Portsmouth, NH April 2024

Investing and its Positive Impact

Welcome to the April issue of Portsmouth City Lifestyle! This month, our focus revolves around the theme of investing. With a significant part of my life dedicated to the finance industry, I have thought of investing in traditional financial terms. However, this did not seem to capture the full idea. So, I found a more comprehensive definition: investment involves the allocation of time, effort, energy, or financial resources to a specific endeavor with the anticipation of a meaningful outcome.

One thing I love about this region is the deep commitment to the community. Many people invest in our community by supporting local businesses, schools, and organizations and volunteering for local nonprofits. Of course, our financial futures are important to all of us. So, this issue explores personal investing, emphasizing the creation of wealth, meeting long-term financial goals, and securing our future.

In this issue, we learn how a local advisory firm helps clients attain their most important goals. We also bring you ideas for investing in the future through sustainability. Finally, we present two businesses that can help you create a home environment that nurtures you and your family.

Investing in ourselves, our relationships, our community, and our finances may manifest differently for each person, but the common thread is the shared goal of having a positive impact. This issue sheds light on various ways we can ultimately invest to make a difference.

city scene

business monthly

Elevate your Skincare Experience at Revive in North Hampton

Now open at 64 Lafayette Rd, our professional skin therapist brings 28 years of experience to create custom skincare solutions that work. Our focus is to help you achieve the healthiest skin ever with personalized and highly effective treatments that will get you your best skin yet. Let your skincare journey start in our expert hands. Mention City Lifestyle to receive $25 off any $100 treatment or more. Call 603-660-7030 or visit Reviveskincare.glossgenius.com.

Navy Federal Credit Union Welcomes Julie Hitchcock, Business Development of Mortgages

Julie L. Hitchcock has joined Navy Federal Credit Union specializing in Business Development of Mortgages.   Her role is to educate and introduce potential new members and real estate agents to NFCU and to assist in homeownership. Julie, a Marine spouse, lives in the Seacoast and has a small farm. Julie is active in the community through realtor boards, chambers, and charities. Contact Julie Hitchcock directly at 603-759-4943 or via Email at julie_hitchcock@navyfederal.org.

FORM Fitness, Portsmouth's Newest Reformer Pilates and Personal Training Studio

Allow us to introduce FORM! Conveniently located in West End Portsmouth, FORM offers the best of Reformer Pilates and Private Personal Training. Find your fitness sanctuary in our new studio featuring natural light and top-of-theline equipment. With offerings for everyone from beginners to athletes, FORM is truly a hub for you to exceed your health goals. To learn more visit our website at formfitnh.com.

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Cortland Builders, a North Hampton Full-Service General Contractor

Based out of North Hampton, Cortland Builders offers pre-construction design, custom home building, thoughtful home additions, and high-end remodels throughout the Seacoast Region. With in-house design services, a staff of expert craftsmen, and sophisticated project management, Cortland is a fully integrated construction company that can turn your home building or renovation dreams into realities. Our portfolio and more information can be found at cortlandbuilders.com or follow us on Instagram @cortlandbuilders.

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New Home Service Offerings Help Portsmouth Residents Breathe Easy

Seasonal allergy and asthma sufferers rejoice! Seacoast residents now have access to professional duct cleaning and indoor air quality services from Heritage Home Service–a family-focused company that’s been serving the seacoast for over 35 years. Heritage also offers everything your home needs to get “thaw-ready” this spring, whether it be AC maintenance or repair or adding a generator. Check off your spring cleaning list.  Call the Heritage experts today at 603-601-3955 or visit us at justcallheritage.com.

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Village at Rye Place – Rye’s Newest Pocket Neighborhood

Discover Village at Rye Place. Developed by The Housing Partnership, designed by Lassel Architects, and built by Chinburg, these New England cape-style condominiums feature premium interiors, wrap-around porches , and first-floor primary suites. Enjoy nearby wellness and recreation opportunities, beaches, and downtown Portsmouth. If you are seeking a small neighborhood with a sense of community, Village at Rye Place awaits. Homes are under construction and now accepting purchase and sales agreements. Learn more at villageatryeplace.com.

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UG I D ANCETHAT GROWSWITH Y UO

ART MECONI AND TEAM MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE

“I tell my clients: Be like a racehorse, keep the finish line in sight and your blinders on to deter distraction.”

