Portsmouth Living Magazine December

Portsmouth
DECEMBER 2018
LIVING
MEET
DARCI
KNOWLES
p4
COVER PHOTO BY RAYA ON ASSIGNMENT

Mortgage rates are on the rise,
“He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.
Maybe Christmas, he thought... doesn’t come from a store.
Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more!”
– Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel
financial markets are unsettled,
the political landscape is turbulant.
Ask me why now’s the time to sell.
DECEMBER 2018
Portsmouth
LIVING
PUBLICATION TEAM
PUBLISHER | Mark Kasper
DESIGNER | Gabrielle Rohmer
CONTENT COORDINATOR | Rob Levey
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER | Raya on Assignment
ADVERTISING
MEET
DARCI
KNOWLES
p4
CONTACT | Mark Kasper
EMAIL | mkasper@bestversionmedia.com
PHONE | (603) 686-3131
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS
Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from
you! Deadlines for submissions are the 1st of each month. Go to www.
bestversionmedia.comand click “Submit Content.” You may also email your
thoughts, ideas, and photos to rlevey@bestversionmedia.com.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency.......................................................................................................... 911
Police Department........................................................................(603) 427-1500
Fire Department.............................................................. ..............(603) 427-1515
City Hall........................................................................................(603) 431-2000
Library......................................................................................... (603) 427-1540
Recreation Department......................................................... ......(603) 427-1548
School Department....................................................................(603) 431-5080
Important Websites.................................................www.cityofportsmouth.com
EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS
Dear Residents,
It is our pleasure to try and bring you a meaningful slice
of Portsmouth each and every month. In 2019, we hope to
improve our content and deliver stories that excite, interest
and educate you.
Have a good story? Please contact me at rlevey@bestversionmedia.com.
After all, this is YOUR magazine,
Portsmouth!
Thanks for a wonderful 2018. See you next year.
~ Rob
ROB LEVEY
Editor
Barbara Dunkle | NH & ME Broker
PLATINUM GROUP MEMBER
Web: www.barbaradunkle.com
Cell: 603-498-7927
Office: 800-450-7784 ext.7078
Email: barbara.dunkle@beangroup.com
Distinctive Properties. Exceptional Service.
®
®
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact BVM
at mkasper@bestversionmedia.com or (603) 686-3131.
CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES
DEADLINE FOR CONTENT SUBMISSION
IS THE I ST OF EACH MONTH
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not
necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality,
homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is
not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content
submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2018 Best Version Media.
All rights reserved.
Attention:
Portsmouth Cooks!
Send your favorite recipe(s)
to share with your neighbors.
Email them to mkasper@bestversionmedia.com
Subject to copyright and space availability.
©2018 Bean Group, All Rights Reserved.
2 PORTSMOUTH LIVING
DECEMBER 2018 3

Resident Feature
MEET DARCI
KNOWLES
BY ROB LEVEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
RAYA ON ASSIGNMENT
She also watches Celtics games with
Chad, although some details escape
her.
“Don’t ask me too much about the
rules though,” laughs Knowles, who
says her love of Boston sports may be
attributed to that of her father.
“My father always had ‘the game
on,’” she says.
When not watching sports, you just
may find Knowles and her kids trying
their hand at various accents.
“My mother taught me a love of
language,” she says. “It’s something
I’ve passed along to my kids, so we
have fun with different accents. Both
of my kids are gifted story tellers with
the added talent of impersonating the
people involved in the recounting of
the story--it brings laughter and joy
whenever we get together.”
Any description of her family is not
complete without mentioning Brodie,
though.
“He is my Australian Shepherd/
Beagle rescue dog and best bud for a
little more than 6 years,” she says.
Aside from staying active with her
family, volunteering is a big part of
Knowles’ life. Currently, she sits on
the boards of the Seacoast Chapter of
Veterans Count and the Foundation
for Seacoast Health. She has also donated
the time and talents of her team
at DARCI Creative to The Chamber
Collaborative (they re-branded them
last year), Hungry for Hope, Kremples
Center and many other causes and
organizations.
“I am a big believer in giving back
and am honored to have been able to
contribute to many different causes
over the years,” she says.
As for her love of Portsmouth,
Knowles says she recognizes how fortunate
she is to live in such a town. She
considers herself “a lucky resident” of
Pinehurst Road, which she describes as
“a total gem of a street and neighborhood.”
“I’ve lived there since Chad started
high school at Portsmouth High in
2003,” she says. “It’s a perfect location,
a beautiful little street and just a five
minute drive to my office. I think all of
us on Pinehurst know how special it is
and we are all grateful to be in Portsmouth
in such a perfect location.”
