Spring Local Lifestyle Playlist 2022
Getting to know Green Heron With Erin Girouard
SPring is for Folk
In the springtime, I am drawn to folk music. Something about the weather getting warmer makes me want to throw on my cowboy boots and go to a barn dance or play harmonica around a campfire under the moonlight. As this joyful season approaches, I prepare for it’s coming by drafting my playlists as I rummage through the closet in search of sundresses. This year, at the tippity top of my list is the local Southern NH folk group, Green Heron. Having been a big fan of Betsy Heron (formerly Green) from her work with her family band, The Green Sisters, I recently learned about her duo with husband Scott Heron and fell head over heels for their sound. Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of sitting down (virtually) with the couple to chat about their music.
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Betsy and Scott of Green Heron have been sharing New England stages together since 2016. They have a unique rustic sound with Betsy’s fiddle and voice sliding seamlessly from note to note while Scott’s guitar and singing style provide contrasting rhythm and timbre. No stranger to songwriting, the partners collaborate well, but approach the process differently than in the past when working with larger musical groups. Scott had a lovely way of describing the difference.
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When you write a song with a group, it's sort of like everyone putting their hands on the planchette of a ouija board. Everyone is pulling in a different direction, but you’re all working together to spell out the same message. With a duet, it’s more of a give and take. You have to be a bit more vulnerable sharing your work with your partner because it’s just the two of you. It’s a much more intimate collaboration. Green Heron achieves that goal beautifully by complimenting each other's styles and strengths from stunning harmonies to poetic lyrics.
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Green Heron’s newest album, Feet on the Floorboards is both refreshingly new and pleasantly antique. Featuring foot-stomping fiddle tunes and heartfelt duets, a little more than half of the songs are Green Heron originals while the others are classic Americana. The lovely thing about folk music is that there is no distinction between pieces that were written yesterday and 100 years ago. Betsy and Scott’s music would nestle comfortably in either of those times and anywhere in between. So as spring arrives, be sure to add Green Heron to your playlist and greet the season with joy and fiddle tunes. To learn more about upcoming events, follow Green Heron on social media and to listen to their albums and shop for your favorite merch, visit their website.
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"What I love about spring...First, the increasing daylight, warming our hearts, as well as the land. Second, the birdsong that fills my heart every morning. Third, the blossoms, especially the early-blooming peaches and plums, then the apples, pears, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, with the promise of fruit to come. But most of all, it's working in my little greenhouse, starting seeds and potting them up. I play music to the young seedlings to encourage them, and outside the wren sings along. The winds blow, but inside the greenhouse, it's warm and moist and the aroma of soil is intoxicating. By the end of May, the kids are ready for planting in the long beds."
Patti Powers, Owner of Cheshire Garden - A small, organic farm specializing in heirloom berries, fruits, herbs, and preserves
Woof Twice if You Love Spring
Pup Pampering With Caroline Tremblay
Raise your hand if you’re one of the MANY people who got a doggie companion during the pandemic. If that’s you, then you probably already know all about Dogs on Depot in Peterborough. But on the off chance you haven’t been in yet, you are missing out. This place is both hip and charming, and a visit will fill you up with good vibes whether you have paws or not. “We have several people come and sit on the couch and pet either my dogs that are here or customers’ dogs and just hang out for some therapy,” described owner Megan Suokko.
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She has two furry loves of her own, Julep, who comes in intermittently since she’s 11 and needs her rest time, too. Then there’s Ziti, the three-and-a-half-year-old bulldog mix who loves to be at the shop. Often there are other dogs in-house as Dogs on Depot offers hourly-based pet sitting. Say an owner wants to go shopping downtown or grab a bite at one of Peterborough’s incredible restaurants, they can drop doggie off for an hour or two to play. “It gives the dogs a nice safe space to be socialized while their parents are out having fun,” Suokko said.
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In addition to one-on-one grooming, pet-sitting, and walk-in nail trims, Dogs on Depot also has an impressive retail side. Picture a raw bar with cod skins, dried minnows, and duck heads, collars and leashes galore (often holiday themed), dog-focused t-shirts from three different local makers, and apparel for dogs themselves. It’s a fun place just to pop in and shop…and don’t forget to bring your dog!