What do horse racing and financial planning have in common? More than you think, and it’s not tied to a betting window!

In a recent conversation with private wealth advisor Art Meconi, CRPC®, CDFA®, APMA®, he framed a racetrack analogy that resonated with this writer: “When it comes to following a financial plan, I tell my clients: Be like a racehorse, keep the finish line in sight and your blinders on to deter distraction.” Often, clients wrestle with competing advice from well-meaning friends and family members sharing their own experiences. The problem is that they are rarely certified financial advisors and are not familiar with all of the details or personal goals of the client—nor should they. That’s Art’s job and one he is passionate about. He knows how to help clients realize their financial goals and achieve wealth independence.

Art operates Meconi Financial Management & Advisory, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial, LLC. Art and his four-person team serve clients on the seacoast and beyond. It’s a 110-percent effort from his small but

mighty team that has built this successful high-touch advisory, guiding clients through a range of life events--planned or, as sometimes happens, unplanned. The team partners with a network of estate planning, tax, legal, real estate, and banking professionals to extend their expertise and offer clients a holistic approach.

“I vet each partner to ensure a seamless client experience,” Art says, “because I’m promising these services come with the same level of responsiveness they expect from my practice.”

Collectively, Art’s team and network turn the impossible into possible. He gives the example of working with a trusted mortgage lender recently to help a client purchase an investment condo in a different state under a tight timeline. The client’s college-aged son needed off-campus housing and was scrambling. The approach to buying instead of renting solved two issues: the son now has reliable off-campus housing without paying high rent, and the client gets a revenue stream from an extra bedroom, plus building equity.

Art points to another client he met almost 20 years ago who expressed his concerns about keeping his most treasured asset, a family home on the Maine coast, due to the high taxes on top of heading into the 2008 recession. Art worked with him to put the property at the center of their financial plan, with recommendations and checkpoints around budgeting, investments, and timelines. To borrow the horse blinders analogy, the client kept his sights on the finish line, trusting Art’s guidance. More than 15 years later, the beloved property is still in the family, and they’ve partnered with an estate planning attorney to keep it that way.

Art reminds us that while finance can intimidate, it doesn’t need to—with the right plan in place. Preparation, agreement on goals, and receptiveness to guidance are vital in driving results. “I’m here to help clients feel confident, comfortable, and in control of their financial lives today and in the future.”

Partnership Approach

By partnering with a deep bench of experienced professionals, from estate planning attorneys to realtors, mortgage lenders, title companies, insurance providers, and more, the Meconi team can offer holistic guidance tailored to each client’s goals that can pivot around changing life events.

Proactive Communications

Art takes a proactive approach when working with clients and families. Keep these four questions top of mind with every conversation.

1. What are your most critical financial goals right now?

2. What are you looking to achieve long-term?

3. What concerns you most about your finances?

4. How are your investments performing in the current market?

Get in Touch

155 Fleet St., Suite 212 Portsmouth, NH 603.232.8266

meconifinancial.com

All Hail The King Of Blinds

DOING BUSINESS IS PERSONAL FOR BUDGET BLINDS’ IAN KANER

In 2016, this entrepreneur boldly ventured into the franchise world with high hopes, but he never imagined the success he would achieve. He credits much of it to his personal approach to doing business. The irrepressible Ian Kaner talked with me about his journey, franchise know-how, and royal moniker.

Ian Kaner

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR WORK?

Definitely the people. Connecting with customers comes first. In sales, people don’t buy things; they buy relationships. I don’t like crowds, but I enjoy people. I’m not usually the guy at the center of the party, but I really like shtick, so sometimes I am that guy!

HOW DO YOU BUILD A CONNECTION WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS?

I make it a point to get to know who they are. It’s a big deal to invite a stranger into your home. We don’t discount that. I consider it an honor. My sole mission is to enhance their home life.

HOW DID FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP IN THE HOME DECOR INDUSTRY COME ABOUT?

At four years old, my first word was “cornice.” Kidding! I actually wanted to be a camp director and ended up being one. Then, I spent four years at Disney Cruise Line as Manager of Youth Activities. After several years as a stay-at-home dad, the time came when I needed to make money. I looked into franchises, and as fate would have it, there was a Budget Blinds territory open, so I threw my hat into the ring.