As for her future, Knowles says it
will most likely consist of yoga, Portsmouth
Symphony Orchestra concerts
and walks with Brodie along the beach
and on nearby wooded trails. She also
loves watching movies and reading
books–even writing them, too.
“I have a novel currently under consideration
with a major NY publisher,
so my fingers are crossed,” she says.
Message for Pinehurst Neighbors:
“Thank you all for being
so wonderful.”
Newest member of the family Willow!
For Darci Knowles, much of her
career has been spent putting
the spotlight on others
through various professional
endeavors, most of which have centered
on the ubiquitous field of marketing.
Honored with numerous awards for
creative excellence, including national
“Telly” Awards for outstanding television
advertising and Best in Show from
the New England Direct Marketing
Association, Knowles founded her latest
venture, DARCI Creative, in 2006.
“I love my work,” she says.
When not working, she devotes
much of her free time to family, which
includes
daughter Daniele
and son-in
law Tyler Hosser
as well as
their new baby
Olivia, born this
past July.
“We are still
over the moon
about our beautiful
new addition
to the family,” says Knowles, who notes
she is nearly as excited to welcome her
daughter back to work after her maternity
leave.
“We are all happy to have her back,”
she says. “She is an anchor here at
DARCI when it comes to client services
and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Knowles is equally proud of her son
Chad, who like his sister also lives in
Hampton.
“My son Chad is passionate about
all things basketball and is a coach at
The Sports Barn in Hampton and has a
new position at Somersworth High this
coming year,” she says. “He takes his
role as a coach very seriously and sees
it as an opportunity to bring positive
left to right Chad Cyr, Darci Knowles, Daniele, Olivia and Tyler Hosser
habits and self-esteem to all the kids.”
Her sense of pride extends to her
son-in-law, Tyler, too.
“He works at Liberty Mutual and is
an amazing husband and new father,”
she says. “I couldn’t be more proud of
all of them.”
According to Knowles, one of the
things she enjoys the most with her
family is sports.
“I am a big believer in giving back and am honored
to have been able to contribute to many different
causes over the years,” she says.
“My mom loves the Red Sox so she
is so excited with their recent World Series
win and it was so fun to share that
with her,” she says. “ I was able to take
her to a September game and see Price
pitch, so that was special, too, to be able
to see this amazing team.”
DO YOU HAVE A NEIGHBOR WHO HAS A STORY TO SHARE? Contact us at:mkasper@bestversionmedia.com
4 PORTSMOUTH LIVING
We would like to thank our sponsor, Porstmouth Christian Academy for the opportunity to bring you this story.
DECEMBER 2018 5

Charity Spotlight
Since 2006, the Seacoast Women’s Giving Circle
(SWGC) has supported the community through targeted
financial giving to local non-profits. Working in
a spirit of collective action and giving, SWGC is comprised of
more than 150 members and a 25 member board of directors
with a different area of philanthropic focus each year.
This year, their focus is Substance Use Disorders. According
to longtime SWGC member and current Chair Kathleen
MacLeod, their support of local nonprofits in this cycle may
exceed $70,000, although that only tells part of the story.
Their approach to complex issues each year is guided by a
three-step process of Learn, Give, and Act.
“In the Learn portion of their process, members learn about
their chosen topic through extensive research that includes
meeting with state and local experts in the field,” she says.
An educational highlight of their work is an annual Learn
Forum in early November in which they moderate an expert
panel discussion.
Their Give component begins after the Learn Forum during
which time they take what they have learned and create
a Request for Proposal (RFP) that goes out to hundreds of
organizations in December. Upon receiving applications, a
rigorous evaluation process begins that culminates in votes by
the board to select that particular year’s grant recipients.
6 PORTSMOUTH LIVING
FORMING A CIRCLE
OF COMMUNITY
BY ROB LEVEY
In Act, the third part of SWGC’s process, members host
several events throughout the year, including a holiday drive
to provide clothing, gift certificates or other forms of assistance
to those in need.
In commenting on this year’s chosen philanthropic focus,
MacLeod refers to substance use disorders as “an issue that is
having devastating effects across our state.”
Since 2006, SWGC has raised more
than $630,000, all of which has been
invested in non-profits throughout
the Seacoast region.
“It is one that does not discriminate,” she adds. “It is why
we will also work to educate people on the complexities of
this issue and help fight the stigma of addiction so people feel
more comfortable seeking help.”
Since 2006, SWGC has raised more than $630,000, all of
which has been invested in non-profits throughout the Seacoast
region. In addition to donations by individual members,
SWGC relies on support from corporate donors.
