed walking — as long as you’re getting the heart rate up to a certain level and then bringing it down for a rest period, you’re doing a HIIT program,” Parsons says. Being able to tailor the type of activity and intensity level to the individual makes HIIT a great option for serious athletes and former couch potatoes alike. Indeed, HIIT is being used by obese people who haven’t exercised in many years, cardiac patients and people with diabetes, LaRoche says. “It’s being used in clinical settings and it’s also being used by the average person who is looking to make health and fitness gains,” he says. HIIT’s universality makes sense because, if you think about it, the structure of HIIT parallels our natural inclination to take exercise down a notch when we can’t sustain the work. Beginning joggers, for example, often intersperse jogging with walking breaks when they feel too winded. So perhaps it’s not a complete surprise that those who struggle to get through a continuous bout of activity often find that they tolerate HIIT better than a conventional exercise approach that requires them to sustain steady physical work for 15 or 20 minutes or more, LaRoche says. If starting the new year with shorter, customizable workouts that bring great results sounds appealing, then add HIIT to your exercise routine once or twice a week while sticking with more moderate, longer-duration activity the rest of the week. You might not exactly look forward to HIIT, but you might enjoy it more than slogging through a long, moderately paced workout. NH

LOCAL DISH

Ricotta Gnocchi Recipe

603 LIVING

Ricotta Gnocchi

They're easier to tackle than the potato version

7 ounces OO flour 2 large eggs 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano 2 tablespoons black truffle oil 9 ounces ricotta impastata (otherwise drain excess liquid from regular ricotta) Semolina flour to keep gnocchi separate on cookie sheet

Combine ricotta with eggs and add Parmigiano Reggiano and truffle oil. Mix well. Slowly incorporate the flour and knead briefly until the dough is a smooth consistency. Cut the ball into four pieces and roll out with your fingers into a 1-inch diameter tubes. Cut lengths into 1-inch pieces. Cup the small pieces in the palm of your hand and roll fork tines across the piece to give the gnocchi some ridges for the sauce to eventually settle. Place small batches in rapidly boiling salted water and remove when they begin to float (just a few minutes). Be careful not to overcook, as they will become too soft to work with properly. The gnocchi at this point can be refrigerated or frozen for later use. Take the pieces and toss them in a saucepan with about 1/4 cup of butter. Heat through for about one to two minutes. Sprinkle with slivered sage or chopped truffle pieces (if desired) and/or drizzle with more truffle oil.

photos by susan laughlin

By Chef Amanda Pomer of Tuscan Market

Tuscan Market Chef Amanda Pomer with her ricotta gnocchi (also at right)

Both Tuscan Kitchen restaurants, the beautiful Italian eateries in Salem and Portsmouth, have separate markets that are filled with artisan Italian food supplies for making your own Italian-inspired meal. The aisles are filled with imported goods plus Tuscanâ€™s own pasta (frozen and fresh) and sauces (fresh and jarred), plus olive oils, truffled honey, well-seasoned sausages, hearty breads, pastries and an array of gelatos, oh my! Sometimes it takes a little help to figure out how best to use these ingredients. Fortunately, they offer a cooking school, La Scuola Culinaria, to learn the art of pasta-making and more. Here instructor and chef Amanda Pomer shows how to make gnocchi with ricotta. Itâ€™s much easier to master than potato gnocchi. nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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photos by sandi d’arezzo

HOW TO

Out with the Old A closet purge can lighten the load BY EMILY HEIDT

ith the arrival of New Year’s Day come promises of losing weight, reducing debt, traveling more and any number of grand resolutions. But have you thought about starting smaller? Maybe cleaning out that drawer that causes stress in the morning? Or finally addressing the chair in the corner that’s always covered in clothes? We spoke with Sandi D’Arezzo, organizer and owner of Seacoast Simplified, and asked her for a few manageable tips on how to start off 2018 with a more organized home and state of mind. Her first suggestion — purge the closet.

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

Start by pulling all of the clothes out of your closet. “[Clothing items] are the easiest items to make decisions on,” says D’Arezzo. “It will help you develop your decluttering skills.” Make it more functional Once everything is out, sort it all into piles. Have a pile for T-shirts, sweatshirts, pants, etc. Go through every category and make a keep, toss and donate pile. “Try and make a decision on every item, no maybes,” says D’Arezzo. The scarf that you received as a gift 10 years ago that’s

Before (left) and after shots of a closet organization project. A well-organized closet can save you time and stress in the morning.

gathering dust? Toss it. That stack of college sweatshirts you can’t fit into anymore, but still hold sentimental value? Only keep one or two. Get rid of that orange top that you never wear. “You should feel comfortable and confident in your wardrobe right now,” says D’Arezzo. “If you wouldn’t buy it in a store now, why take up the precious closet space storing it? It will be so much easier to get dressed and find what you need if you only keep the clothes you love.” As a famous ice queen once said, “Let it go, let it go!” Put everything back Using thin hangers (preferably velvet) will allow more clothes to fit in a small space. Due to the fact that we read left to right, D’Arezzo suggests hanging longer, heavier items (such as sweaters) on the left, and

603 LIVING

HOW TO

photos by sandi d’arezzo

It will look worse before it gets better. Step one is to pull everything out of the closet, which makes it easier to start sorting items into piles.

work your way to lighter, shorter items (sleeveless tops) on the right. If you’re really feeling the organizing spirit, then you could also hang clothes from dark to light colors. Less frequently worn items can be kept on top shelves, allowing more space to hang or store well-loved items. Also, try and keep pieces at eye level because, if you can’t see it, then you might forget about it. While it may seem tedious at the time, organizing your wardrobe pays off in the long run. You can take notes of gaps in your wardrobe, and be more proactive and efficient when you shop. You might not need that cozy sweater, but now you know to pick up new jeans. Once your closet is put together, your morning routine will be smoother, and you might even feel ready to take on your next New Year’s promise. Will it be the medicine cabinet? The pantry? Taking a step back and thinking about ways to help make for a simplified routine will get you off to a more relaxed, carefree 2018. NH

Connect with Sandi D’Arezzo

Extra Helpful Tips

- Have old T-shirts? Reuse them as rags for cleaning around the house. - Pick outfits the night before for an easier morning. - Try folding your clothes and stacking them vertically in your drawers so you can see each item.

photo by rajesh taylor

- Round up shoes and store in shoe racks. - Use a plate rack/lid organizer to store your clutch purses.