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

The secret to growth is planning. No doubt about it. The funny thing is, I almost didn’t grow the business because I didn’t believe I could. Now, I have two territories out of the Portsmouth showroom and a third territory on Cape Cod and the islands.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE PEOPLE INVESTING IN A FRANCHISE?

Read the franchise agreement! The whole thing. It is thick but tells you everything you can and can’t do. Use a good franchise attorney to fully understand what you’re agreeing to.

I HEAR YOU DUBBED YOURSELF

“THE KING OF BLINDS?”

I sometimes hold a scepter and pull a drapery “robe” over my shoulders. Some people call me “The Blinds Guy,” but you can call me “The King of Blinds.”

HUMOR ASIDE, YOU TAKE YOUR WORK SERIOUSLY.

Yes, when working with a client, I’m solving three problems: light control, privacy, and décor. But it’s about more than that. It adds stress to your life if you don’t like where you live. If we do our job well, we can transform the feel of the home. Seeing a customer’s face brighten with excitement keeps me going for weeks.

ARE WINDOW TREATMENTS WORTH THE INVESTMENT?

The investment is well worth it. The right window treatments maintain the value of your home and protect furnishings. Some products lend to energy efficiency. The biggest reason, though, is you’ll feel better about your space.

WHAT IS TRENDING IN BLINDS THESE DAYS?

Outdoor solutions like solar screens, drapery, and shutters provide sun protection and a bug barrier and, if motorized, can adjust automatically or be programmed to move with the sun.

WILL YOU EVER GET TIRED OF THIS WORK?

Of course not. I’m always excited to tackle a new project. And I love getting to know new people. “The King” is here.

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If we do our job well, we can transform the feel of the home. Seeing a customer’s face brighten with excitement keeps me going for weeks.”

MEET SIX LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS DEDICATED TO MINIMIZING WASTE, IMPROVING ECOSYSTEMS, AND INSPIRING SUSTAINABILITY IN THEIR COMMUNITIES

INVESTING IN SUSTAINABILITY

April is Financial Literacy Month and Earth Month, so it’s only fitting that we share stories of local businesses encouraging their communities to minimize waste and practice more sustainable living—while also busting the myth that sustainability is “too expensive.”

a small but efficient team, providing compost services to Seacoast residents, municipalities, schools, and businesses. “We try to make it as easy as possible for people to participate. If it grows, it goes; when in doubt, throw it out.” Customers put their organic waste in a separate, des-

“WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF NEW HAMPSHIRE WAS KNOWN FOR MAPLE SYRUP, FOLIAGE, AND LOBSTER—AND OYSTERS, TOO?”

Meet Ed Szczepanik, a skilled woodworker committed to minimizing lumber waste. “For the last five years, we’ve embraced the concept of urban lumber by connecting with local tree fellers, arborists, and homeowners to source sustainable material,” said Ed. Upon request, his team will mill logs on-site and transport them to his wood shop to be kiln-dried and transformed into custom furniture. “Trees store carbon, and repurposing them into urban lumber is a sustainable way to sequester that carbon by containing it in long-lasting wooden furniture.” He also owns URBAN | EAD Woodwork Showroom, a retail gallery recently opened in Portsmouth, where woodworkers, cabinet-makers, builders, and enthusiasts can buy sustainably sourced slabs and dimensional lumber locally.

Another local business committed to minimizing waste is Mr. Fox Composting. Since 2016, owner John Watts has led

ignated bin, and Mr. Fox picks it up weekly or bi-weekly with affordable service starting at just $18/month. Customers can also buy Mr. Fox compost and soil.

For Samuel Evans of Sevans Wormery, putting food waste to better use began as a hobby. While working in a restaurant in 2013, he started taking food scraps home, adding them to his worm farm, and turning them into compost. “In 2020, when everyone was stuck at home, I grew my worm population to about 60,000 worms,” said Sam. Today, he sells worms, starter worm farms, and worm castings (organic fertilizer made by earthworms) and provides a free online DIY guide to help people start their own worm farms for vermicomposting. His motto is, “Feed worms, not landfills.”