One such corporate donor is Piscataqua Savings Bank,
which President/CEO Rick Wallis said is a community bank
that relates very strongly with SWGC’s philanthropic
mission.
“They’re well organized and take the time to really understand
community issues--a truly grassroots approach,”
he says. “Our support allows the Seacoast Women’s Giving
Circle to keep their promise that 100% of the memberships’
donations go directly to the organizations they support by
covering some of their costs. That’s an important promise for
them to keep and we’re glad to be a part of making that happen.”
Expressing gratitude for such support, MacLeod says
SWGC is currently looking to not only raise awareness of its
mission, but increase its membership.
“We are open to all women and are by no means exclusive,”
she says.
To become a member, individuals are asked to donate a
minimum of $200 each year of which 100% goes to
nonprofits.
“With each additional member, our impact on the
community grows,” she says.
For more information about the Seacoast Women’s Giving Circle, or to learn more about becoming
a member, visit www.seacoastwomengive.org.
Real Estate
PORTSMOUTH REAL ESTATE STATS TO DATE
IN PORTRSMOUTIN
MONTH YEAR #UNITS SOLD LOW MEDIAN HIGH TOTAL
OCTOBER 2017 37 $169,200 $595,203 $2,786,176 $22,022,526
OCTOBER 2018 31 $198,000 $553,425 $1,126,967 $17,156,175
SEPTEMBER 2017 31 $13,000 $677,983 $3,056,000 $21,017,500
SEPTEMBER 2018 32 $18,000 $492,825 $900,000 $15,770,425
AUGUST 2017 40 $17,000 $585,308 $2,289,000 $23,412,350
AUGUST 2018 45 $169,900 $583,155 $1,600,000 $26,241,980
JULY 2017 23 $169,900 $545,736 $1,300,000 $12,551,950
JULY 2018 30 $188,500 $638,783 $1,400,000 $19,163,490
JUNE 2017 40 $173,500 $427,171 $859,286 $17,086,864
JUNE 2018 37 $238,000 $550,268 $1,249,000 $20,359,950
MAY 2017 30 $205,000 $467,971 $839,000 $14,039,137
MAY 2018 30 $169,000 $607,001 $1,950,000 $18,210,045
APRIL 2017 23 $161,000 $434,321 $875,000 $9,989,400
APRIL 2018 26 $175,000 $465,184 $700,000 $12,094,790
MARCH 2017 22 $15,000 $612,763 $1,699,000 $13,400,800
MARCH 2018 30 $130,000 $465,565 $949,900 $13,966,970
FEBRUARY 2017 13 $191,500 $461,100 $650,000 $5,994,300
FEBRUARY 2018 18 $166,000 $475,970 $1,000,000 $8,567,475
JANUARY 2017 24 $147,900 $593,622 $2,087,080 $14,246,930
JANUARY 2018 12 $228,000 $672,000 $3,697,500 $11,540,400
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing
in this magazine is separate from any statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
Think selling your home
in the winter is
senseless?
Barbara Dunkle | NH & ME Broker
Web: www.barbaradunkle.com
Cell: 603-498-7927
Office: 800-450-7784 ext.7078
Email: barbara.dunkle@beangroup.com
Think again.
DECEMBER 2018 7

Q & A WITH PHOTOGRAPHER
RAYA AL-HASHMI
Business Profile
BY ROB LEVEY
Known throughout Portsmouth and the Seacoast as
Raya on Assignment, we felt it was time to flip the script
and put the proverbial spotlight on Raya herself.
The biggest challenge is to
continue to remember that
our self worth is not tied
to our work–that our highs
and lows don’t play into
how ‘good’ we are.
How long have you been photographing people, events,
and businesses in Portsmouth?
I have been documenting this brilliant community since 2013 after graduating
from The University of New Hampshire with a degree in Journalism.
How did you get into photography and what are your goals
with your work–capturing the essence of people or a business?
Your work is very distinctive, so what guides you?
I explored the craft in high school, and it was really through my experience in
college that allowed for me to see the evolution from it as simply a hobby to
a really powerful tool to story tell and connect why we are here and what we
are here to do. I hope to continue to work on my personal development and
continue to be a good member of my community as I grow professionally. My
personal and business goals are often the same.
What is the biggest challenge for you as a photographer?
The biggest challenge is to continue to remember that our self worth is not
tied to our work–that our highs and lows don’t play into how ‘good’ we are.
What is your greatest joy as a photographer?
My greatest joy is to help people to see their reason and mission being shared
with the world in the very best light possible. I especially love serving people
who are starting out in something that they deeply love to giving them some
real evidence and ability to share what it is they do.
Do you have a favorite project or memory as a
photographer that you can share?