- Don’t forget your door! Make use of over-the-door scarf and shoe organizers. - Divide and conquer out-of-control T-shirts or sweaters by using closet shelf dividers. - Label everything you can, from drawers to hangers.

Labels on drawers and hangers allow you to find what you need quickly, and can help you keep your new organizational system on track.

Donation Tips -Look for Goodwill and Salvation Army stores or thrift shops in your area. -Check for local nonprofits, such as Operation Blessing in Portsmouth or Families in Transition’s OutFITters Thrift Store in Manchester and Concord, that are looking for gently used items. See the online version of this story for more suggestions. -Sell unwanted clothes on mobile apps like ThredUP or Poshmark.

(603) 534-4001 seacoastsimplified@gmail.com seacoastsimplified.com facebook.com/SeacoastSimplified nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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CALENDAR

Calendar Ch oi ce

OUR FAVORITE EVENTS FOR JANUARY 2018

a.m. to 4 p.m., Arrowhead Recreation Area, 18 Robert Easter Way, Claremont. (603) 748-6205; world-snow-day.com

1/26-1/28

Black Ice Pond Hockey Championship Black ice may be a nightmare on the roads, but it’s not a problem for this hockey showdown. Named for the purest form of ice, this three-day tournament honors Concord’s rich hockey history with seven classes of competition held on the frozen waters of White Park Pond. White Park, 1 White St., Concord. blackicepondhockey.com Snow Sculpting Competition Sculptors from around the Northeast transform 8-by-4-foot cylinders of snow into works of art for this annual contest. Watch the artists at work, roast some marshmallows by a communal bonfire, take part in the scavenger hunt, and don’t forget to take pictures because these sculptures won’t last long. Free. Jackson Village, Jackson. (603) 383-9356; jacksonnh.com

MISCELLANEOUS 1/6-1/7

1/13-1-15 Independence Weekend The invention of snowmaking has freed us from the whims of Mother Nature. Venture over to Loon Mountain for a weekend dedicated to celebrating their hardworking snowmakers with snowcat rides, an après-ski party, Calcutta race, Bunyan’s legendary music nights, Bloody Mary mornings, fireworks and more. Kids can join in for the torchlight parade, where they will be handed a LED foam stick as they ski down the mountain with Loon coaches for a colorful nighttime procession. Enjoy a hot cup of cocoa as the event finishes with the slopeside fireworks show. Don’t miss this celebration of winter and its snowmakers. Times and prices may vary. Loon Mountain, 60 Loon Mountain Rd., Lincoln. (603) 745-8111; loonmtn.com

WINTER FUN 1/13

Evening Snowshoe Tours What could be more magical than a snowshoe walk? A winter wonderland nighttime walk. Join a naturalist from the Appalachian Mountain Club as they take you on a guided snowshoe tour of Great Glen Trails. You will use your senses (no flashlights of any kind) to navigate through the trails while listening for owls. Explore your senses during this unforgettable evening under the stars. $12. 7 p.m., Great Glen Trails, 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd., Gorham. (603) 466-3988; greatglentrails.com

1/14

Sunrise SnowCoach Tours While getting up at 6 a.m. in the morning is a drag, a breathtaking winter sunrise at treeline is worth it. SnowCoach drivers will take you to tree line to witness an incredible scene. Even though you will be in a heated van, it is recommended that you dress warmly should you want to get out and take pictures. 6:15 a.m., Great Glen Trails, 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd., Gorham. (603) 466-3988; greatglentrails.com

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

1/20

2018 White Mountain Classic 30K This is the 15th year that the White Mountain Classic event has taken place in Jackson. This is a classic technique marathon utilizing the unique trail systems in and around Jackson Village. The course includes Jackson’s FIS Homologated Course, Wentworth golf course and the Eagle Mountain Fields. Visit jacksonxc.org/events for registration information.

1/21

Upper Valley Area Special Olympic Games Special Olympians from around New Hampshire hit the slopes for this annual competition. Sign up to volunteer or cheer on the athletes in alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing competitions. Dartmouth Skiway, 39 Grafton Tpke., Lyme. (603) 624-1250; sonh.org

1/21

World Snow Day While we delight in any snow day in New Hampshire, this might be the snow day to end all snow days. Founded by the FIS World Snow Day Association, this event will be held at Arrowhead Ski Area in Claremont. You can even take a “Sleboggan” ride on sleds that resemble steerable toboggans. Prices vary. 10

Rockingham Fishing & Hunting Expo Aspiring Davy Crocketts and Annie Oakleys won’t want to miss this. The largest continually running sporting expo in the state features hundreds of exhibitors and dozens of seminars encompassing topics from boating technology to archery lessons. $10. Sat 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Radisson Hotel, 700 Elm St., Manchester. (802) 738-6755; rockinghamexpo.com

1/9

Harnessing History: On the Trail of New Hampshire’s State Dog, the Chinook This program will take a look at how dog sledding has developed in New Hampshire and the role the Chinook played in its history. Bob Cottrell will highlight several famous polar expeditions and the history of Arthur Walden and his Chinooks, the state dog of New Hampshire. 7 p.m., Madbury Town Hall, 13 Town Hall Rd., Madbury. (603) 742-0497; nhhumanities.org

1/13

Gap Year Fair Have a teen at home that is interested in taking a pre-college break? Attend this fair to hear about the dozens of programs that provide kids with a structured year between high school and college. From international service programs to full-time internship opportunities, this will assuage any fears about sending your 18-year-old on an “Eat, Pray, Love” sabbatical. Free. 1 to 4 p.m., Hanover High School, 41 Lebanon St., Hanover. usagapyearfairs.org

1/15

Edible Landscaping: The Latest Garden Design Chef and gardener Liz Barbour will be discussing edible landscaping and how to better utilize your garden space so it can be more productive and beautiful at the same time. Take a break from looking at dreary snow landscapes and come learn about how she has introduced vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, edible shrubs and herbs into her edible garden. Free. 10 a.m., Bedford Old Town Hall, 70 Bedford Rd., Bedford. bedfordgardenclubnh.org/ monthly-meetings

1/18

New England Quilts and the Stories They Tell Bundle up in a quilt of your own and listen to Pam Weeks weave heart warming tales of service and tradition. Quilt history is full of its own myths and misinformation, and tells stories of world history,

photo courtesy of loon mountain resort

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1/26-1/28

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photo courtesy of great glen trails