The store has convenient hours, open throughout the week and on weekends with late hours on Thursday and Friday evenings. The grooming area is wide open so you can even take a peek and check it out before booking. “You can see the process and the care that we take with each pet,” Suokko said. Every dog that visits gets their picture taken for the Wall of Fame, and you can find the amazing “mutt models” posted all over the store.
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Fully woman-owned and operated, Dogs on Depot is a great addition to the Peterborough downtown. “It’s been really fun. I hope to be here for many years to come,” Suokko said. Offering an enjoyable, low-stress environment for people and pets, she and her team go out of their way to be flexible, make everyone comfortable, and give each customer the attention they deserve. If you haven’t become a fan yet, stop in and say hello in Depot Square.
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"I love the anticipation of spring. I love the maple sugaring season, and the increasing daylight. The early blooms of crocuses and daffodils. Heck, I even love the smell of mud season!"
Marcia Passos, Owner of GeoGraphic Gems
Fun, colorful jewelry made from upcycled vintage National Geographic magazine pages!
Digging in the Dirt with Sonja Bolton
Composting with a mission
Guess who has diverted over 200,000 pounds of food and organic waste from the landfill?? Elm City Compost Initiative is making nutrient rich soil from our trash! Founded by Kira Wadsworth, Albert Diemand and Mark Wadsworth, ECC presents the first compost collection service in Keene!
Elm City Compost offers residential services and will pick up your food and organic waste right at your door. Working with the Monadnock Food Co-op, there is a drop off location there while you pick up your groceries. If you’re a business owner or restaurant looking to reduce your carbon footprint, ECC provides free quotes to collect your food and organic waste. For large events, weddings or conferences, ECC is even happy to take out your compostable trash and recycling.
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Did you know an average American puts 1 pound of food in the trash every single day? Food waste accounts for 8% of greenhouse gasses. In the US, 30 million tons of food waste is thrown away every year. That's equivalent to 32.6 million cars worth of greenhouse gas emissions. And it’s completely avoidable.
Only 27% of Americans have composting services available to them. Certainly, not everyone has the luxury of an on-site compost bin for DIY rich, healthy homemade hummus. And having a worm bin in your basement is awesome, but those little guys can rarely consume a whole household worth of organic waste daily. That’s where this crew comes in. They make saving the planet easy, affordable and local.
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Elm City Compost’s mission is to educate the community on sustainable waste practices while making composting your food and organic waste sustainable and inexpensive. They have terrific videos on Instagram on composting, complete with to dos (and not to dos) helpful hints, insightful ideas and more. Follow them on Facebook to get the latest on the hot world of composting.
For example, New Hampshire House Bill 1406 of 2022 was introduced on January 1st, 2022, deciding whether to allow NH municipalities to accept composting. ECC currently has to truck the waste over the river to composting friendly Vermont. Track the progress of this important issue with Elm City Compost Initiative.
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Working for a cleaner planet can be as simple as choosing which bucket to throw your waste into. Fight climate change and stop putting your compostable waste in the landfill. Instead, rebuild our soils and store your used carbon where plants can reuse it.
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“As the snow melts from the mountains and New Hampshire lakes unthaw, we know spring is near. Maple season is one-of-a-kind and soon, the flowers will blossom. We await the arrival of our spring collection where wildflowers, lupine, and lilac fill the air. Temperatures are rising, birds chirping, wildlife on the move—grateful to live where the great outdoors can be enjoyed all year long. We look forward to the change of seasons and all the outdoor activities that can be enjoyed right outside the door, here in the Monadnock Region.”
Christine Semler, Owner of Holsem Living - homestead * holistic wellness * handmade gifts
A Trip to the '20s with Sandy Parsons
Blast From the Past
“How many shoes do you need?” I was asked when I picked up the phone just outside the entrance of what appears to be a closed shoe store. Nearby, there was a large sign stating “Closed For Violation Of The National Prohibition Act Of The United States Court.” I was tipped off to look for the phone, so I was prepared ahead of time. I replied “Two pairs,” as my husband and I stood outside waiting anxiously for the door to open. It's the only way to be let in, just like in the hidden bars of the 1920s.
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Inside an amber glow filled the room and the staff were dressed in a theme from the roaring 20s. Tin ceilings hung on the ceiling, dark wood wainscoting lined the walls, and antique couches and furniture filled the room.