I love my People of Portsmouth project, something
I started as a new graduate while working front desk
at a gym wanting so deeply to keep my passion and
skill alive no matter the job I was doing. Looking
back, it was the foundation for my business now.
Looking ahead–what is next in your future?
Ten years from now, where will you be in
your career?
I am really curious about how to serve in a greater
way to more people so expanding not just locally
but globally. I am really interested in sharing with
people that anything is possible and that when we
live in our zone of genius that’s where we meet
abundance.
8 PORTSMOUTH LIVING
DECEMBER 2018 9

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 & 8
COLONIAL HOLIDAY TEA
@FOLSOM TAVERN, 164 WATER STREET, EXETER
You are cordially invited to a Colonial Holiday
Tea in Folsom Tavern. Sip delicious teas
and dine on small bites provided by colonialinspired
caterer For the Love of Food and
Drink. Create your own historic handiwork with
lavender sachets and mulling spices– perfect
for holiday gift giving. Try your hand at quill
pen writing for your holiday gift tags or a letter
to Santa. Gather in the assembly room to sing
winter carols. The museum’s holiday gift shop
will be open for you to find that perfect present
for the history lover on your list.
TIME Seatings at 11am and 2pm
www.independencemuseum.org
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
NEW CASTLE VILLAGE
CHRISTMAS FAIR
@NEW CASTLE RECREATIONAL BUILDING,
ROUTE 1B, NEW CASTLE
New Castle Guild members are actively creating
exceptional custom-made wreaths, cheerful
greens baskets, containers of paper whites,
dramatic amaryllis, beautiful boxwood trees,
and candle wreaths to adorn your home this
holiday.
At the Bake Table, there will be breads, cookies,
cakes, pies, and candy. You’ll find Gift Baskets
for everyone on your shopping list, as well
as vintage Jewelry & Scarves, Red Elephants
and the ever-popular Silent Auction.
TIME 8am-1:30pm
COST FREE
HAVE AN EVENT FOR OUR
NEXT ISSUE?
Contact us at: rlevey@bestversionmedia.com
ELEVATING
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
TO AN ART FORM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
BUTTON FACTORY
OPEN STUDIOS
BUTTON FACTORY OPEN STUDIOS
@BUTTON FACTORY, 855 ISLINGTON ST.,
PORTSMOUTH
Open Studios is a once- a-year opportunity to
visit the artists, explore their private studios,
and purchase their work. These artists and
craftsmen have earned prominence in their
fields and represent a range of disciplines,
including painting, photography, jewelry, pottery,
art furniture, custom picture framing, and
bookbinding. Explore the various studios and
you will find that each one reflects the artist’s
creative personality.
TIME 10am-5pm
COST FREE
www.buttonfactorystudios.com
The name “Dakota” means friend and ally –
here at Dakota Wealth Management, we
focus on caring for you, understanding
your family, lifestyle needs, goals and
long-term aspirations.
At a time when the financial industry has
resorted to passive strategies and
computer-generated models, our team of
investment managers and advisors brings
experience, knowledge and sound
judgment to thoughtfully position every
aspect of your financial life to ensure the
greatest success.
In everything we do, from crafting
portfolios to facilitating a comprehensive
wealth management experience, Dakota
brings a highly-personalized wealth
management approach to downtown
Portsmouth.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 12 &19
STORY AND CRAFT TIME
@INFO TO COME
Join us for stories, songs, movement and
a simple craft on Wednesday mornings.
This is inspired by the work of Rose
Labrie who advocated children’s
creativity through her support
of the Prescott Park Arts Festival.
TIME
9:45am-10:30am
COST FREE
www.portsmouthhistory.org
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
GREENLAND CHRISTMAS FAIR
@GREENLAND COMMUNITY CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH, 2 POST ROAD, GREENLAND
Feature two floors of merchandise and
activities, including: A Cookie Walk with
hundreds of homemade cookies, Tables of
jewelry, gourmet foods, and other locally
made products, Handcrafted items made
by the Women’s Alliance, Visit from Santa
at 11 am plus children’s activities, “Nearly
New” room with bargains galore, and
Luncheon featuring soup, sandwiches and
more.
The fair’s Silent and Live Auction will be
at the center of the event, featuring local
artwork and handmade items, restaurant
gift certificates, antiques, passes to area
attractions, holiday decorations, gift baskets,
and more.
TIME
9am-2pm
COST $9 - $12
www.communitychurchofgreenland.org
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10
PSO CREATIVE LISTENING:
SOUNDS AND SILENCE
@PORTSMOUTH PUBLIC LIBRARY,
175 PARROTT AVE., PORTSMOUTH
Distinguishing the sounds and silences, this
event will provide an explanation of musical
sounds and notation, and how knowing this
helps us listen.