NH Theatre Awards Celebrate the best in New Hampshire theatre with this swanky ceremony. Enjoy performances from theatre companies around the state, and see who takes home the prize in categories such as Best Director and Best Actor among youth, community and professional productions. Attendees are encouraged to dress up and join in the glamour and fun. $38.50-$50. 7 p.m., Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord. (786) 529-2737; nhtheatreawards.org

1/24

Home Design Awards Throughout the year, our sister publication New Hampshire Home lets you in on all the latest trends in building and design for homes around the state. Now, they’ll honor the very best in the business. Mix and mingle with the experts, enjoy a cocktail reception and live entertainment, and watch as prizes are awarded in categories that include historic renovation and the 2018 Home of the Year. $55-$60. 5:30 p.m., Manchester Country Club, 180 South River Rd., Bedford. (603) 413-5113; nhhomemagazine.com/homedesignawards

1/25-1/28

Disney on Ice: Dream Big All your little ones’ favorite Disney worlds will come to life in this crowd-pleasing spectacle. Travel to Arendelle with Anna and Elsa from “Frozen,” go under the sea with Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” and watch Rapunzel as she learns about the power of her own magic from “Tangled.” Prices and times may vary. SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester. (603) 644-5000; snhuarena.com

1/28

Claremont Bridal Show The height of wedding season may be half a year away, but it’s never too early to prepare for your big day. This expo will feature everything from photographers to bakers to help you tie the knot, but the show’s biggest draw may be its giveaway; an eight-day, seven-night free honeymoon. $10. 12 to 3 p.m., Claremont Senior Center, 5 Acer Heights Rd., Claremont. (603) 708-1318; myneevent.com

PERFORMING ARTS 1/4

Jacob Jolliff Band We are only a couple of days into the new year, but we’re confident that this will be one of the most unique concerts of 2018. Jacob Jolliff is one of the country’s premier contemporary bluegrass mandolinists. He has shared the stage with Darol Anger and Sam Bush, to name a few. You won’t want to miss this fun concert experience. $8 to $12. 8 p.m., 3S Arts Center, 319 Vaughn St., Portsmouth. (603) 766-3330; 3sarts.org

1/5-1/6

Recycled Percussion Recycled Percussion returns to New Hampshire for three performances that you won’t want to miss. They will be setting the beat on anything from power tools to discarded industrial junk, and you will be part of the fun from start to finish. This show is packed full of surprises and crowd favorites, and there will also be dinner services available for the evening shows. Tickets sell out well in advance every year,

1/12-1/21

“Heathers: The Musical” This dark musical follows the story of Veronica Sawyer, a misfit teenager who gets into the most powerful clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers. Meanwhile, Veronica finds herself attracted to the new kid, Jason Dean. Follow along with the chaos that ensues as Veronica is kicked out of the coveted clique in this funky rock musical. Prices and times may vary. Seacoast Repertory Theatre, 125 Bow St., Portsmouth. (603) 433-4472; seacoastrep.org

1/12-2/3

“Rock of Ages” Take it back to 1987 on the infamous Sunset Strip and follow Drew as he tries to fit into the world of rock n’ roll. Rock out for the night with songs of Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Poison and more. $25-$46. Times vary, The Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Mancester. (603) 668-5588; palacetheatre.org

1/13

1/6 Winter Trails Day If your experience with New Hampshire’s trails starts and ends with the occasional summer hike, this is your chance to try out winter recreational activities. Sites across the country will celebrate this unofficial holiday for snowsports advocacy, but one local spot is feeling especially generous. Head to Great Glen Trails for free cross-country skiing lessons and snowshoe rentals for first-timers, and you might just leave with a new hobby. Free. 12:30 to 4 p.m. Great Glen Trails, 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd., Gorham. (603) 466-2333; greatglentrails.com Ch oi ce

1/20

so what are you waiting for? Prices and times may vary. The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com

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women’s history and industrial history. Weeks will discuss fashion fads, the Colonial Revival and quilt-making for Civil War soldiers. Participants are encouraged to bring one quilt for identification and/or story sharing. Free. 10:15 a.m., Community Church of Durham, 17 Main St., Durham. (603) 659-2422; nhumanities.org/events

The Peacheaters, an Allman Brothers Experience From “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” to “Whippin’ Post,” the Peacheaters dig deep into the Allman Brothers’ three-plus decades of music. 7:30 p.m. Jean’s Playhouse, 34 Papermill Dr., Lincoln. (603) 745-2141; jeansplayhouse.com

1/14

NH Writers Project Hatbox Readings This is a semi-regular theatrical and literary event series where actors read selections from “works in progress.” The audience listens to these entertaining readings and then offers their feedback, critique and reactions. Not only will authors be able to “hear” some of their story and receive feedback, but the audience can contribute to their creative process. $7-$10. 6 p.m., Hatbox Theatre, 270 Loudon Rd., Concord. (603) 715-2315; hatboxnh.com

1/19

Apple String Quartet Start the new year with some old-fashioned classical music. The ensemble-in-residence of New Hampshire’s own Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music will perform their signature repertoire of works from around the world. Their traditional works include Haydn, Mozart, Schubert and Ravel, along with their dedication to masterworks and contemporary pieces. $29-$37. 8 p.m., The Colonial Theatre, 95 Main St., Keene. (603) 352-2033; the colonial.org

1/24-1/28

“Hairspray” The Educational Theatre Collaborative will be putting on a special performance of the musical “Hairspray.” This community-wide theatre project is committed to the creation of a nurturing, innovative and challenging environment for people of all ages can experience “the magic of the arts.” Don’t miss out on this fun-loving play that has become popular around the country for its message of acceptance and progress. $24-$29. Times may vary, Center for the Arts, Plymouth State University, 17 High St., Plymouth. (603) 535-2787; campus. plymouth.edu

1/25

AfroBeat Masters Featuring Haitian artist, Wesli and ILAM from Senegal. Born in Port-auPrince, Haiti, Wesli is a natural troubadour and committed artist who fuses Afro-beat, reggae and Haitian Rara into an energetic and powerful performance. ILAM combines reggae and blues with inclinations of Afro-folk. 7:30 p.m. The Dana Center for the Humanities, Saint An-

selm College, 100 Saint Anselm Dr., Manchester. (603) 641-7700; anselm.edu

1/26

Paula Poundstone As her new book “The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness” is released, Paula Poundstone returns to the stage. Her smart, observational humor never fails to entertain. $19-$39. 8 p.m. The Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord. (603) 225-1111; ccanh.com