Though it feels like an authentic trip in a time machine, this business is actually a hip new (they’ve been open for about 3 months now) 1920s speakeasy masked as an vintage shoe store. Soles B.A.R. (Boots, Athletic Shoes, & Ruby slippers.)
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Stop in for craft cocktails and creative appetizers and enjoy being back in the 1920s era. While the attire is casual, I wished I had dressed appropriately for the occasion in a flapper girl dress with a string of pearls, a headband and finger waves in my hair. I will definitely be having a girl’s theme night there soon. Soles B.A.R. is located at 8 Winter Street in Keene, NH.
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Time to Grow with Erin Scollans
Giddy Up Gardeners
When thinking about House by the Side of the Road, there’s one word that comes to mind: oasis. It’s a calm, pleasant sanctuary for those wishing to escape the chaos surrounding our everyday lives. Garden season is upon us and this thriving, bright green slice of heaven is the place to be. Warm and inviting, cozy and quiet - House by the Side of the Road has all things plant-related for those who wish to create a sanctuary of their own in or around their homes. Open seven days a week year round, the series of greenhouses ebb and flow along with the seasons around them, from Christmas trees and wreaths in the winter to bright yellow sunflowers in the late summer.
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In addition to what seems like an endless series of long, thriving corridors of plants from all over the world, there is a quaint gift shop attached, where you might spot a cat napping in the sun or some turtles basking with their friends. The gift shop is filled with all sorts of trinkets and treats for any occasion - from candles to books, Granite State merch, and books and puzzles for kids. There’s certainly something for everyone. Take a peek at the unique series of potting plants or the carefully crafted bouquets. Browse past the koi fish pond with a complimentary bag of popcorn (but be sure not to feed the fish!)
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With their knowledgeable and friendly staff, it’s easy to get lost in curiosity. You could spend days and still not get through every plant. That’s the magic of The House by the Side of the Road: every trip there is a new adventure. A family owned business since 1971, The House by the Side of the Road serves as a staple for the longtime locals - everyone has at least ONE Christmas tree expedition or corsage purchase tucked away in their childhood memory box. Located right off Route 101, it’s easy to spot and even easier to find a gift for a friend’s birthday or something special for yourself. You’ll find that the House becomes a Home in no time.
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Fitzwilliam Farmers' Market Returns!
1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month
Beginning May 21st
9-1 on the Town Common
Locally grown and locally made
See you soon!
A Little Sparkle with Caroline Tremblay
One for the Bead lovers
Six years ago, Ryan Chevalier of Surry started using essential oils and got the idea to make a unique end-of-year gift for her kids’ teachers. “I began by making my own clay beads and then randomly stumbled upon the bead aisle in Michael’s. I fell in love with any and all beads after that,” she described. That August, she created Mommy & Me matching bracelets, calling on her background as a graphic designer to match each one with a heartfelt, personalized note. “I sold 80 in one month and after that, my business just took off.”
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One of the big draws of her brand, Birch & Stone, is the variety of styles. “Everyone who comes to my shop, from young to old, will find a piece that is perfect for them,” she said. Chevalier runs a small shop in Surry and has a BIG online presence, including on Etsy. Her pieces are also featured at Hannah Grimes and she’s just been added to another happening Main Street business, Shelby McKane Bridals.
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“I’m very excited about my new bridal line, Bride by Birch & Stone,” she said. In the past few years, she’s done jewelry for many brides and bridesmaids and loved designing for their special day. When a new bridal store opened in Keene last fall, she couldn’t resist suggesting a collaboration. Fortunately, the response was an enthusiastic YES! Chevalier works with each bride or bridal party to craft unique pieces, some matching and some completely individual. “Every wedding is different, as are my pieces,” she said.
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For her, none of this would have come true without the support from her family. From wallpapering her jewelry shop to picking out beads for her latest projects, they are with her every step of the way. “Most of my pieces are created on my kitchen island, so they’re surrounded by homework and chaos,” she laughed. Chevalier also runs a home daycare, so when the babies nap, she and the big kids bust everything out for arts and crafts time. “They love beads as much as I do,” she said. Six years later, it’s still a total passion. This spring, look for expanded shop hours in Surry, beading parties, and more by following along on Instagram.