This free series is sponsored by Charles
Schwab.
TIME
12pm-1pm
COST FREE
www.portsmouthsymphony.org
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 & 15
ED GERHARD’S 36TH ANNUAL
CHRISTMAS GUITAR CONCERT
@SOUTH CHURCH,
292 STATE STREET, PORTSMOUTH
New Hampshire’s own GRAMMY ® Awardwinning
guitarist Ed Gerhard will present his
popular Annual Christmas Guitar Concert,
now in its 36th year. Gerhard will perform
soulful arrangements of well-loved carols,
as well as his own concert favorites. Fans
of guitar music and Christmas alike will
want to be a part of this memorable show.
TIME
COST $28-$32
www.virtuerecords.com
7:30am-10:30pm
TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY,
DECEMBER 18 & 19
PSO ANNUAL HOLIDAY
FAMILY POPS CONCERT
@THE MUSIC HALL,
28 CHESTNUT STREET, PORTSMOUTH
This year, both performances will feature
the combined choruses of Portsmouth High
School and York High School. York HS will
perform a solo set on Tuesday, 12/18, and
Portsmouth HS will perform a solo set on
Wednesday, 12/19.
TIME
1pm-4pm
COST $15-$30
www.portsmouthsymphony.org
Contact Marilyn Rios, Partner and Senior Client Advisor
147 Middle Street
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
(603) 766-7694 | mrios@dakotawm.com
Orion (detail) by Brian Rutenberg
www.dakotawm.com
10 PORTSMOUTH LIVING
December 2018
11

WINTER WARRIORS
BY ROB LEVEY
FEELING TIRED ALL THE TIME?
BY ROB LEVEY
Just because it is winter does not
mean the pursuit of physical
fitness should necessarily end
nor should we simply “hit the gym,”
which describes, in part, the philosophy
behind the Winter Warriors. A running
group formed by Runner’s Alley in
Portsmouth, Winter Warriors welcome
runners of all types and abilities.
“We hold free group runs all year
round, but especially love the winter,”
says Jeremiah Gould of Runner’s Alley.
“Meeting other people who enjoy the
same things you do and creating community
and accountability is powerful
and fun, and the challenges of winter
bring us closer together.”
Admitting they may be “crazy,” but
of the good variety, Gould said these
Winter Warrior runs take place every
Thursday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at
8 a.m.
“We meet right at the store and really
have a blast,” he says.
Attendance is usually pretty high
for these runs, too, with an average of
between 12 and 30people.
“We certainly don’t want people
driving in really adverse conditions,
but it takes a lot to cancel a run,” he
says. “The most attended runs are often
in snowy weather…We call ourselves
‘Winter Warriors,’ and I believe that
lends itself to the idea that we’re here to
out-tough old man winter.”
As for the experience, he says these
group runs are “awesome.” Thursday
nights may be his favorite.
“They usually begin with a lot of
chatter, as runners catch up on the
week’s events,” says Gould. “We will go
over the route and make sure everyone
is on board before we head out.”
These runs are not competitive
either, but casual.
“It’s more about coming together
through the shared experience of tackling
whatever conditions and terrain
exist out there,” he says.
For those unsure about running outside
in the winter, Gould says it gets an
unwarranted bad rap.
“We believe having the right gear
and knowing how to dress for the
weather makes all the difference,” he
says. “Oftentimes, we’re told that a winter
run can be the best, especially after
asnowfall where it seems the streets are
there just for us.”
Citing “the right gear” as the “number
one rule”, Gould says rule number
two is to know when and how to use it.
“You use layering and the fit to move
moisture away from the skin is critical,”
he says. “It is important to keep the
core, head, hands, and feet warm, and
this is often individualized. The apparel
that works for one runner in specific
conditions might not be appropriate for
another.”
GENERAL RULES
FOR WINTER RUNNING
• Dress 10-15% as if it is 10 degrees
warmer than the outside temperatures.
Runners will generate enough
body heat in 15 minutes or so to make
up the difference. Often what feels
comfortable standing for a period
of time will quickly become too hot
while running.
• Continue to hydrate. Runners often
overlook hydration when the temperatures
drop, but the need is still
there even as their bodies might not
recognize it.
• Stay visible. With short days and
snow accumulation, runners will often
find themselves on a narrower shoulder.
Even in day time, runners should
add illumination to their reflective
vests to make sure drivers have as
much advanced warning as possible
and headlamps in low/no light situations
to see any hazards that accumulate
along the roadside. Run facing
traffic whenever possible.
WHY PROMOTE RUNNING AT ALL?