1/27

All Beethoven Kelly Hall-Tompkins, the current fiddler for Broadway’s “Fiddler on the Roof,” will be performing Beethoven’s epic “Violin Concerto” for this enchanting evening with Symphony NH. Enjoy Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture” and “Eighth Symphony” conducted by Roderick Cox. $10-$49. 8 p.m., Keefe Center for the Arts, 117 Elm St., Nashua. (603) 595-9156; symphonynh. org

1/28

Chris Botti Since the release of his 2004 critically acclaimed CD “When I Fall In Love,” Chris Botti has become the largest-selling American instrumental artist. He’s created four successful jazz albums, including the Grammy Award-winning “Impressions.” $38, $62 and $85. 4 p.m. The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth. (603) 436-2400; themusichall.org

FOOD & DRINK 1/18

“Happy 100th Leonard Bernstein” The crowd-pleasing opera dinners at the Inn at Crystal Lake are back for 2018. Enjoy a fourcourse dinner and listen to the The Bostonians as you celebrate the world famous composer, nhmagazine.com | January 2018

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conductor, educator, musician and humanitarian, Leonard Bernstein. $60. 6:30 p.m., Inn at Crystal Lake, 2356 Eaton Rd., Eaton. (603) 447-2120; innatcrystallake.com/opera.html

1/19-1/20

Stonehurst Manor’s 4th Annual Ice Bar Why settle for a drink poured over ice when you can hang out in a whole bar made of the stuff? A team of carvers whip up an entire lounge for this event — from fullsized bar to tables and chairs — out of massive ice blocks. $25 cover charge, 4 to 10 p.m., Stonehurst Manor, 3351 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway. (603) 365-3113; stonehurstmanor.com

1/25

Winter Wine Spectacular During the evening you can choose from more than 1,800 wines and bites from some of the area’s best restaurants. There are two ways to attend: The Grand Tasting (general admission at 6 p.m.) is $65 per ticket, or enjoy full access that includes the special Bellman’s Cellar Select Room, which features the finest selections for $135 per ticket (admission at 5:30 p.m.). 6 p.m., Radisson Hotel, 700 Elm St., Manchester. easterseals.com/nh. New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event.

1/27

Hearth Cooking Workshop Come take part in this memorable cooking experience at the Wheelwright House at Strawbery Banke. The two-hour hands-on workshop allows you to learn about open-hearth cooking skills as you enjoy a traditional menu. Cook fresh codfish cakes, baked beans, vegetable soup, brown bread, lemon pie and freshly churned butter. $65. 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Strawbery Banke, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth. (603) 433-1100; strawberybanke.org

VISUAL ARTS & MUSEUMS 1/1-1/7

The Paris of Toulouse-Lautrec The prints and posters by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec are scattered around the walls of millions of homes worldwide. The original works of art are over 100 years old,

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

and this extensive collection from the Museum of Modern Art will feature Paris’ more shadowy figures. $5. Wed to Mon 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Currier Museum, 150 Ash St., Manchester. (603) 669-6144; currier.org

1/1-1/31

Sam Trioli: Sawdust Sam Trioli presents concepts of abstraction, pop and traditional painting methods in this exhibit. His work explores the simplicity of social abstraction and cognitive association with form, color and structure. The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, Andrew Carnegie Gallery, 65 South Main St., Rochester. rochestermfa.org

1/1-1/30

Art: Salon-Style Exhibit New Hampshire Antique Co-op’s new art exhibit features original and affordable paintings from the 1800s to the present, hung in the style of traditional 19th century French salon exhibitions. Enjoy refreshments as you peruse the gallery full of more than 50 oil paintings and watercolors. The works cover a wide array from still life to landscape to Impressionist to the abstract. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., New Hampshire Antique Co-op, 323 Elm St./Rte. 101 A, Milford. (603) 673-8499; nhantiquecoop.com

1/5-3/18

Kader Attia: Reason’s Oxymorons “Reason’s Oxymorons” is a research-driven video installation that consists of a range of interviews by Attia with philosophers, psychiatrists, anthropologists, traditional healers and more. The exhibition focuses on conversations about how non-Western and Western cultures approach psychiatric conditions and emotional breakdowns. Each secluded office cubicle has a chair, earphones and loudspeakers for visitors to get lost in the ambitious installation. Free. Hood Downtown, 53 Main St., Hanover. (603) 6462900; hoodmuseum.dartmouth.edu

1/9

Visiting Artist Mark Dion Dion believes that “the job of the artist is to go against the grain of dominant culture, to challenge perception and convention.” He does just that with his spectacular and often fantastical curiosity cabinets,

modeled on Wunderkammern of the 16th and 17th century. His works question the distinctions between “objective” scientific methods and “subjective” influences. Free. 7 p.m., Emma B. French Hall Auditorium, NHIA, 148 Concord St., Manchester. (603) 836-2588; nhia.edu

1/18-1/20

CGC Art & Bloom The Concord Garden Club’s annual Art & Bloom exhibit will feature floral arrangements that are inspired by a craft piece. The event will be held in conjunction with the League of NH Craftsmen. The lively colors and floral accompaniments will be sure to bring brightness to any dreary winter day. Free. Thurs 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Fri 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., League of NH Craftsmen, 49 South Main St., Concord. (603) 856-8572; facebook.com/concordgardenclubnh

1/30-2/21

Forest to Forest: Bicknell’s Thrush Consider issues such as land management and deforestation through the eyes of a bird. The Bicknell’s Thrush, a rare bird that breeds in the White Mountains, inspired this multi year cluster project and interdisciplinary exhibit that examines issues including New Hampshire tourism and economic development. Plymouth State students have been working hard with other key partners on this event. Don’t miss the opportunity to see an exhibit designed to increase conservation action for this bird. Free. Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Museum of the White Mountains, Plymouth State University, 34 Highland St., Plymouth. (603) 535-3210; Plymouth.edu/museum-of-the-white-mountains

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

9, 2017, crook

Judy

Pictures that capture the changing of seasons are cool, but what if digital animation could accurately recreate it? Jennifer Steinkamp’s work introduces images of nature in a way that challenges built versus natural environments. “Judy Crook 9” takes the viewer through four seasons in one tree’s life — repeated to illustrate the cyclical nature of life. These nine animations are all variations on the same theme, but each one is significantly different. Meet on the Top of the Hop for an introduction to this incredible exhibit. Free. 5 to 6 p.m., Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hood Museum of Art, 6 East Wheelock St., Hanover. (603) 646-2808; hoodmuseum. dartmouth.edu/events

jennifer steinkamp,

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1/10 “Of Trees and Life: Contemplating the Art of Jennifer Steinkamp”

video installation. photo courtesy the artist and lehmann maupin

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The ballot â€” for food and drink PLUS shops, services and entertainment â€” is open from January 16 to March 16. Vote for your favorites in all categories now! Voting takes place online only. Visit bestofnh.com to cast your vote. TO BENEFIT

Save the date for the annual Best of NH Party! June 14 at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. Visit bestofnh.com for details. SPONSORED BY

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DINE OUT

Page 1

Good Eats OUR GUIDE TO FINE DINING

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

It’s Your Day to Shine.

photo by susan laughlin

01 AM

The sate ayam is grilled chicken skewers topped with peanut sauce, and it can be sweet or spicy.