Along the Bellamy River in Dover, New England Superior Oysters (NESO) is farming an organism that feeds itself—the oyster. “Wouldn’t it be great if New Hampshire was known for maple syrup, foliage, and

lobster—and oysters, too?” asked Sheyne Branconnier, founding farmer, along with partners Troy Payne and Cleo Huggins. Oysters play a critical role in maintaining the health of the ocean and its delicate ecosystems. Plus, they are an excellent protein source and can be farmed sustainably. NESO operates on Southeast Land Trust of NH (SELT) land donated by the Huggins family, who originally purchased it in the 1700s. The family also donated lands to the National Audubon Society to prevent the construction of a proposed highway, thus protecting the area for future generations. NESO (www. nhgreatbayoysters.com) wants to expand its wholesale business and will continue to shuck these homegrown NH treasures for private events.

Speaking of highways, Jesse Lore of Green Wave Electric Vehicles in North Hampton wants to take gas guzzlers off the roadways. They’ve been selling preowned EVs and hybrid vehicles (HVs) to fit people’s lifestyles and budgets for over a year. Think you can’t get into an EV that has room for the family and performs well in the snow? Think again. Green Wave offers more than 20 makes and models—including trucks and SUVs. “When someone buys from us, we provide a climate impact report and plant 100 trees in their name. We also plan to open more locations to make EVs more accessible to more people,” Jesse said.

Since 2020, Marla Baldassare of We Fill Good has made sustainable living more accessible for the seacoast community. Her low-waste retail and refill store in Kittery offers over 100 ecofriendly body and home care products

"FEED WORMS, NOT LANDFILLS."

like sponges, reusable bags, toys, and makeup. Customers can bring containers from home or borrow from the store’s collection of free glass bottles. “Filling is just part of what we do,” said Marla. “We offer reusable, non-toxic alternatives to common household products that are comparable in price and won’t end up in the landfill.”

While each business is unique in its services and offerings, they all share a passion for leaving the Earth better than they found it—and inspiring those around them to do the same. Their success proves sustainable living is not just possible but easy and doesn’t have to break the bank.

URBAN | EAD Woodwork Showroom

eadwoodwork.com | 207.332.4038

15 Penhallow Street | Portsmouth

Mr. Fox Composting mrfoxcomposting.com

Sevans Wormery

sevanswormery.com | 603.686.1789

New England Superior Oyster nhgreatbayoysters.com | 708.697.8377

We Fill Good

wefillgoodseacoast.com | 207.703.2739

42 State Road | Kittery

Green Wave Electric Vehicles

greenwaveev.com | 603.379.9420

25 Lafayette Road | North Hampton

eat kind

EMBRACING A PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR BODY

Wellness isn’t about restricting — it’s really about giving. Giving to yourself and to your body in a way that allows them both to thrive. The cool part? The things that give to your body naturally give to your mind, your hormones, your earth, your relationships, and so on — it’s all beautifully interconnected in that way.

Eat your greens, cook at home, choose local produce and quality meats, don’t be scared of healthy fats — but also support local farmers, move in a way that makes your body and mind feel good, prioritize times of mindfulness and stillness.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 6 oz. filets of wild caught salmon

• 1 Tbsp. avocado oil

• 1 Tbsp. coconut aminos

• Zest and juice from one lemon

• 1 Tbsp. stone ground mustard

• 1 4 oz. container coconut yogurt, unsweetened

• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, minced

• 2 Tbsp. capers, drained and minced

• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Marinate the salmon in the lemon juice, coconut aminos, and stone ground mustard for up to two hours.

2. Drizzle salmon with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt and ground pepper, and broil on high for five to seven minutes, until cooked to desired temperature.

3. Mix coconut cream, lemon zest, dill, capers, and ground pepper together.

4. Top salmon with coconut cream, serve with roasted or sautéed veggies, brown or cauliflower rice, or fresh greens. Enjoy!

simple roasted salmon with dill coconut cream

Forty Years Framing Our Priceless Treasures

David and Becky Pratt: Masters in the Art of Framing

Whether an original painting, a map, or a paw print of a beloved pet, each piece that passes through the doors of D. Pratt Framer is “priceless.” David Pratt started the business in 1984, and over the decades, he and his wife, Becky, have earned a reputation for superior design and quality. With locations in Kittery and Rye, they work with clients on the Seacoast and worldwide. Museums, historical societies, artists, and local clients come to the Pratts because they have the expertise to frame and preserve any treasured piece brought to them.