According to Gould, Runner’s Alley
was founded on the belief that an active
community is a healthy one. As such,
any community needs a place to
connect.
“We not only see ourselves as connecting
runners and walkers with the
right gear, but connecting people to
other like-minded individuals to continue
to inspire and motivate an active
lifestyle,” he says.
Their group runs, he notes, reflect
this mission.
“At a Runner’s Alley group run, you
might have trail runners, local track
club members, new neighbors, locals,
tourists--you name it,” he says. “We feel
a group run helps unify people through
promoting an environment where all are
welcome to come and share the road.”
To learn more about Runner’s Alley, visit runnersalley.com.
Feeling tired? You are not alone,
as the Center for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC)
reports that 15.3% of women and
10.1% of men regularly feel very tired
or exhausted in the United States.
A lack of sufficient sleep is not the
only factor that could be contributing
to your fatigue, as a recent article published
by Medical News Today cites
poor dietary habits and other factors.
Excessive napping, unhealthy amounts
of stress in your daily life and a sedentary
lifestyle may also play a part, too.
So what is the solution? According
to Dr. Carrie Jose of CJ Physical
Therapy, it is more exercise.
“It might seem counter-intuitive
that more exercise could help you feel
less tired, but it’s the truth,” she says.
“Sitting on the couch is one of the
worst things you can do for chronic fatigue
or tiredness–not to mention the
impact it has on your back.”
Helping you
design for
the life you
want to lead!
Monday-Friday
7am-5pm
Saturday
8am-4pm
105 Bartlett Street,
Portsmouth
(603)436-7480
www.riccilumber.com
Research, she says, points to
moderate amounts of exercise as a
proven way to boost your energy as
opposed to draining it.
“Getting a good workout in during
the day will help you sleep better at
night,” she says.
MAKING THE TRANSITION
If you rarely exercise or spend most
of your day at a desk, Jose acknowledges
it may be challenging to transition
into a more active lifestyle. In such
cases, she suggests not doing it alone.
“Many people benefit from joining
a group fitness class or finding an
‘exercise buddy’ to hold them accountable,”
she says. “Pilates classes are a
great option, because it gives you that
full body workout that leaves you feeling
invigorated and energized afterwards
but also ready to fall right asleep
at bedtime.”
She says the mindfulness aspect of
Pilates as well as the exercise component
itself makes it useful to alleviate
stress, which in turn reduces fatigue.
For her, movement is medicine, which
she says is true in more ways than
one.“Movement is medicine for the
aches and pains of your joints and
muscles, but it’s also medicine for your
stress and exhaustion,” Jose explains.
“Exercise stimulates endorphin release,
triggering positive feelings of
elation or mild euphoria.”
She says shifting into a more positive
mental state during a day when
you are feeling completely drained will
help you cope with stresses better and
boost your energy level.
“You don’t need to spend hours at
the gym every day,” she says. “Just
invest 30 minutes of movement each
day–whether it be walking, running,
biking, Pilates, yoga, golf, or anything.
It will make a difference.”
Wishing you and
yours Happy Holidays
~The Design Team at Ricci Lumber
12 PORTSMOUTH LIVING
DECEMBER 2018 13

‘DE’STRESSING
This Holiday Season
BY ROB LEVEY
The holidays are a fun and jovial time for many
people that include parties, festive music and a
general sense of hopefulness in the air. It can also
be a time of stress, according to mental health
professionals at Seacoast Mental Health Center (SMHC),
which was founded in 1963.
Many people and
families, says Patty
Driscoll, LICSW,
SMHC Adult
Services Director,
fall into one of two
categories: 1) Overwhelmed
with too
many expectations,
commitments and
things to do, or 2)
Isolated and lonely.
“If you are in the
isolated and lonely
camp, the holidays
can make you feel
worse because it can
seem like everyone
else is having fun, busy, getting and giving presents, and
you are not,” she says.
She notes the holidays are also when many people
reminisce about past holidays.
“They may or may not have been spent with loved ones
who are no longer alive or present in your life,” she adds.
“Either way, those memories can make you feel worse
than you did before the holiday season.”
Jodie Lubarsky, LCMHC, Child, Adolescent and Family
Services Director at SMHC, says parents often feel
overwhelmed.
“Many parents feel they have to provide the biggest and
best experience for their children,” she says. “This results
in caregivers buying too much, overextending themselves
and then feeling a wave of disappointment when their
children do not demonstrate the gratitude they anticipated
receiving.”
Driscoll says American culture itself also sends out
messages that create subtle anxieties within people.