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"So far, it's like the new year energy never slowed down. Everyone's excited for new this spring, and Owl & Pen is here for it. New stories, new writing projects, new small businesses kicking things off. Here's to a year of local!"
Caroline Tremblay
Owner & Writer, Owl & Pen
Exceptional Written Content to Help Businesses Thrive
Spring Reading with Sonja Bolton
A Deep Presence
As a child, did you love a good, long nighttime story full of unexpected twists and surprises? A story that truly astounded you? If so, this locally written read should definitely be on your list. “A Deep Presence: 13,000 Years of Native American History” is artfully written by area author, educator and anthropologist, Robert Goodby.
He is a professor of Anthropology at Franklin Pierce University with 30 years of fieldwork experience. His authentic voice shares his passion for finding answers in time left as small pieces of a complex puzzle only unearthed with dedication and care. He gives purposeful attention and respect to the trauma inflicted upon America’s Native Peoples and the resulting erasure of their culture and history. Alongside his students, Goodby uses a shovel to dig through the past and uncover its secrets.
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Thanks to Goodby's insights, students in SAU 29 have the chance to learn the legacy of 13,000-year-old Paleoindian lives. His efforts and those of many others, including then Superintendent Bill Gurney, paused the construction of the new Keene Middle School in order to research and preserve a crucial site, now known as Tenant Swamp.
Spoiler Alert: The Tenant Swamp site became the oldest Paleoindian site in New England and possibly the home of the very first people who lived in the Monadnock area. Living at the cusp of human history, in the age of mastodons, these are the first peoples known to arrive here in New England and it’s right in our backyard!
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Another fascinating local history detailed in this archaeological narrative is that of the Abenaki people who fished the Ashuelot River at the 4,000-year-old Swanzey Fish Dam. This V-shaped rock dam remains to this day to tell the tale of our region's earliest settlers. Their ability to survive and thrive on this land, using waterways as highways to connect communities thousands of miles is just one incredible example of how this book brings the past into focus.
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While filled with incredible details like these, the book does not avoid a necessary and real emphasis on the destruction of knowledge, culture, and humanity that Native Peoples suffered. In an interview Goodby had with Nanepashemet (Anthony Pollard), director of the Wampanoag Indian Program at Plimoth Plantation, Goodby inquired about who made ceramic pots, what they were used for, and why they were decorated. After sharing all he could, Nanepashemet “looked down at his hands and spoke with a note of sadness in his voice: 'These sorts of questions are hard for Native people,' he said. 'We feel like we should know all the answers…but so much has been lost.'”
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Welcoming cuisine with Sandy Parsons
The Spice of Life
Maybe it's all the time we've been spending at home, but I've been feeling adventurous lately and wanting to broaden my palate. In the past, I haven't had the chance to taste much Indian food. But with new restaurant Royal Spice right in Troy, I decided to find some new favorite dishes.
From the moment you walk in, it's all about warmth. I was greeted by the very welcoming and friendly owner and chef Sushant Dhuri. He had a wonderful table prepared and told me to get comfortable. The restaurant is cozy and clean, and I immediately felt comfortable. But I was a bit out of my element when perusing the menu. After explaining my newness to Indian food Dhuri asked me what kind of protein and spice level I like.
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Based on my answers, he suggested I try the popular appetizer, Vegetable Pakora, a crispy bite-size vegetable fritter. They’re loaded with an Indian spiced batter before being fried until crunchy and are served with three sauces to dip in or pour over the top.
Next I ordered the garlic chive naan, cooked in house in the impressive tandoori oven until a crisp and golden deliciousness is achieved. If that wasn't good enough, it's then brushed with butter and herbs on top. These crispy breads are dangerously easy to eat, the sort of food you just keep popping into your mouth, bite after bite, until you suddenly realize the plate is empty. You think: Who ate all my Naan??! Shhhh, I'll never tell.
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Lastly I had the Chicken Tikka Masala. It's a dish consisting of roasted, marinated chicken in spiced curry tomato sauce with a cream sauce drizzled over the top. Served over fresh rice, it is CRAZY good. Crispy chicken on outside but juicy and tender inside. I loved the sauce, as well, and already want more.
