Style + Beauty

A Legacy of Celebrations

Elizabeth Dirom, owner of Madeleine’s Daughter, honors its origins and commemorates its success Article by Rebecca Ingalls Through its 50 years in business, Madeleine’s Daughter in Portsmouth has held two values above all others: legacy and passion. Since 2006, the shop has been owned and operated by Elizabeth Dirom, who glows when she reflects on her love for her work, and is quick to give credit to her predecessor and mentor, Janice Wood, whose mother was Madeleine.  Madeleine’s Daughter...

Arts + Culture

Wonderland of Art

Alnoba’s renowned outdoor sculpture collection displays art in nature’s gallery Article by Susan Gallagher On the expansive grounds of Alnoba in Kensington, New Hampshire, Harriet Lewis gazes up affectionately at the dignified visage of a towering bronze sculpture that dwarfs her petite frame. Titled “Prayer,” this emotive figure of a Native American man strikes a pose of prayerful supplication, eyes half-closed, mouth open in worship, palms upturned. Lewis’ blue eyes shine with memories of...

Shopping

Class With a Little Sass

Women find fashion flair with Maxine Graves at Maxxology Article by Gail Huff | Photography by Kevin Edge When meeting this 50-something, glamorous woman wearing designer clothes, you’d probably never guess she’s a U.S. Air Force veteran, accomplished M16 marksman, and serious weightlifter.  But Maxine "Maxx" Graves, who spent 30 years working in corporate finance, has broken out of her button-up business suit and is celebrating her life’s second act—in fashion. As owner of the new Maxxology...

Entertainment

Stunts & Storytelling

Amy Greene brings muscle, motion, and mastery to deliver memorable movie moments Article by Ann Kathryn Kelly Amy Greene is at the top of her game in Hollywood, and she flipped, kicked, and fought for every inch that got her there. A Screen Actors Guild member, Greene is in demand as a stunt coordinator and stunt performer who specializes in fight choreography, driving sequences, high falls, wire work, water work, and more. She has stunt-doubled for Meryl Streep, Laura Linney, Amy Adams, and...

Life + Culture

Paws and Podiums

Carol Kelly’s prize-winning, four-footed friends showcase how talent plus training brings home trophies Article by Ann Kathryn Kelly | Photography by Carol Kelly “Sit. Stay.” Table-stakes commands for most dog owners. But in the world of competitive dog shows, the road from sit and stay to tail-wagging triumph starts long before the lights go up, the judges judge, the cameras click, and top dogs are announced. Just ask Portsmouth resident and prize-winning handler Carol Kelly, who has more...

Real Estate

The Valuable, Versatile ADU

Realtor Jenn Madden explains the ins and outs of accessory dwelling units Article by Susan Gallagher Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—smaller living units on the property of a primary residence—are becoming popular options to mitigate the housing shortage on the Seacoast. Realtor Jenn Madden, principal owner and managing broker of Madden Group in Rye, shares her expertise on these profitable and functional dwellings. What do you think is driving the high demand for ADUs? Affordable housing...

Education

Finding the Fit

CollegeYou guides students to choosing their path after high school. Article by Rebecca Ingalls Meredith Gadd’s experiences in admissions counseling and leadership has inspired her own business, CollegeYou Consulting. Here, Gadd shares the influences that led her to this work, and the philosophy behind her unique approach to guiding students toward a deeper understanding of themselves.  How did Gould Academy high school inspire your interest in college counselling? They were so passionate...

Travel

It's All in the Details

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa makes traveling with kids and pets easy Article by Hannah Kanfer | Photography by Carley Rudd Photography and Portsmouth City Lifestyle Each summer parents are faced with the age-old dilemma, “What should we do with the kids this summer?” Finding something fun, unique, and convenient can be challenging. And if you have pets, it gets even trickier—“What about the dog?” Enter Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa. Nestled in the White Mountains, it’s the perfect...

Health + Wellness

The Courage Within

On Belay’s adventure programs provide support and empowerment for kids dealing with a loved one’s cancer Article by Susan Gallagher | Photography by On Belay Staff On a frigid February day at Gunstock Mountain, Madeline Brooks led a band of teens on a cross-country skiing trail through the woods. The group was quiet—the only sound the gentle swooshing of skis through the snow—when one teen’s voice broke the silence with a startling question: “What do you guys think about the afterlife?”...

Fitness

Summit Quest

Hiker Corrine Ferzoco conquers all 48 New Hampshire 4000-footers and discovers her inner strength Article by Susan Gallagher Corrine Ferzoco looked up at the majestic and daunting peak of Mount Bondcliff, which looms at 4,265 feet above her, and took a deep breath. This was it—the final summit. Completing this climb would be the culmination of her six-year quest to scale all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot mountains, an impressive feat at the age of 69. “I was determined to do it before I...