“There can be considerable pressure from TV, social
media, and holiday decorations around town, friends and
family that bombard people,” she says. “Finances are also
often strained during the holidays. Seeing people who
appear to have an easy time with the holidays can make
others feel guilt that they are not able to ‘keep up with
the Joneses.’
14 PORTSMOUTH LIVING
KIDS
According to
Lubarsky, kids can
feel stress during the
holidays too.
“Children from separated and divorced families
may experience more stress at the holidays, especially
if one parent is without support during this time,” she
explains.
She says parents should attempt to work collaboratively
in order to support the needs of their child(ren)
to insure the child(ren) do not feel responsible for the
parents’ emotional needs.
“Establishing a family meaning of the
holidays and providing thoughtful gifts might
help to reduce this anxiety,” she adds.
“Maintaining consistency and communication during
this time is important,” she says. “Routines and structure
tend to get disrupted during the holidays, so as much as
caregivers can maintain routines, the better most children
will be able to manage the stress and dynamics of
the holidays.”
For those from financially insecure homes, Lubarsky
says children may feel overwhelmed by the expectations
of the holidays as well as “increased inferiority to peers.”
“Establishing a family meaning of the holidays and
providing thoughtful gifts might help to reduce this
anxiety,” she adds.
SENIORS/ELDERS
According to Jennifer Kinsey, LICSW, Director of
SMHC’s REAP(Referral, Education,
Assistance and Prevention)
program, older adults-fall into
the same “buckets” referenced
by Driscoll: 1) Overwhelmed
with too many expectations,
commitments and things to
do, or 2) Isolated and lonely.
“Older adults have many
years behind them and the
losses can pile up,” she explains.
She says older adults also
have challenges that make
socializing in groups especially
difficult.
“They may have no transportation or be experiencing
issues with hearing, vision, and mobility,” she says. “At
times, there may be cognitive impairment and difficulty
eating certain foods...Conversation moves fast these
days. Older adults rarely move fast, so they are often not
well versed in popular culture and therefore may get left
out of conversations.”
To alleviate stress for older adults, Kinsey suggests
planning activities that are earlier in the day and less
frenetic.
“Try to make a plan ahead of time to avoid being
alone,” she says. “Plan to have a quiet meal or time with
another person who might be alone or even visit someone
who you know might be alone too. Helping others
can ease the sense that you are the only person alone
during the holidays.”
ADDITIONAL STRATEGIES TO REDUCE ANXIETIES
Driscoll says one strategy to reduce anxiety is to make
the holiday season “less about stuff” and more about
“being together in positive ways.” Noting that that
every family is different in regards to their religious,
cultural beliefs and values, she suggests that people consider
who they are and what is important to them.
“You can then work toward implementing the important
things and letting go of the things that are
less important and more stressful,” she says. “This can
be related to meals, visiting, gift giving, volunteering,
etcetera.”
Lubarsky says another strategy is for families is to
consider and refine the art of giving and receiving.
“Even small gestures of giving back–giving to the Salvation
Army can, donating warm clothing to a shelter or
purchasing a gift from a community giving tree, for example–can
highlight the importance of both giving and
receiving to children,” she says. “These gestures make
receiving a gift more meaningful.”
She says caregivers should also
be easier on themselves.
“Rather than giving volumes
of gifts, considering giving a few,
very meaningful gifts,” she adds.
About Seacoast Mental Health Center
SMHC is a community mental health center whose mission
is to provide a broad, comprehensive array of high
quality, effective and accessible mental health services
to residents of the eastern half of Rockingham County.
For more information, call 603-431-6703 or
603-772-2710, or visit smhc-nh.org.
CORRECTION
In our last issue of Portsmouth Living November
2018, we mistakenly reported that Jeff Stern was
the organizer of TEDxPortsmouth. While Jeff
was in fact an amazing host at the 2018 event
along with Kristen Hunter, the event organizers
were Jeff’s wife, Anna Goldsmith Stern, and the
amazing Crystal Paradis. Both women are already
hard at work on TEDx2019 which will be held at
the Music Hall in September. The date is TBD. To
learn more about TEDxPortsmouth, including how
you can get involved or recommend a speaker,
visit them at www.tedxportsmouth.com.
PHOTO BY KATE & KEITH PHOTOGRAPHY
DECEMBER 2018 15

THE MAGIC
OF SANTA
Maple Glazed
Farmer’s Market Root Vegetables
CHEF MATT LOUIS |
MOXY RESTAURANT
Thyme to Cook in Portsmouth
E
ver wonder where Santa Claus came from?
Well, there is a great deal of history surrounding
everyone’s favorite man in a red
suit. So much, in fact, that it can be traced back
hundreds of years, all the way to 280 A.D.