Bali Sate House, 448 High St., Somersworth, Facebook Open for lunch and dinner, closed Sunday

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

All for the New Hampshire Bride

Visit us at bridenh.com. 92

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

Authentic and aromatic Indonesian cuisine can be found in Somersworth at Bali Sate House. The setting at this modest eatery is simple, but the menu is straight from the Indonesian archipelago. There’s some seating, but largely they rely on take-out business. Find flavorful beef rendang, called the most flavorful food in the world by a CNN travel web poll. Find a great example at Bali Sate House along with the world’s second most flavorful dish, nasi goreng

($7.95), a light-colored fried rice with egg and chicken. The eponymous sate is the Indonesian spelling for satay. The chicken version here is marinated in spices, grilled and served with rice and a flavorful peanut sauce ($7.55). The restaurant is a taste of home for Somersworth’s Indonesian Chinese Christians, some of whom have been in New Hampshire since they sought asylum in the late ’90s. The population has since grown to about 1,500. NH

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DINE OUT Our restaurant listings include Best of NH winners and advertisers along with others compiled by the New Hampshire Magazine editorial department. Listings are subject to change from month to month based on space availability. Expanded and highlighted listings denote advertisers. For additional and more detailed listings, visit nhmagazine.com.

H Best of NH

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

The Crown Tavern

TAVERN 99 Hanover Street, Manchester; (603) 218-3132; thecrownonhanover. com; $–$$$ D

Cucina Toscana

ITALIAN 427 Amherst St., Nashua; (603) 821-7356; cucinatoscananashua.com; $ L D (

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

mended

New – Open for one year or less

Giorgio’s Ristorante

PIZZERIA 24 Calef Hwy., Brickyard Sq., Epping; (603) 734-2809; 50 Dow St., Manchester; (603) 641-0900; 900degrees.com; $–$$$ L D

Angelina’s Ristorante Italiano

ITALIAN 11 Depot St., Concord; (603) 228-3313; angelinasrestaurant.com; $–$$$ L D

Bar One

GASTROPUB 40 Nashua St., Milford; (603) 249-5327; Facebook; $–$$ L D

Barley House H

TAVERN/AMERICAN 132 North Main St., Concord; (603) 228-6363; 43 Lafayette Rd., N. Hampton; (603) 3799161; thebarleyhouse.com; $–$$ L D

Bavaria German Restaurant

GERMAN 1461 Hooksett Rd., Hooksett; (603) 836-5280; bavaria-nh.com; $–$$ L D

Bedford Village Inn H

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

The Birch on Elm H

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

Buckley’s Great Steaks

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

Cabonnay H

WINE BAR/NEW AMERICAN 55 Bridge St., Manchester; (844) 9463473; cabonnay.com; $$$-$$$$ D

Campo Enoteca

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

Colosseum Restaurant

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

The Copper Door

Pigtale

Gale Motor Co. Eatery H

$$ Entrées cost between

900 Degrees H

PIZZA/ITALIAN 220 East Main St., Hampstead; (603) 378-0092; 241 Union Sq., Milford; (603) 672-2270; pastaloft.com; $–$$ L D PIZZERIA 449 Amherst St., Nashua; (603) 864-8740; (603) 864-8740; pigtalepizza.com; $-$$ L D

AMERICAN/FARM-TO-TABLE 50 Commercial St., Manchester; (603) 836-1925; foundrynh.com; $$-$$$ D b

$18 and $25

MERRIMACK VALLEY

The Pasta Loft H

The Foundry H

SMALL PLATES 36 Lowell St., Manchester; (603) 232-7059; galemotoreatery.com; $–$$$ D (

$12 and $18

524-9373; magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com; $$–$$$ L D

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

Granite Restaurant & Bar

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

Grazing Room

Republic H

Revival Kitchen & Bar

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

Riverside BBQ

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

Stella Blu

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

Surf Restaurant H

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

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

Grill 603

Taj India H

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

Gyro Spot

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

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

Tuscan Kitchen H

Hanover St. Chophouse H

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

The Little Crêperie

SEACOAST

STEAKHOUSE 149 Hanover Street, Manchester; (603) 644-2467; hanoverstreetchophouse.com; L D ( CAFÉ 138 North Main St., Concord; (603) 856-7807; $ B L b

Lui Lui H

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

Mangia

ITALIAN 33 Elm St., Manchester; (603) 647-0788; gomangia.com; $–$$ D (

Mangia Sano

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

900 Degrees H

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

7th Settlement

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

Bali Sate House

INDONESIAN 448 High St., Somersworth; Phone number (603) 7403000; Facebook; $–$$ L D

Barley House H

Bridge Street Bistrot

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

Bubby’s NY Style Delicatessen H

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

CAVA

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

Chapel+Main

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

Community Oven

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

CR’s the Restaurant

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

Cure

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

Durbar Square Restaurant

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

Eastern Burger Company H

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

Ember Wood Fired Grill

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

Epoch

NEW AMERICAN 2 Pine St., Exeter; (603) 772-5901; theexeterinn.com; $$$–$$$$ B L D b (

Franklin Oyster House

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

The Galley Hatch

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

Green Elephant H

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

Gyro Spot

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

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

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

Mint Bistro

Black Trumpet Bistro

Hemingway's

Matbah Mediterranean Cuisine

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

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

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

MT’s Local Kitchen & Wine Bar

Block 6

Hop + grind

NEW AMERICAN 11 Leavy Dr., Bedford; (603) 488-2677; 41 S. Broadway, Salem; (603) 458-2033; $$-$$$ L D New Salem location