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I'll be heading back soon and hope you give it a try, too. Now located at 199 North Main Street in Troy, New Hampshire (formerly located in Keene), Royal Spice will not disappoint and is open for dine-in and takeout. (They also have a surprising variety of beer and wine to choose from.) Enjoy!
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Talking Tradition with ERin Girouard
The ARtisan Life
When I'm searching for a housewarming gift—an exquisite serving tray for a dinner party or something striking for the mantel—I'm often drawn to hand-carved wood. Maybe it’s a New Hampshire thing, but the thought of bringing a small bit of the forest into your home makes it feel...well, homey. There's also a sense of tradition to it that makes it special. Fortunately, on a recent hunt for for something unique, I was given the name of woodworker and artisan, Bob Lindberg of Finlandia Fine Woodworking.
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Lindberg has been a woodworker for over six decades. Growing up around woodworkers and learning the skill himself in high school shop class, he continued the hobby throughout his life, honing his craft in his spare time. While serving in the armed forces, getting married, raising a family, owning his own construction business and joining the seminary, he always made time for his art. After retiring a few years ago, he decided to share his creations with the world and Finlandia Fine Woodworking was born.
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His wood designs reflect his Finnish and Swedish heritage, and every piece is as unique as the tree from which it came. His pieces tend toward the practical, ranging from pieced cutting boards and rolling pins to bowls, pens, and other beautiful works for everyday use. Bob uses a combination of local common woods like maple and oak, and more exotic sustainably-harvested lumber from around the world like African Mahogany and Caribbean Rosewood.
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While he does have staple designs that he creates and sells online and at craft fairs, his greatest joy is working with clients to create unique custom pieces. Each commission he takes on, he designs the piece directly with the customer to make sure they are happy with the end product. Working this way sparks his creativity and gives each item a different view point. For your next special event, gift exchange or custom piece for your home, Bob Lindberg is sure to craft the perfect piece for you. Be sure to visit Finlandia’s website to shop online or learn more about the creative process of woodworking. To hear more about upcoming shows, and get a glimpse of new pieces, follow Finlandia Fine Woodworking on social media.
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A Monadnocker
Here is what makes each of us
Art and Atmosphere with Erin Scollans
Poetry night at the root
Tucked away in the woods of Temple, you can find solace at a cozy café called The Root. A recently converted barn, The Root boasts that familiar New England charm - gorgeous high ceilings, stark wooden beams, and welcoming, lofty windows. In addition to the lovely atmosphere, there is a carefully crafted menu that includes coffee, tea, sandwiches and organic veggies available for purchase.
It’s in comforting spots like this that fellow Monadnock Region dwellers meet new folks and build relationships. For instance, Sharon local Brian Evans-Jones hosts a Poetry Night at The Root every 4th Thursday of the month, from 6:30 to 8:00pm. Folks are warmly invited to read their own poems, share work from their favorite poets, or simply support from the sidelines while taking advantage of the array of tasty offerings the café has to offer.
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Evans-Jones (a UK native) came to America in 2014 to pursue his Masters in Fine Arts at University of New Hampshire. As a published, decorated poet with decades of experience under his belt, Evans-Jones was able to go full-time to freelance writing (with a main focus on creative poetry) back in 2010. His extensive portfolio includes teaching recognition at three colleges and universities, trips to dozens of high schools around the Granite State, and myriad successful poetry workshops for students (and adults) who wish to become better artists and performers. He also writes about poetry and creativity at The Poetry Place.
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Through his vast collection of life experience, Evans-Jones has developed a deep understanding for the struggles that come with writing poetry and has full confidence that anyone can become an eloquent poet and creator if they set their mind to it. Poetry Night at The Root is just one of the outlets that he uses to help engage those who wish to hone their skills while sharing their art with other creators in a friendly, supportive environment.
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With two successful Thursday nights under his belt, Evans-Jones has been extremely pleased with not only the quality of the artists’ work and performances, but the audience that the nights have drawn. Between the crowd that The Root generate on its own and the steady stream of artists accumulated each Thursday (including the talented live music each night), it’s safe to say that Poetry Night at the Root has some serious grounds for growth.
The next evening of poetry is on March 24th. For folks wishing to get news and reminders about Poetry Night, sign up for emails here.