According to historians, a monk named St. Nicholas
was born in the Middle East, in a country now
known as Turkey. Virtuous and kind, St. Nicholas
was said to have used his inheritance to travel the
country and help those who were poor or sick. This
earned him the reputation of being a protector of
children. St. Nicholas is the subject of many legends
and stories that tell of his good deeds.
The stories of St. Nicholas made their way to
America in the 1700s and soon the Dutch nickname,
Sinterklaas, evolved to Santa Claus in the
One of the beautiful things
about Santa is the fact that he
is widely known and recognized
throughout the entire world.
American vernacular. Artwork of Santa Claus filling
hearth hung stockings of little boys and girls
with fruit and toys began to circulate. And with
this, his popularity grew.
When department stores began to advertise for
the Christmas holiday in hopes of bolstering sales,
they used the likeness of Santa in order to appeal
to children. The 1890s saw another surge in Santa’s
popularity when the Salvation Army had men dress
like Santa and ring bells on the street corners to
gather donations for New York City’s needy.
BY CHELSEA SCOTT
One of the beautiful things about Santa is the fact
that he is widely known and recognized throughout
the entire world. Known as Papai Noel in Brazil,
Joulupukki in Finland, Babbo Natale in Italy, Père
Noël in France and Ded Moroz in Russia, Santa
may be called different things depending on the
location, but he is always associated with happiness
and Christmas.
So you see, Santa is so many things. A Saint, a
gift-giver, a protector and of course, a jolly elf. But
more than all of these things, Santa is the embodiment
of Christmas. I would suggest that Christmas
would be missing something for children and adults
around the world without Santa Claus.
Next time you see a Santa in the mall, on TV or
ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, remember
the great history and stories about him. Even
throughout the rest of the year, Santa is never far.
He’s wherever kindness is found, wherever happiness
and hope bubble up.
He is in your heart
and all around.
He’s the spirit of
Christmas and
giving.
Source consulted:
www.history.com.
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
1 each rutabaga, medium size
1 each celery root, medium size
2 each parsnips
2 each carrots
¼ cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons whole butter
salt, pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon kosher salt
DIRECTIONS
Wash and peel all vegetables. Cut all to roughly pieces ¼” cubes.
Have a large pot of water, roughly 2 gallons, boiling on high heat.
Add the vegetables and cook for about 3 minutes, looking to get
them cooked about halfway through, starting to soften but not
completely cooked and mushy. With a slotted spoon or strainer
remove the vegetables from the boiling water and place in a large
skillet/sauté pan that they fit comfortably. Add the maple, whole
butter, and a ¼ cup of the cooking water. Cook all this together and
the water will evaporate, the maple will reduce, and form a nice golden
glaze on the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!
Seacoast Financial Planning
A financial advisory practice of
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
603.427.8252
314 Middle Street,
Portsmouth, NH 03801
contact:
charles.m.beynon@ampf.com
gregory.m.vallee@ampf.com
nicolas.curtis@ampf.com
seacoastfinancialplanning.com
16 PORTSMOUTH LIVING SEPTEMBER DECEMBER 2018 15 17

OCTOBER 2018
COVER PHOTO BY LORI TIERNAN
MAY
2018
COVER PHOTO
BY DIANE BIBLE
JULY 2018
A Message from NHSPCA
PET OF THE MONTH
Meet Roxie
SUBMITTED BY NHSPCA
Roxie is the absolute sweetest dog. She adores people, and she
loves to follow her humans around, snuggle up and get belly
rubs. She is a very well behaved and mild mannered Doberman
Pinscher. Roxie is around eight years old and came to
the shelter because her owner could no longer care for her. She does
have some medical needs–she is on lifelong medication for thyroid
and urinary issues. Currently, her issues are well controlled with
the medication. Roxie needs a cat free home but she’s very tolerant
of other dogs. Come meet this lovely lady. Let her brown eyes stare
into your soul and you will be smitten! Like all the animals available
for adoption, Roxie is spayed, micro-chipped and up to date on all
her vaccines.
Adopt today!
Living Rooms • Dining Rooms • Bedrooms • Home Offices • Entertainment • Mattresses
OTHER WAYS TO HELP THE ANIMALS:
NHSPCA Online Auction Now Open. Start your holiday shopping and find great deals on hundreds of quality
items on our Bidding for Good Online Auction. 100% of proceeds will benefit the homeless animals at the New
Hampshire SPCA. Bid now at www.nhspca.org
Sunday, November 11. Special Veterans Day Adoption Promotion to honor the brave and loyal. All active and
retired military servicemen and women can choose their adoption fee on all adult animals visit www.nhspca.org
for details.
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18 PORTSMOUTH LIVING
DECEMBER 2018 19

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