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

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

BURGERS 17 Madbury Rd., Durham; (603) 244-2431; hopandgrind.com; $–$$ L D

Cotton H

O Steaks & Seafood H

Braise

Jonny Boston’s International H

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

STEAKHOUSE/SEAFOOD 11 South Main St., Concord; (603) 856-7925; 62 Doris Ray Court, Lakeport; (603)

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

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

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

603 LIVING Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café

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

Laney & Lu Café H

DINE OUT

Tuscan Kitchen H

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

Tinos Greek Kitchen

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

GREEK 325 Lafayette Rd., Hampton; (603) 926-6152; tinosgreek.com; $–$$ D b

Lobster Q

Urban Farmhouse Eatery

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

SEAFOOD 184 Lafayette Rd., North Hampton; (603) 379-9965; Facebook; $–$$ B L D

Mombo

Vida Cantina H

Wolfeboro; (603) 569-5788; miseenplacenh.com; $$-$$$$ L D (

The New Woodshed

AMERICAN 128 Lee Rd., Moultonborough; (603) 476-2700; newwoodshed.com; $–$$$ D

O Bistro at the Inn on Main

AMERICAN 200 North Main St., Wolfeboro; (603) 515-1003; innnewhampshire.com/our-bistro; $$–$$$ D

O Steaks & Seafood H

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

MEXICAN 2456 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth; (603) 501-0648; vidacantinanh.com; $–$$ L D

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

Moxy

The Wellington Room

Tavern 27

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

Nibblesworth Wood Fire Grill

NEW AMERICAN 409 The Hill, Portsmouth; (603)427-8022; nibblesworth.com; $$–$$$ L D

Otis H

AMERICAN 4 Front St., Exeter; (603) 580-1705; otisrestaurant.com; $$–$$$ D

The Railpenny Tavern

TAVERN 8 Exeter St., Epping; (603) 734-2609; railpennytavern.com; $-$$$ L D b

Revolution Taproom and Grill

GASTRO PUB 61 North Main St., Rochester; (603) 244-3022; revolutiontaproomandgrill.com; $-$$ L D

Rick’s Food & Spirits

AMERICAN 143 Main St., Kingston; (603) 347-5287; rickskingston.com; $–$$ L D

Ristorante Massimo

ITALIAN 59 Penhallow St., Portsmouth; (603) 436-4000; ristorantemassimo.com; $$-$$$ D (

Row 34

SEAFOOD 5 Portwalk Place, Portsmouth; (603) 319-5011; row34nh. com; $-$$$ L D b (

Rudi’s

NEW AMERICAN/WINE BAR 20 High St., Portsmouth; (603) 4307834; rudisportsmouth.com; $$-$$$$ LDb(

Shio H

JAPANESE 2454 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth; (603) 319-1638; shiorestaurant.com; $-$$ L D

Sonny’s Tavern

NEW AMERCAN 328 Central Ave., Dover; (603) 343-4332; sonnystaverndover.com; $–$$ D b

Street

INTERNATIONAL 801 Islington St., Portsmouth; (603) 436-0860; Streetfood360.com; $ L D b

STREET'za

PIZZA 801 Islington St., Portsmouth; (603) 431-7500; streetza360.com; $–$$ L D

Surf Seafood H

SEAFOOD 99 Bow St., Portsmouth; (603) 334-9855; surfseafood.com; $$–$$$$ D

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

NEW AMERICAN 67 Bow St., Portsmouth; (603) 431-2989; thewellingtonroom.com; $$$–$$$$ D (

LAKES

Bayside Grill and Tavern

AMERICAN 51 Mill St., Wolfeboro; (603) 894-4361; baysidegrillandtavern.com; $–$$ L D

Burnt Timber Tavern

BREWPUB/TAVERN 96 Lehner St., Wolfeboro; (603) 630-4186; burnttimbertavern.com; $–$$ L (Sat only) D

Canoe

AMERICAN 216 South River Rd., Bedford; (603) 935-8070; 232 Whittier Hwy., Center Harbor; (603) 253-4762; magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com;$–$$$ D (

Corner House Inn Restaurant

AMERICAN 22 Main St., Center Sandwich; (603) 284-6219; cornerhouseinn.com $$ L D b (

TAPAS/PIZZA 2075 Parade Rd., Laconia; (603) 528-3057; tavern27. com; $–$$ L D (

Water Street Café

AMERICAN 141 Water St., Laconia; (603) 524-4144; waterstreetcafenh. com; $$ B L D

Wolfe’s Tavern

NEW ENGLAND TAVERN 90 N. Main St., Wolfeboro; (603) 569-3016; wolfestavern.com; $$–$$$ B L D b (

MONADNOCK Bantam Grill

ITALIAN 1 Jaffrey Rd., Peterborough; (603) 924-6633; bantam-peterborough.com; $$–$$$ D (

Bellows Walpole Inn Pub

INTERNATIONAL/AMERICAN 297 Main St., Walpole; (603) 756-3320; bellowswalpoleinn.com; $$ L D (

Cooper’s Hill Public House

Crystal Quail

IRISH PUB 6 School St., Peterborough; (603) 371-9036; coopershillpublichouse.com; $$ D

Faro Italian Grille

ITALIAN Rte. 137, Dublin; (603) 5637195; delrossis.com $$–$$$ D (

AMERICAN 202 Pitman Rd., Center Barnstead; (603) 269-4151; crystalquail.com; $$$–$$$$ D ( ITALIAN 7 Endicott St. N., Laconia; (603) 527-8073; faroitaliangrille.com; $$ D (

Garwood’s

AMERICAN 6 North Main St., Wolfeboro; (603) 569-7788; garwoodsrestaurant.com; $–$$ L D (

Hobbs Tavern & Brewing Co.