What sets D. Pratt Framer apart is a depth of knowledge unrivaled in the region. Together, David and Becky have over 70 years of education and experience. The Pratts are Master Certified Picture Framers, two of only about eighty in the world. The rigorous exam includes judged framing challenges and a dissertation on each project.

“Caring for the artwork is my passion,” explains Becky. “The materials we use and the work done behind the scenes ensure longevity, so in 30-40 years, the artwork is in just as good condition as when first

framed.” Speaking of longevity, local artist Don Gorvett has been bringing his original work to the Pratts for 40 years, owing to their reputation for quality work and longtime support of the artist community. The Pratts understand that every piece holds meaning, so they ensure each “masterpiece” is well-cared for, not just well-presented on the wall.

“Each day brings a surprise,” says David. “We have no idea what will come through the door. Recently, a client walked in with an Andy Warhol artwork collection – original paintings, not prints. But Warhol’s don’t come in daily--more often, pieces are “priceless” for their personal significance. Each photograph, sketch, or painting has a story, whether an original Don Gorvett or a Grandchild’s first self-portrait. That’s why people invest in framing. They want to walk through their home and be reminded of a time, a person, or a place. “To be entrusted with the enhancement and preservation of these personal treasures--these great works--brings me happiness every day.”

dprattframer.com | Kittery 207-439-1192 Rye 603-964-9826

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“Each day brings a surprise. We have no idea what will come through the door."

INDOOR PLANT GUIDE

Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits

Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home.“There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.

Anthurium has gorgeous, colorful flowers and is the easiest indoor flowering plant to care for. It comes in a variety of colors including red, white, orange and purple. Anthurium likes to be dry, so let it go bone dry before watering. Fertilize every so often, especially when blooming. These plants do not like direct sunlight and can be repotted every three to five years.

This cascading plant is gaining popularity due to its succulent-like leaves and also because it is fairly easy to care for. The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.

“Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.”

This is a slow-growing variety that is architectural and compact. This plant is a great statement piece and looks great in an entryway or by a chair. There are a lot of varieties and colors of the Dracaena. They are very resilient in low light and are great for an office space with little or no light. They like to stay on the dry side, so they like to be watered when they are about ½ to ¾ of the way dry. When watering, give it a good soak. Protip: A moisture meter can be purchased and used to determine how dry your plant is to help determine when it is time to water again.

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY

SOLD

PROPERTIES ON THE SEACOAST

This data is a sampling of sold properties from February 2024. Source: IRES MLS system.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Rein & Co. Design

APRIL 5TH

First Friday Boston Comedy Night with Boston Comedy Club

Earth Eagle Brewing | 175 High Street, Portsmouth | 7:30 PM

Earth Eagle Brewing hosts the Boston Comedy Club on the first Friday of every month. The club showcases professional comedians from Boston, NYC and beyond. Each show features a novel line-up with acts seen on TV and heard on your favorite podcasts. Grab a bite and a brew & have a laugh at Earth Eagle Brewing. For tickets go to eventbrite.com.

APRIL 12TH

603 Line Dancing with Kim Carentino

Rockin(gham) Ballroom | 22 Ash Swamp Road, Newmarket | 7:30 PM Rockin(gham) Ballroom, a historic Dance hall and event center has one of the largest dance floors in New England. On the second Friday of each month, 603 Line Dance offers lessons with well-trained instructors followed by an evening of open dancing. Perfect for newbies and regulars. Nice mix of country, pop, rock, and funk. Visit rockinballroom.club for more information and tickets.

APRIL 13TH & 14TH

Raised Bed Seminar

Gardener's Supply Company 64 Breakfast Hill Rd | Greenland

Join us on Saturday, April 13th, from 121:30 or Sunday, April 14th, from 10:30-12 to see our raised beds put to work! This seminar, hosted by our expert growing team, will explain the tips & tricks of container gardening. Highlighting the Gardener's Supply Cedar Raised Beds, made in VT, we show you how to put it together, the final look, and your planting options! For more information, call us at (603) 436-2732.