Del Rossi’s Trattoria

Elm City Brewing

BREW PUB 222 West St., Keene; (603) 355-3335; elmcitybrewing. com; $–$$$ L D

Fox Tavern at the Hancock Inn

BREWPUB 2415 White Mountain Hwy., W. Ossipee; (603) 539-2000; hobbstavern.com; $–$$ L D

TAVERN 33 Main St., Hancock; (603) 525-3318; hancockinn.com $-$$$ L D (

Kathleen’s Cottage

AMERICAN 247 Woodbound Rd., Rindge; (603) 532-4949; woodbound.com; $$–$$$ B L D b (

IRISH PUB 90 Lake St., Bristol; (603) 744-6336; kathleenscottagenh.com; $–$$ L D

Lavinia’s

AMERICAN 18 Main St., Center Harbor; (603) 253-8617; laviniasdining. com; $–$$$ D (

Lemongrass

ASIAN 64 Whittier Hwy., Moultonborough; (603) 253-8100; lemongrassnh.net; $–$$ L D

Local Eatery H

FARM-TO-TABLE 21 Veterans Sq., Laconia; (603) 527-8007; laconialocaleatery.com; $–$$ D (

Mise en Place

ITALIAN/AMERICAN 96 Lehner St.,

The Grove

Luca’s Mediterranean Café

MEDITERRANEAN 10 Central Sq., Keene; (603) 358-3335; lucascafe. com; $$–$$$ L D (

Nicola’s Trattoria

ITALIAN 51 Railroad St., Keene; (603) 355-5242; Facebook; $$$–$$$$ D

Pickity Place

LUNCH 248 Nutting Hill Rd., Mason; (603) 878-1151; pickityplace.com — A historic and lovely place to enjoy a true luncheon. Fresh, local ingredients are used, including herbs from the onsite gardens. The menu changes with the season. There are three seatings at 11:30 a.m., 12:40 p.m. and 2 p.m. $$ L (

Piedra Fina

LATIN 288 Main St., Marlborough; (603) 876-5012; piedrafina.com; $–$$ L D (

Restaurant at Burdick’s

FRENCH 47 Main Street, Walpole; (603) 756-9058; burdickchocolate. com; $–$$$ L D b (

The Sky Bridge Café H

INTERNATIONAL 10 Main St., Wilton; (603) 654-2457; skybridgecafe.com; $-$$ L D

The Stage H

AMERICAN 30 Central Sq., Keene; (603) 357-8389; thestagerestaurant. com; $-$$ L D

Waterhouse

AMERICAN 18 Water St., Peterborough; (603) 924-4001; waterhousenh.com; $-$$$ L D b (

DARTMOUTH/ LAKE SUNAPEE Base Camp Café

NEPALESE 3 Lebanon St., Hanover; (603) 643-2007; basecampcafenh. com; $-$$ L D

Bistro Nouveau

AMERICAN The Center at Eastman, 6 Clubhouse Lane, Grantham; (603) 863-8000; bistronouveau.com; $–$$$$ L D (

Candela Tapas Lounge

TAPAS 15 Lebanon St., Hanover; (603) 277-9094; candelatapas.com; $$-$$$ D (

Canoe Club Bistro

AMERICAN 27 South Main St., Hanover; (603) 643-9660; canoeclub. us; $–$$ L D (

Cataleya's Caribbean Bar & Grill

CARIBBEAN 420 Main St., New London; (603) 526-6600; Facebook; $-$$ L D

Flying Goose Brew Pub H

BREW PUB 40 Andover Rd., New London; (603) 526-6899; flyinggoose.com; $–$$ L D

Latham House Tavern

TAVERN 9 Main St., Lyme; (603) 795-9995; lathamhousetavern.com; $–$$ L D

Lou’s Restaurant H

AMERICAN 30 South Main St., Hanover; (603) 643-3321; lousrestaurant.net; $-$$ B L D

Lui Lui H

The Old Courthouse

NEW AMERICAN 30 Main St., Newport; (603) 863-8360; eatatthecourthouse.com; $$–$$$ L D b (

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

Pearl Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Market Table

ASIAN 1 Jaffrey Rd., Peterbrough; (603) 924-5225; pearl-peterborough.com $$–$$$ D (

FARM-TO-TABLE 44 Main St., Hanover; (603) 676-7996; markettablenh.com; $–$$ B L D b

603 LIVING

DINE OUT

Millstone at 74 Main

Libby’s Bistro & SAaLT Pub

AMERICAN 74 Newport Rd., New London; (603) 526-4201; 74mainrestaurant.com; $–$$ L D b

NEW AMERICAN 115 Main Street on Rte. 2, Gorham; (603) 466-5330; libbysbistro.org; $$–$$$ L D (

Phnom Penh Sandwich Station H

The Little Grille H

VIETNAMESE 1 High St., Lebanon; (603) 678-8179; phnompenhsandwiches.com; $-$$ L D

AMERICAN/INTERNATIONAL 62 Cottage St., Littleton; (603) 444-0395; thelittlegrille.com; $–$$ L D

Revolution Cantina

Margarita Grill

LATIN AMERICAN/MEXICAN 38 Opera House Sq., Claremont; (603) 5046310; revolutioncantina.; $-$$ L D b

MEXICAN Rte. 302, Glen; (603) 3836556; margaritagrillnh.com; $–$$ L D

Stella’s Italian Kitchen

ITALIAN 5 Main St., Lyme; (603) 7954302; stellaslyme.com; $–$$ L D

IRISH PUB 3002 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway; (603) 356-7005; Julykellys.com; $–$$ L D (

Suna

Moat Mountain Smokehouse

May Kelly’s Cottage

AMERICAN 6 Brook Rd., Sunapee; (603) 843-8998; magicfoodsrestaurantgroup. com; $$–$$$ D (

BREW PUB 3378 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway; (603) 356-6381; moatmountain.com; $–$$ L D (

Sunshine Cookshop H

One Love Brewery

JAMAICAN 145 Pleasant St., Claremont; (603) 543-000; Facebook; $-$$ L D

Taverne on the Square

AMERICAN 2 Pleasant St., Claremont; (603) 287-4416; claremonttaverne. com; $–$$$ L D

Tuk Tuk Thai Cuisine

THAI 5 S. Main St., Hanover; (603) 2779192; tuktukthaicuisine.com; $–$$ L D (

NORTH COUNTRY Bailiwicks

AMERICAN 106 Main St., Littleton; (603) 444-7717; bailiwicksfinerestaurant.com; $-$$$ L D (

Biederman’s Deli & Pub

DELI/PUB 83 Main St., Plymouth; (603) 536-3354; biedermansdeli.com; $-$$ L D

Black Cap Grille

AMERICAN 1498 White Mt. Hwy., N. Conway; (603) 356-2225; blackcapgrille.com; $-$$ L D

Chang Thai Café H

Chef’s Bistro

Shovel Handle Pub

PUB 357 Black Mountain Rd., Jackson; (603) 383-8916; shovelhandlepub. com; $-$$ L D

Six Burner Bistro

AMERICAN 13 South Main St., Plymouth; (603) 536-9099; sixburnerbistro.com; $-$$ L D

Thompson House Eatery

NEW AMERICAN 193 Main St., Jackson; (603) 383-9341; thethompsonhouseeatery.com; $$-$$$ D

Be Inspired. An Edible Lan

Find out how Granite Staters’ distinctive homes and gardens were imagined and created by

talented architects, INTERIOR DESIGNERS,

Landscape Architects, garden designers,

ARTISTS and craftsmen. Learn about the

special touches that make New Hampshire homes unique places in which to live.

Tony’s Italian Grille & Pub

ITALIAN 3674 Rte. 3, Thornton; (603) 745-3133; $$ L D (

A net-zero Pass

Vito Marcello’s Italian Bistro H

ITALIAN 45 Seavey St., North Conway; (603) 356-7000; vitomarcellositalianbistro.com; $$-$$$ D

Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery H

BREWPUB Rte. 3, N. Woodstock; (603) 745-3951; woodstockinnnh.com; $–$$ L

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ding Garden

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Available at newsstands across the state.

dscape • Bud

GLoRiou

eM NHHom

AMERICAN/BREW PUB 5 Rte. 25, Plymouth; (603) 238-9077; thelastchairnh.com; $-$$ L D

PUB Rte. 16 & 16A, Jackson; (603) 3834211; shannondoor.com; $-$$ L D

ersary

issue

DeSign nable SuStai

The Last Chair & Sublime Brewing Co.

Shannon Door Pub

SEAFOOD/AMERICAN 280 East Side Rd., North Conway; (603) 447-3838; jonathonsseafood.com; $–$$$ L D (

BREW PUB 18 Mill St., Littleton; (603) 444-4800; (603) 444-4800; schillingbeer.com; $-$$ L D

.com

Jonathon’s Seafood

Schilling Beer Co.

2017 /april march

INTERNATIONAL 111 Main St., Lincoln; (603) 745-4395; gypsycaferestaurant. com; $–$$ L D

(603) 878-1151 • Pickityplace.com

n e agazi

Gypsy Café

AMERICAN 5 Main St., North Woodstock; (603) 745-2110; rusticriverrestaurant.com; $-$$ L D

Reservations Recommended

ME IRE HO AMPSH NEW H

AMERICAN/ASIAN 2966 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway; (603) 356-7776; delaneys.com; $–$$ L D

Rustic River

eM NHHom

Delaney’s Hole in the Wall

STEAKHOUSE 3 Station St., Glen; (603) 383-4344; redparkapub.com; $–$$ L D

dens us Gar Glorio

FARM-TO-TABLE 57 Blair Rd., Campton; (603) 536-1331; farmtablenh. com; $-$$ L D b

Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub

Dip: New England Vegetable Soup: Italian Wedding Salad: Southwest Tortilla Bread: Savory Rolls Entrée: Dry Brine Pork Tenderloin over Wild Rice — or— Entrée: Butternut and Ricotta Gallette Side: Decided Daily Dessert: Apple Pie a la mode with Cinnamon Caramel

Covered Bridge Farm Table H

AMERICAN/TAVERN 609 Beach Rd., Pittsburg; (603) 538-9556; rainbowgrille.com — Serving a variety of comfort food from seafood to ribs. The tavern serves appetizers, hearth-baked pizzas and sandwiches. $–$$ D (

January Menu

7 ne 201 m ay/j u

NEW AMERICAN 2724 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway; (603) 3564747; chefsbistronh.com; $-$$ L D

Rainbow Grille & Tavern H

Warm Wishes from Pickity Place!

ME IRE HO AMPSH NEW H

THAI 77 Main St., Littleton; (603) 4448810; changthaicafe.com; $-$$ L D

BREW PUB 25 South Mountain Dr., Lincoln; (603) 745-7290; onelovebrewery.coml $–$$ L D

Happy New Year!

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nhmagazine.com | January 2018

illustration by brad fitzpatrick

603 LIVING

Strip Trees

The quest for the best can get a little wild BY MARSHALL HUDSON

ith the Christmas season now behind us, I was helping my neighbor take down his “Cut Your Own Cristmas Trees” sign and tuck it away in the barn for another year. Neighbor Hank’s sign is kind of a local landmark prank as he deliberately misspelled Christmas just to see who is paying attention and who isn’t. “How was business this year?” I asked as we cleaned up and stowed gear away. “Well,” Hank says, “we did have some excitement one afternoon.” It seems that an attractive young lady from somewhere south of the border showed up looking for the perfect Christmas tree. She said she had never gotten a “wild” tree before and was thrilled to find so many “wild” trees growing in row after neat row at Hank’s Cristmas Tree farm. She then set out to find the very best tree on the property and soon came to an excellent one. But all around her there were so many more trees still to choose from, might there be an even better one?

nhmagazine.com | January 2018

Wanting to be able to find this special tree again in amongst all the others, and also to lay claim on this one to prevent it from being snagged by some other customer, she took off her scarf and tied it around the tree. Looking around some more, she found another possible “best” tree and marked it by putting her hat on top of it. At the next contender she left her gloves behind. When she wrapped her jacket around the next “best” tree candidate, Hank realized things could get interesting fast if he had another five or six trees that also appealed to her. Hank thought he should assist the young lady by pointing out that there were another 150 trees down in the lower field over there. She should be sure and check them out because they hadn’t been picked through as much as the ones she was now sorting through. Delighted and enthusiastic, she headed for the lower field to continue her quest. As the proprietor of the establishment, Hank felt it was his

duty to keep a close eye on the disrobing young lady just in case she needed help or something. “Well, did she find more trees?” I inquired. “Oh yeah, several more,” Hank answered with just a bit of a grin. I pressed him for more details. “Well, just how interesting did it get?” Hank revealed that at the next beautiful tree, she shed her sweater and was down to a pink turtleneck, jeans and L.L. Bean boots. Anticipation grew when she found the next “best” tree. Hank’s pulse raced and he held his breath barely daring to breathe as he watched to see what would happen next. She then pulled a packet of Kleenex out of her pocket and started marking the trees with tissues instead of garments. “Can you believe it?” Hank said “’Bout cried my eyes out!” NH The multitalented Marshall Hudson is a land surveyor, farmer and history buff who, in addition to writing this month’s humor piece, also wrote the second installment of the new “What Do You Know” section (see page 34).

“Thank you for giving me the ride of my life. I only hope someday I can fly the DHART helicopter and help others like I was helped.” - Camden

There are moments in life that change everything. For Camden, it was realizing that he wants to help others the way Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s Advanced Response Team helped him. As a national leader in patient-centered care, with locations throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, we’re proud to be there for your life moments.